Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze Haynes. Manual - part 3

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Troubleshooting

This section provides an easy reference

guide to the more common problems which
may occur during the operation of your vehi-
cle. These problems and their possible
causes are grouped under headings denoting
various components or systems, such as
Engine, Cooling system, etc. They also refer
you to the chapter and/or section which
deals with the problem.

Remember that successful trou-

bleshooting is not a mysterious art practiced
only by professional mechanics. It is simply

the result of the right knowledge combined

with an intelligent, systematic approach to

the problem. Always work by a process of

elimination, starting with the simplest solution
and working through to the most complex -
and never overlook the obvious. Anyone can
run the gas tank dry or leave the lights on
overnight, so don't assume that you are
exempt from such oversights.

Finally, always establish a clear idea of

why a problem has occurred and take steps
to ensure that it doesn't happen again. If the
electrical system fails because of a poor con-

nection, check the other connections in the

system to make sure that they don't fail as
well. If a particular fuse continues to blow,
find out why - don't just replace one fuse
after another. Remember, failure of a small
component can often be indicative of poten-
tial failure or incorrect functioning of a more

important component or system.

engaged in Park (Chapter 7B) or clutch pedal
not completely depressed (Chapter 8).
4

Broken, loose or disconnected wiring in

the starting circuit (Chapters 5 and 12).
5

Starter motor pinion jammed in flywheel

ring gear (Chapter 5).
6

Starter solenoid faulty (Chapter 5).

7

Starter motor faulty (Chapter 5).

8

Ignition switch faulty (Chapter 12).

9

Starter pinion or flywheel teeth worn or

broken (Chapter 5).
10

Defective fusible link (see Chapter 12).

2

Engine rotates but will not start

1

Fuel tank empty.

2

Battery discharged (engine rotates slow-

ly) (Chapter 5).
3

Battery terminal connections loose or

corroded (Chapters 1 and 5).
4

Leaking fuel injector(s), faulty fuel pump,

pressure regulator, etc. (Chapter 4).

5

Broken or stripped timing belt (Chap-

ter 2).
6

Ignition components damp or damaged

(Chapter 5).
7

Worn, faulty or incorrectly gapped spark

plugs (Chapter 1).
8

Broken, loose or disconnected wiring in

the starting circuit (Chapter 5).
9

Broken, loose or disconnected wires at

the ignition coil(s) or faulty coil(s) (Chapter 5).
10

Defective crankshaft sensor, camshaft

sensor or PCM (see Chapter 6).

3

Engine hard to start when cold

1

Battery discharged or low (Chapter 1).

2

Malfunctioning fuel system (Chapter 4).

3

Faulty coolant temperature sensor or

intake air temperature sensor (Chapter 6).
4

Fuel injector(s) leaking (Chapter 4).

5

Faulty ignition system (Chapter 5).

6

Defective MAP sensor (see Chapter 6).

4

Engine hard to start when hot

1

Air filter clogged (Chapter 1).

2

Fuel not reaching the fuel injection sys-

tem (Chapter 4).

3

Corroded battery connections, espe-

cially ground (Chapters 1 and 5).

4

Faulty coolant temperature sensor or

intake air temperature sensor (Chapter 6).

6

Engine starts but stops
i mmediately

1

Loose or faulty electrical connections at

ignition coil (Chapter 5).
2

Insufficient fuel reaching the fuel injec-

tor(s) (Chapters 4).
3

Vacuum leak at the gasket between the

intake manifold/plenum and throttle body
(Chapter 4).
4

Fault in the engine control system

(Chapter 6).
5

Intake air leaks, broken vacuum lines

(see Chapter 4).

Oil puddle under engine

1

Oil pan gasket and/or oil pan drain bolt

washer leaking (Chapter 2).
2

Oil pressure sending unit leaking (Chap-

ter 2C).

3

Oil filter or adapter block leaking (Chap-

ter 1).
4

Valve cover(s) leaking (Chapter 2).

