October 2002

Dealer Service Instructions for:

Customer Satisfaction Notification No. B27
Transaxle Low/Reverse Accumulator Cover
Effective immediately, all repairs on involved vehicles are to be performed
according to this notification. Rapid Response Transmittal #02-012 and Advance
Service Information #02-007 are being cancelled for vehicles equipped with a
four-cylinder engine. Those vehicles that have already had this repair performed,
as determined by our warranty records, have been excluded from this notification.

Models

2002 (JR) Dodge Stratus Sedan (Four Door), Chrysler Sebring

Sedan (Four Door) and Sebring Convertible
2002 (RS) Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Voyager
2002 (PT) Chrysler PT Cruiser
2002 (PL) Dodge Neon
NOTE: This notification applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a 2.0L
or 2.4L four cylinder engine (sales code ECB or EDZ) and a 41TE transaxle
(sales code DGL) with a transaxle build date code from 1342 (May 14, 2002)
through 1502 (May 30, 2002).

IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer vehicle inventory.

Dealers should complete this repair on these vehicles before retail delivery.
Dealers should also perform this repair on vehicles in for service. Involved
vehicles can be determined by using the DIAL VIP System.

Subject

The transaxle low/reverse accumulator cover O-ring on about 14,600 of the above
vehicles may become dislodged. This could cause the transaxle to slip in low
and/or reverse.

 Copyright 2002, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, All Rights Reserved

Customer Satisfaction Notification No. B27 Page 2
Transaxle Low/Reverse Accumulator Cover

Repair

The transaxle low/reverse accumulator cover and O-ring must be replaced.

Parts Information

A. Low/Reverse Accumulator Cover and O-Ring

Part Number Description
04431617 Low/Reverse Accumulator Cover
06501549 O-ring
IMPORTANT: No parts will be distributed to involved dealers. Parts may be
ordered as needed to support scheduled repairs.

B. Transaxle Oil Pan Sealant

Part Number Description
05010884AA ATF - RTV Sealant

C. Automatic Transmission Fluid

Part Number Description
05013457AA Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Quart bottle)
 Customer Satisfaction Notification No. B27 Page 3
Transaxle Low/Reverse Accumulator Cover

Service Procedure

1. Position the vehicle on an appropriate

hoist, apply the park brake and place the
transaxle shifter in the “Low” position.

2. Open the hood.

3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

4. For JR and PT models, remove the air

cleaner assembly.

5. For PL models, remove the air cleaner

and throttle body as an assembly.

6. Remove the manual valve lever from the

manual valve shaft (Figure 1). Figure 1 - JR Model Shown

7. For JR, PL and RS models, disconnect the transaxle range selector connector
from the transaxle (Figure 1).
8. Raise the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.

9. For PT models, disconnect the transaxle range selector connector from the transaxle.

10. For RS models, temporarily relocate the wiring harness located at the front of
the transaxle oil pan rail.
11. For JR models, remove the left side brake-cooling duct.

12. With a drain pan in position, remove the transaxle-to-oil pan bolts and carefully
separate the pan from the transaxle case.
13. Remove and save the transaxle oil filter from the valve body.

14. Remove the valve body-to-transaxle case bolts.

NOTE: The manual valve shaft on the valve body must be fully clockwise
(“Low” position) to position the park rod for removal.
 Customer Satisfaction Notification No. B27 Page 4
Transaxle Low/Reverse Accumulator Cover

Service Procedure (Continued)

Figure 2 - Bottom View

15. Using a screwdriver, push the park rod rollers away from the guide bracket and
lower the valve body.
CAUTION: The underdrive and overdrive accumulators and springs will
drop out of the transaxle case when lowering the valve body.
NOTE: The underdrive and overdrive accumulator springs are not
interchangeable.
16. Remove the original low/reverse accumulator snap ring (Figure 2).
NOTE: The low/reverse accumulator cover, piston and springs may drop
out when the accumulator cover snap ring is removed.
17. Remove and discard the original low/reverse accumulator cover and O-ring.
18. Install the new O-ring onto the new low/reverse accumulator cover.
19. With the low/reverse accumulator and springs in place, install the new
low/reverse accumulator cover and O-ring into the transaxle case (Figure 2).
20. Install the low/reverse accumulator snap ring (Figure 2).
 Customer Satisfaction Notification No. B27 Page 5
Transaxle Low/Reverse Accumulator Cover

Service Procedure (Continued)

21. Clean the transaxle case-to-oil pan

sealing surface.