5

Engine oil seals leaking (Chapter 2).

8

Engine lopes while idling or idles

erratically

1

Vacuum leakage (Chapters 2 and 4).

2

Leaking EGR valve or EGR vacuum lines

(Chapter 6).
3

Air filter clogged (Chapter 1).

4

Fuel pump not delivering sufficient fuel

to the fuel injection system (Chapter 4).
5

Leaking head gasket (Chapter 2).

6

Timing belt and/or pulleys worn (Chap-

ter 2).
7

Camshaft lobes worn (Chapter 2).

9

Engine misses at idle speed

1

Spark plugs worn or not gapped prop-

erly (Chapter 1).
2

Faulty spark plug wires (Chapter 1).

3

Vacuum leaks (Chapters 2 and 4).

4

Faulty ignition coil(s) (Chapter 5).

5

Uneven or low compression (Chapter 2).

6

Faulty fuel injector(s) (Chapter 4).

10 Engine misses throughout driving

speed range

1

Fuel filter clogged and/or impurities in

the fuel system (Chapter 4).
2

Low fuel output at the fuel injector(s)

(Chapter 4).
3

Faulty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs

(Chapter 1).
4

Defective spark plug wires (Chapters 1

or 5).
5

Faulty emission system components

(Chapter 6).
6

Low or uneven cylinder compression

pressures (Chapter 2).
7

Burned valves (Chapter 2).

8

Weak or faulty ignition system (Chap-

ter 5).

9

Vacuum leak in fuel injection system,

throttle body, intake manifold or vacuum

hoses (Chapter 4).

11

Engine stumbles on acceleration

1

Spark plugs fouled (Chapter 1).

2

Problem with fuel injection system

(Chapter 4).

3

Fuel filter clogged (Chapter 4).

4

Fault in the engine control system

(Chapter 6).
5

Intake manifold air leak (Chapters 2

and 4).
6

EGR system malfunction (Chapter 6).

Engine

5

Starter motor noisy or

1

Engine will not rotate when

excessively rough in engagement

attempting to start

1

Pinion or flywheel gear teeth worn or

1

Battery terminal connections loose or

broken (Chapter 5).

2

Starter motor mounting bolts loose or

missing (Chapter 5).

corroded (Chapters 1 and 5).
2

Battery discharged or faulty (Chapter 1).

3

Automatic transaxle not completely

Troubleshooting

0-21

12 Engine surges while holding

accelerator steady

1

Intake air leak (Chapter 4).

2

Fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator

faulty (Chapter 4).
3

Problem with fuel injection system

(Chapter 4).
4

Problem with the emissions control sys-

tem (Chapter 6).

16 Pinging or knocking engine

sounds during acceleration or
uphill

1

Incorrect grade of fuel.

2

Problem with the engine control system

(Chapter 6).
3

Fuel injection system faulty (Chapter 4).

4

Improper or damaged spark plugs or

wires (Chapter 1).

4

Alternator not charging properly (Chap-

ter 5).
5

Loose, broken or faulty wiring in the

charging circuit (Chapter 5).
6

Short in vehicle wiring (Chapter 12).

7

Internally defective battery (Chapters 1

and 5).

Fuel and emissions systems

13 Engine stalls

1

Idle speed incorrect (Chapter 1).

2

Fuel filter clogged and/or water and

impurities in the fuel system (Chapter 4).
3

Ignition components damp or damaged

(Chapter 5).
4

Faulty emissions system components

(Chapter 6).
5

Faulty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs

(Chapter 1).
6

Faulty spark plug wires (Chapter 1).

7

Vacuum leak in the fuel injection system,

intake manifold or vacuum hoses (Chapters 2
and 4).

5

EGR valve not functioning (Chapter 6).

6

Vacuum leak (Chapters 2 and 4).

22

17

Engine runs with oil pressure
light on

1

a)

1'

Low oil level (Chapter 1).

b)

2

Idle rpm below specification (Chapter 1).

3

Short in wiring circuit (Chapter 12).