22. While holding the overdrive and

underdrive accumulators and springs in
position, install the valve body to the
transaxle case. Tighten the valve body
attaching bolts to 105 in. lbs. (12 N⋅m).
NOTE: The underdrive accumulator
has a double return spring (Figure 3).
The overdrive accumulator has a
single return spring (Figure 3).

23. Inspect the transaxle oil filter O-ring

and replace if necessary.
24. Install the original transaxle oil filter.

25. Clean the transaxle oil pan sealing

surfaces.
26. Apply a 1/8 inch bead of Mopar
ATF-RTV (P/N 05010884AA) to the oil
pan sealing surface and immediately
install the pan on the transaxle. Figure 3 - All Models

CAUTION: Do not use other types of silicone RTV to seal the transaxle oil pan to
the transaxle case. Leaks and/or transmission fluid contamination may result.

27. Install the transaxle oil pan attaching bolts and tighten the bolts to 165 in. lbs. (19 N⋅m).
28. For RS models, place the wiring harness at the front of the oil pan rail back in
its original location.
29. For JR models, install the left side brake-cooling duct.
30. For PT models, connect the transaxle range selector connector to the transaxle
(Figure1).
31. Lower the vehicle.
 Customer Satisfaction Notification No. B27 Page 6
Transaxle Low/Reverse Accumulator Cover

Service Procedure (Continued)

Figure 4

32. For JR, PL and RS models, connect the transaxle range selector connector to
the transaxle (Figure 1).
33. Install the manual valve lever to the manual shaft.
34. Connect the negative battery cable.
35. For JR and PT models, install the air cleaner assembly.
36. For PL models, install the air cleaner/throttle body assembly.
37. Fill the transaxle with 4 quarts (3.8L) of Mopar ATF+4 transmission fluid.
CAUTION: Use only Mopar ATF+4 transmission fluid. Do not use Mopar
ATF+3 (7176), Dexron III, Mercon, or Type “F” transmission fluid.
38. Place the transaxle selector lever in the “P” Park position. With the vehicle on level
ground, start the engine and allow the engine to run at idle speed for at least one
minute. At normal operating temperature 180°F (82°C), the fluid level is correct if it is
in the “HOT” region on the transaxle dipstick. The fluid level should be within the
“COLD” region of the dipstick at 80°F (27°C) fluid temperature. Add additional
ATF+4 transmission fluid as required and recheck level (Figure 4).
 Customer Satisfaction Notification No. B27 Page 7
Transaxle Low/Reverse Accumulator Cover

Service Procedure (Continued)

39. Perform the Transaxle Control Module (TCM) Quick Learn Procedure below:
NOTE: To perform the Quick Learn Procedure, the following conditions
must be met:
! The brakes must be applied.
! The engine speed must be above 500 rpm.
! The throttle angle (TPS) must be less than 3 degrees.
! The shift lever position must stay until prompted to shift to overdrive.
! The shift lever position must stay in overdrive after the “Shift to Overdrive”
prompt until the DRBIII® indicates the procedure is complete.
! The calculated transmission fluid temperature must be between 60° F (15° C)
and 200° F (93° C).
a. Connect the DRBIII scan tool to the diagnostic connector. The connector is
located under the instrument panel, near the steering column.
b. From the DRBIII main menu choose “DRB Standalone” and press enter.
c. Select “2002 Model Year” and press enter.
d. Select “ALL” and press enter.
e. In the “Select Systems” screen choose “Transmission” and press enter.
f. In the “Transmission Menu” screen choose “Transmission Module” and
press enter.

g. In the “Select Functions” screen choose “Miscellaneous” and press enter.

h. In the “Select Miscellaneous Functions” screen choose “Quick Learn” and

press enter.
i. Follow the instructions on the DRBIII screen to perform the Quick Learn
Procedure.
j. Disconnect the DRBIII.

40. Ensure that there are no transmission fluid leaks and then close the hood.
Customer Satisfaction Notification No. B27 Page 8
Transaxle Low/Reverse Accumulator Cover

Completion Reporting and Reimbursement

Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL
System. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record Customer
Satisfaction Notification service completions and provide dealer payments.

Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:

Labor Operation Time

Number Allowance
Replace transaxle accumulator
cover and O-ring (JR Model) 21-B2-71-82 1.4 hours
Replace transaxle accumulator cover
and O-ring (RS, PT or PL Models) 21-B2-71-83 1.3 hours

Add the cost of the parts plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.

NOTE: See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing

Section, for complete claim processing instructions.

Parts Return

Not required.

Dealer Notification and Vehicle List

All dealers will receive a copy of this Customer Satisfaction Notification letter by
mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS, and the MDS2 will
be updated to include this notification in the near future. Each dealer to whom
involved vehicles were invoiced will receive a list of their involved vehicles.
The vehicle list is arranged in Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) sequence.
Owners known to DaimlerChrysler are also listed. The lists are for dealer reference
in arranging for service of involved vehicles.
Customer Satisfaction Notification No. B27 Page 9
Transaxle Low/Reverse Accumulator Cover

DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP

All involved vehicles have been entered to DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP for
dealer inquiry as needed.
Function 53 provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete
vehicles. The customer name, address and phone number are listed if known.
Completed vehicles are removed from Function 53 within several days of repair claim
submission. To use this system, type “53” at the “ENTER FUNCTION” prompt, then
type “ORDB27”.

Owner Notification and Service Scheduling

All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being notified of the
service requirement by mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this
service with their dealers. A copy of the owner letter is attached.
Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle
and notification are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.

Vehicle Not Available

If a vehicle is not available for service, let us know by filling out the pre-addressed
Owner Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
CIMS 482-00-85
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2757

Additional Information

If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please
contact your Zone Service Office.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION TO REPLACE YOUR
VEHICLE’S TRANSAXLE ACCUMULATOR COVER

Dear DaimlerChrysler Vehicle Owner:

The satisfaction of our customers is very important to DaimlerChrysler. Because of this, we are
requesting owners of some 2002 model year Dodge Neon, Stratus, and Caravan or Chrysler
PT Cruiser, Sebring Sedan, Sebring Convertible and Voyager vehicles equipped with a four
cylinder engine and an automatic transaxle to contact their dealer to have the following service
performed.

The problem is... The low/reverse accumulator cover O-ring in your vehicle’s
transaxle may become dislodged. This could cause the transaxle
to slip in low and/or reverse gears.

What DaimlerChrysler DaimlerChrysler will repair your vehicle (identified on the

and your dealer will enclosed form) free of charge (parts and labor). To do this, your
do... dealer will replace the low/reverse accumulator cover and O-ring in
your vehicle’s transaxle. The work will take about 1½ hours to
complete. However, additional time may be necessary depending on
how dealer appointments are scheduled and processed.

What you must do... ! Simply contact your dealer right away to schedule a service
appointment. Ask the dealer to hold the parts for your vehicle or to
order them before your appointment.

! Bring the enclosed form with you to your dealer. It identifies

the required service to the dealer.

If you need help... If you have questions or concerns which the dealer is unable to
resolve, please contact the DaimlerChrysler Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-853-1403. A representative will assist you.

If you have already experienced the problem described above and have paid to have it repaired,
you may send your original receipts and/or other adequate proof of payment to the following
address for reimbursement: DaimlerChrysler Customer Assistance Center, P.O. Box 1040, St.
Charles, MO 63302-1040, Attention: Reimbursement.

We are sorry for any inconvenience, but we believe that this transmission repair will help to
ensure your continuing satisfaction with your vehicle. Thank you for your attention to this
important matter.

Buckle Customer Services Field Operations

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
up B27