4

Faulty oil pressure sender (Chapter 2C).

2

5

Worn engine bearings and/or oil pump

(Chapter 2).

18 Engine diesels (continues to run)

after switching off

CHECK ENGINE light remains on

or is flashing

Light remains on:
Fuel filler cap (gas cap) is not seated or
tightened properly.
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD-ll) computer

has detected an emissions or fuel injec-

tion component fault (Chapter 6).
Light is flashing:

If the CHECK ENGINE light is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage has

occurred and engine power loss will

soon result. Take the vehicle to your
nearest dealer service department or
other qualified shop for immediate
repair.

14 Engine lacks power

1

Worn camshaft lobes (Chapter 2).

2

Burned valves or incorrect valve timing

(Chapter 2).
3

Faulty spark plug wires or faulty coil(s)

(Chapters 1 and 5).
4

Faulty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs

(Chapter 1).
5

Problem with the fuel injection system

(Chapter 4).
6

Plugged air filter (Chapter 1).

7

Brakes binding (Chapter 9).

8

Automatic transaxle fluid level incorrect

(Chapter 1).

9

Clutch slipping (Chapter 8).

10

Fuel filter clogged and/or impurities in

the fuel system (Chapter 4).

11

Emission control system not functioning

properly (Chapter 6).
12

Low or uneven cylinder compression

pressures (Chapter 2).
13

Restricted exhaust system or catalytic

converter (Chapter 4).

15 Engine backfires

1

Emission control system not functioning

properly (Chapter 6).
2

Faulty spark plug wires or coil(s) (Chap-

ter 5).
3

Problem with the fuel injection system

(Chapter 4).
4

Vacuum leak at fuel injector(s), intake

manifold or vacuum hoses (Chapters 2
and 4).
5

Burned valves or incorrect valve timing

(Chapter 2).

1

Idle speed too high (Chapter 1).

2

Excessive engine operating temperature

(Chapter 3).
3

Excessive carbon deposits on valves

and pistons (see Chapter 2).

Engine electrical system

19 Alternator light fails to come on

when key is turned on

1

Warning light bulb defective (Chap-

ter 12).
2

Fault in the printed circuit, dash wiring

or bulb holder (Chapter 12).

20 Alternator light fails to go out

1

Faulty alternator or charging circuit

(Chapter 5).
2

Alternator drivebelt defective or out of

adjustment (Chapter 1).

3

Alternator voltage regulator fault (Chap-

ter 5).

21

Battery will not hold a charge

1

Alternator drivebelt defective or not

adjusted properly (slipping) (Chapter 1).
2

Battery electrolyte level low (not appli-

cable on maintenance-free batteries) (Chap-
ter 1).
3

Battery terminals loose or corroded

(Chapters 1 and 5).

23 Excessive fuel consumption

1

Dirty or clogged air filter element (Chap-

ter 1).
2

Emissions system not functioning prop-

erly (Chapter 6).
3

Fuel injection system not functioning

properly (Chapter 4).

4

Low tire pressure or incorrect tire size

(Chapter 1).
5

Dragging brakes (Chapter 9).

24 Fuel leakage and/or fuel odor

1

Leaking fuel feed or return line (Chap-

ters 1 and 4).
2

Fuel tank overfilled.

3

Evaporative canister filter clogged

(Chapters 1 and 6).
4

Problem with fuel injection system

(Chapter 4).

Cooling system

25 Overheating

1

Insufficient coolant in system (Chap-

ter 1).
2

Water pump defective (Chapter 3).

3

Radiator core blocked or grille restricted

(Chapter 3).
4

Thermostat faulty (Chapter 3).

5

Electric cooling fan inoperative or

blades broken (Chapter 3).

0-22

Troubleshooting

6

Radiator cap not maintaining proper

pressure (Chapter 3).

26 Overcooling

1

Faulty thermostat (Chapter 3).

2

Inaccurate temperature gauge sending

unit (Chapter 3).

27 External coolant leakage

1

Deteriorated/damaged hoses; loose

clamps (Chapters 1 and 3).
2

Water pump defective (Chapter 3).

3

Leakage from radiator core or coolant

reservoir (Chapter 3).
4

Engine drain or water jacket core plugs

leaking (Chapter 2).

28 Internal coolant leakage

1

Leaking cylinder head gasket (Chap-

ter 2).
2

Cracked cylinder bore or cylinder head

(Chapter 2).

29 Coolant loss

1

Too much coolant in system (Chapter 1).

2

Coolant boiling away because of over-

heating (Chapter 3).
3

Internal or extemal leakage (Chapter 3).

4

Faulty pressure cap (Chapter 3).

30 Poor coolant circulation

1

Inoperative water pump (Chapter 3).

2

Restriction in cooling system (Chap-

ters 1 and 3).
3

Thermostat sticking (Chapter 3).

Clutch

31

Pedal travels to floor - no pressure
or very little resistance

1

Broken or disconnected clutch cable

(Chapter 8).
2

Broken release bearing or fork (Chap-

ter 8).

32 Unable to select gears

1

Faulty transaxle (Chapter 7).

2

Faulty clutch disc or pressure plate

(Chapter 8).
3

Faulty release lever or release bearing

(Chapter 8).
4

Faulty shift lever assembly or rods

(Chapter 8).

33 Clutch slips (engine speed

increases with no increase in

vehicle speed)

1

Clutch plate worn (Chapter 8).

2

Clutch plate is oil soaked by leaking rear

main seal (Chapter 8).
3

Clutch plate not seated (Chapter 8).

4

Warped pressure plate or flywheel

(Chapter 8).
5

Weak clutch diaphragm springs (Chap-

ter 8).

6

Clutch plate overheated. Allow to cool.

7

Faulty clutch self-adjusting mechanism

(Chapter 8).

34 Grabbing (chattering) as clutch is

engaged

38 High pedal effort

1

Binding clutch cable (Chapter 8).

2

Pressure plate faulty (Chapter 8).

Manual transaxle

39 Knocking noise at low speeds

1

Worn driveaxle constant velocity (CV)

joints (Chapter 8).
2

Worn side gear shaft counterbore in dif-

ferential case (Chapter 7A).*

40 Noise most pronounced when

turning

1

Differential gear noise (Chapter 7A).*

41

Clunk on acceleration or
deceleration

1

Loose engine or transaxle mounts

(Chapters 2 and 7A).
2

Worn differential pinion shaft in case.*

3

Worn side gear shaft counterbore in dif-

ferential case (Chapter 7A).*
4

Worn or damaged driveaxle inboard CV

joints (Chapter 8).

42 Clicking noise in turns

(Chapter 7A).*
2

Damaged or worn synchronizers (Chap-

ter 7A).*
3

Bent reverse fork (Chapter 7A).*

4

Damaged fourth speed gear or output

gear (Chapter 7A).*
5

Worn or damaged reverse idler gear or

idler bushing (Chapter 7A).*

46 Noisy in all gears

1

Insufficient lubricant (Chapters 1 and 7A).

2

Damaged or worn bearings (Chap -

ter 7A).*
3

Worn or damaged input gear shaft

and/or output gear shaft (Chapter 7A).*

1

Oil on clutch plate lining, burned or

glazed facings (Chapter 8).
2

Worn or loose engine or transaxle

mounts (Chapters 2 and 7).
3

Worn splines on clutch plate hub (Chap-

ter 8).
4

Warped pressure plate (Chapter 8).

5

Burned or smeared resin on pressure

plate (Chapter 8).

1

Worn or damaged outboard CV joint

(Chapter 8).

43 Vibration

1

Rough wheel bearing (Chapters 1

and 10).
2

Damaged driveaxle (Chapter 8).

35 Transaxle rattling (clicking)

3

Out of round tires (Chapter 1).

4

Tire out of balance (Chapters 1 and 10).

1

Release fork loose (Chapter 8).

5

Worn CV joint (Chapter 8).

2

Low engine idle speed (Chapter 1).

44 Noisy in Neutral with engine

36 Noise in clutch area

running

1

Faulty throw-out bearing (Chapter 8).

1

Damaged input gear bearing (Chap-

ter 7A).*
2

Damaged clutch release bearing (Chap-

37 Clutch pedal stays on floor

ter 8).

1

Broken release bearing or fork (Chap -

45 Noisy in one particular gear

ter 8).

2

Broken or disconnected clutch cable

(Chapter 8).

1

Damaged or worn constant mesh gears

47 Slips out of gear

1

Worn or improperly adjusted linkage

(Chapter 7A).
2

Transaxle loose on engine (Chapter 7A).

3

Shift linkage does not work freely, binds

(Chapter 7A).
4

Input gear bearing retainer broken or

loose (Chapter 7A).*

5

Dirt between clutch cover and engine

housing (Chapter 7A).
6

Worn shift fork (Chapter 7A).*

48 Leaks lubricant

1

Driveshaft seals worn (Chapter 7A).

2

Excessive amount of lubricant

in

transaxle (Chapters 1 and 7A).
3

Loose or broken input gear shaft bear-

ing retainer (Chapter 7A).*
4

Input gear bearing retainer 0-ring and/or

li p seal damaged (Chapter 7A).*
5

Vehicle speed sensor 0-ring leaking

(Chapter 7A).

49 Hard to shift

Troubleshooting

0-23

b)
c)

Dipstick tube (Chapters 1 and 7).
Transaxle oil cooler lines (Chapter 7).

Driveaxles

d)

Speed sensor (Chapter 7).

e) Driveaxle oil seals (Chapter 7).

56 Clicking noise in turns

1

Worn or damaged outboard CV joint

(Chapter 8).

51 Transaxle fluid brown or has a

burned smell

57 Shudder or vibration during

1

Transaxle fluid overheated - change

acceleration

fluid and filter (Chapter 1).

1

Excessive toe-in (Chapter 10).

2

Incorrect spring heights (Chapter 10).

52 General shift mechanism

problems

3

Worn or damaged inboard or outboard

CV joints (Chapter 8).

4

Sticking inboard CV joint assembly

1

Chapter 7, Part B, deals with checking

(Chapter 8).

and adjusting the shift linkage on automatic
transaxles. Common problems which may be
attributed to poorly adjusted linkage are:

a) Engine starting in gears other than Park

or Neutral.

b) Indicator on shifter pointing to a gear

other than the one actually being used.

c) Vehicle moves when in Park.

2

Refer to Chapter 7B for the shift linkage

adjustment procedure.

58 Vibration at highway speeds

1

Out of balance front wheels and/or tires

(Chapters 1 and 10).
2

Out of round front tires (Chapters 1

and 10).
3

Worn CV joint(s) (Chapter 8).

1

Shift linkage loose or worn (Chapter 7A).

2

Crossover cable out of adjustment.

*Although the corrective action necessary to

remedy the symptoms described is beyond

the scope of this manual, the above informa-
tion should be helpful in isolating the cause of
the condition so that the owner can commu-

nicate clearly with a professional mechanic.

Automatic transaxle

Note: Due to the complexity of the automatic

transaxle, it is difficult for the home mechanic
to properly diagnose and service this compo-
nent. For problems other than the following,
the vehicle should be taken to a dealer ser-
vice department or other qualified transmis-
sion shop.

50 Fluid leakage

1

Automatic transaxle fluid is a deep red

color. Fluid leaks should not be confused
with engine oil, which can easily be blown
onto the transaxle by air flow.
2

To pinpoint a leak, first remove all built-

up dirt and grime from the transaxle housing
with degreasing agents and/or steam clean-
ing. Then drive the vehicle at low speeds so
air flow will not blow the leak far from its
source. Raise the vehicle and determine
where the leak is coming from. Common
areas of leakage are:

a) Pan (Chapters 1 and 7)

53 Transaxle will not downshift with

accelerator pedal pressed to the
floor

1

The transaxle is electronically con-

trolled. This type of problem - which is
caused by a malfunction in the Transmission
Control Module (TCM), a sensor or solenoid,
or the circuit itself - is beyond the scope of

this manual. Have the problem diagnosed by

a dealer service department or other qualified
automatic transmission shop.

malfunctioning (Chapter 7B).

55 Transaxle slips, shifts roughly, is

noisy or has no drive in forward

or reverse gears

1

There are many probable causes for the

above problems, but the home mechanic
should be concerned with only one possibility
- fluid level. Before taking the vehicle to a
repair shop, check the level and condition of
the fluid and/or filter as described in Chap-
ter 1. Correct the fluid level as necessary or
change the fluid and filter if needed. If the
problem persists, have a professional diag-
nose the cause.

Brakes

Note: Before assuming that a brake problem
exists, make sure that:

a) The tires are in good condition and

properly inflated (Chapter 1).

b) The front end alignment is correct

(Chapter 10).

c) The vehicle is not loaded with weight in

an unequal manner.

Vehicle pulls to one side during

braking

Incorrect tire pressures (Chapter 1).
Front end out of alignment (have the

front end aligned).

3

Front tire sizes or tread types not

matched to one another.
4

Restricted brake lines or hoses (Chap-

ter 9).

5

Malfunctioning/leaking brake cylinder or

caliper assembly (Chapter 9).
6

Loose suspension parts (Chapter 10).

7

Loose calipers (Chapter 9).

8

Excessive wear of brake shoe or pad

material or disc/drum on one side.

60 Noise (high-pitched squeal when

the brakes are applied)

1

Front disc brake pads worn out. The

noise comes from the wear sensor rubbing

59

54 Engine will start in gears other

than Park or Neutral

1

1

Neutral start switch out of adjustment or

2

0-24

Troubleshooting

against the disc (does not apply to all vehi-

cles). Replace pads with new ones immedi-

ately (Chapter 9).

61

Brake roughness or chatter
(pedal pulsates)

1

Excessive lateral runout (Chapter 9).

2

Uneven pad wear (Chapter 9).

3

Defective disc (Chapter 9).

4

If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-

lock brake system (ABS), brake pedal pulsa-
tion and associated noises are normal when
severe braking is required.

62 Excessive brake pedal effort

required to stop vehicle

1

Malfunctioning power brake booster

(Chapter 9).
2

Partial system failure (Chapter 9).

3

Excessively worn pads or shoes (Chap-

ter 9).
4

Piston in caliper or wheel cylinder stuck

or sluggish (Chapter 9).
5

Brake pads or shoes contaminated with

oil or grease (Chapter 9).
6

Brake disc grooved and/or glazed

(Chapter 1).
7

New pads or shoes installed and not yet

seated. It will take a while for the new mate-
rial to seat against the disc or drum.

63 Excessive brake pedal travel

1

Partial brake system failure (Chapter 9).

2

Insufficient fluid in master cylinder

(Chapters 1 and 9).

3

Air trapped in system (Chapters 1 and 9).

66 Brake pedal feels spongy when

depressed

1

Air in hydraulic lines (Chapter 9).

2

Master cylinder mounting bolts loose

(Chapter 9).

3

Master cylinder defective (Chapter 9).

67 Brake pedal travels to the floor

with little resistance

1

Little or no fluid in the master cylinder

reservoir caused by leaking caliper piston(s)
(Chapter 9).
2

Loose, damaged or disconnected brake

li nes (Chapter 9).

68 Parking brake does not hold

1

Parking

brake

cables improperly

adjusted (Chapters 1 and 9).

Suspension and steering systems

Note: Before attempting to diagnose suspen-
sion and steering system problems, perform
the following preliminary checks:

a) Tires for wrong pressure and uneven

wear.

b) Steering universal joints from the col-

umn to the rack and pinion for loose
connectors or wear.

c) Front and rear suspension and the rack

and pinion assembly for loose or dam-
aged parts.

d) Out-of-round or out-of-balance tires,

bent rims and loose and/or rough wheel
bearings.

71 Wheel makes a thumping noise

1

Blister or bump on tire (Chapter 10).

2

Faulty shock absorber(s) (Chapter 10).

72 Shimmy, shake or vibration

1

Tire or wheel out-of-balance or out-of-

round (Chapter 10).
2

Loose or worn wheel bearings (Chap-

ters 1, 8 and 10).

3

Worn tie-rod ends (Chapter 10).

4

Worn lower balljoints (Chapters 1

and 10).
5

Excessive wheel runout (Chapter 10).

6

Blister or bump on tire (Chapter 10).

73 Hard steering

1

Lack of lubrication at balljoints, tie-rod

ends and rack and pinion assembly

,

(Chap-

ter 10).
2

Low power steering fluid level (Chap-

ter 1).
3

Faulty power steering pump (Chap-

ter 10).
4

Front wheel alignment out-of-specifica-

tions (Chapter 10).
5

Low tire pressure(s) (Chapters 1 and 10).

74 Poor returnability of steering to

center

1

Lack of lubrication at balljoints and tie-

rod ends (Chapter 10).
2

Binding in balljoints (Chapter 10).

3

Binding in steering column (Chapter 10).

4

Lack of lubricant in steering gear

assembly (Chapter 10).
5

Front wheel alignment out-of-specifica-

tions (Chapter 10).

64 Dragging brakes

1

Incorrect adjustment of brake light

switch (Chapter 9).
2

Master cylinder pistons not returning

correctly (Chapter 9).
3

Restricted brakes lines or hoses (Chap-

ters 1 and 9).
4

Incorrect parking brake adjustment

(Chapter 9).

65 Grabbing or uneven braking

action

1

Malfunction

of proportioning valve

(Chapter 9).
2

Malfunction of power brake booster unit

(Chapter 9).
3

Binding brake pedal mechanism (Chap-

ter 9).

69 Vehicle pulls to one side

75 Abnormal noise at the front end

1

Mismatched or uneven tires (Chap-

ter 10).

2

Broken or sagging coil springs (Chap-

ter 10).

3

Wheel alignment out-of-specification

(Chapter 10).

4

Front brake dragging (Chapter 9).

4

Loose stabilizer bar (Chapter 10).

5

Loose wheel nuts (Chapters 1 and 10).

6

Loose suspension bolts (Chapter 10)

70 Abnormal or excessive tire wear

1

Wheel alignment out-of-specification

76 Wander or poor steering stability

(Chapter 10).
2

Sagging or broken coil springs (Chap-

1

Mismatched or unevenly worn tires

ter 10).

(Chapter 10).

3

Tire out-of-balance (Chapter 10).

2

Lack of lubrication at balljoints and tie-

4

Worn shock absorber (Chapter 10).

rod ends (Chapters 1 and 10).

5

Overloaded vehicle.

3

Bad shock absorber(s) (Chapter 10).

6

Tires not rotated regularly.

4

Loose stabilizer bar (Chapter 10).

1

Lack of lubrication at balljoints and tie-

rod ends (Chapters 1 and 10).
2

Damaged strut mounting (Chapter 10).

3

Worn control arm bushings or tie-rod

ends (Chapter 10).

Troubleshooting

0-25

5

Broken or sagging coil springs (Chap-

ter 10).
6

Wheels out of alignment (Chapter 10).

77 Erratic steering when braking

1

Wheel bearings worn (Chapter 10).

2

Broken or sagging coil springs (Chap-

ter 10).
3

Leaking wheel cylinder or caliper (Chap-

ter 10).
4

Warped rotors or drums (Chapter 10).

3

Incorrect, broken or sagging coil springs

2

Front end alignment incorrect (toe-out).

(Chapter 10).

Have professionally aligned.
3

Loose or damaged steering compo-

nents (Chapter 10).

80 Cupped tires

1

Front wheel or rear wheel alignment out-

83 Tire tread worn in one place

of-specifications (Chapter 10).
2

Worn shock absorbers (Chapter 10).

3

Wheel bearings worn (Chapter 10).

4

Excessive tire or wheel runout (Chap-

ter 10).
5

Worn balljoints (Chapter 10).

1

Tires out-of-balance.

2

Damaged or buckled wheel. Inspect and

replace if necessary.
3

Defective tire (Chapter 1).

78 Excessive pitching and/or rolling

around corners or during braking

1

Loose stabilizer bar (Chapter 10).

2 • Worn shock absorbers or mountings
(Chapter 10).
3

Broken or sagging coil springs (Chap-

ter 10).
4

Overloaded vehicle.

79 Suspension bottoms

81

Excessive tire wear on outside

edge

1

Inflation pressures incorrect (Chapter 1).

2

Excessive speed during turns.

3

Front end alignment incorrect (excessive

toe-in). Have professionally aligned.
4

Suspension arm bent or twisted (Chap-

ter 10).

82 Excessive tire wear on inside

edge

84 Excessive play or looseness in

steering system

1

Wheel bearing(s) worn (Chapter 10).

2

Tie-rod end loose (Chapter 10).

3

Steering gear loose (Chapter 10).

4

Worn or loose steering intermediate

shaft (Chapter 10).

85 Rattling or clicking noise in

steering gear

1

Overloaded vehicle.

2

Worn shock absorbers (Chapter 10).

1

Steering gear loose (Chapter 10).

1

Inflation pressures incorrect (Chapter 1).

2

Steering gear defective.

0-26

Troubleshooting

Notes

1-1

Chapter 1

Tune-up and routine maintenance

Contents

Section

Section

Air filter replacement ......................................................................

22

Introduction....................................................................................

2

Automatic transaxle fluid and filter change ....................................

23

Maintenance schedule ...................................................................

1

Automatic transaxle fluid level check.............................................

6

Manual transaxle lubricant change ................................................

24

Battery check, maintenance and charging ....................................

9

Manual transaxle lubricant level check ..........................................

16

Brake system check.......................................................................

18

Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve check

Chassis lubrication.........................................................................

21

and replacement.......................................................................

28

Cooling system check ....................................................................

10

Power steering fluid level check ....................................................

7

Cooling system servicing (draining, flushing and refilling) .............

25

Spark plug check and replacement ...............................................

27

Driveaxle boot check .....................................................................

17

Spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor - check

Drivebelt check, adjustment and replacement ..............................

20

and replacement.......................................................................

29

Engine oil and filter change............................................................

8

Steering and suspension check .....................................................

14

Evaporative emissions control system check................................

26

Tire and tire pressure checks .........................................................

5

Exhaust system check ...................................................................

15

Tire rotation....................................................................................

13

Fluid level checks...........................................................................

4

Tune-up general information ..........................................................

3

Fuel filter replacement ....................................................................

30

Underhood hose check and replacement ......................................

11

Fuel system hoses and connections check...................................

19

Wiper blade inspection and replacement ......................................

12

Specifications

Recommended lubricants and fluids

Engine oil

Type............................................................................................................API Certified, SG, SG/CD, SH, or SH/CD multi-grade

and fuel efficient oil

Viscosity..................................................................................................... See accompanying chart

Manual transaxle lubricant ...............................................................................Mopar manual transaxle fluid type MS 9417 or equivalent

Automatic transaxle fluid ..................................................................................Mopar automatic transaxle fluid ATF type 7176 or equivalent

Engine oil viscosity chart - For

best fuel economy and cold

starting, select the lowest SAE

viscosity grade for the

expected temperature range

HOT

WEATHER

LOOK FOR

ONE OF

THESE LABELS

ME 5W-30

COLD

WEATHER

1-a3 HAYNES