1995 Drivetrain Changes |
The information in this file was provided by Chrysler Corporation. The maintainer of this site is not affiliated with Chrysler Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.
The following engines/transmissions are discussed below:
- 318 (5.2) V-8
- 3.5 liter V-6
- Four-speed automatic transmission (LH cars)
- 41TE four-speed automatic transmission (most other vehicles)
- 31TH three-speed automatic transmission
- 30RH three-speed automatic transmission (Cherokee four-cylinder)
New engines (2.0, 2.4, 2.5) are not discussed here.
5.2 SMPI V-8 (Grand Cherokee)
A revised camshaft has broadened the torque curve of the 5.2-liter engine, providing up to 30 lb.-more torque below 3200 rpm. Peak torque of 289 lb.-ft, 15-lb.-ft more than with the previous camshaft, is reached at 3200 rpm, 400 rpm less than with the previous cam. Peak power remains at 220 horsepower but the rated speed is 4400 rpm, 400 rpm lower than the previous rating point. The dynamics of the camshaft also reduce valve train noise. The broader torque curve provides 3 percent better acceleration over the first 5 seconds and a better launch feel. It also increases gradability by 8 percent in overdrive (Fourth gear) and 7 percent in direct drive (Third gear).
3.5 Liter Engine (LH series only)
The 3.5 liter SOHC 24 valve engine has been extensively modified to meet "Tier 1" emission control requirements and improve part throttle fuel economy. To maintain previous high levels of power and torque while increasing fuel economy and meeting the new requirements the following refinements have been added:
* Grafal (R) coating on piston skirts to reduce friction at high speed * Intake ports redesigned to increase air flow capacity * Larger water pump pulley to reduce flow rate, optimizing cooling system performance and reducing parasitic drag at high speed
To improve driveability and speed control performance, the throttle cams have a progressive action, providing slower response to input during low- speed and cruising speed than before. This helps avoid a feeling of "jumpiness" and to maintain more consistent speed with speed control in operation.
See also 3.5 Liter SOHC 24 valve Engine Emission Control Systems for LHS, New Yorker, Concorde, Intrepid and Vision under Protecting The Atmosphere in the Environmental section.
42LE Electronic Four-Speed Overdrive Automatic (LH only)
The chain and sprocket drive system, which transmits drive from the transmission output shaft to the final drive transfer shaft pinion gear, has been refined for quieter operation. Two single-row chains replace the dual-row chain used previously. The teeth of the two sprockets have an angular offset of 1/2-pitch so that the sound of chain-to-sprocket engagement is reduced and made more uniform. The new chain system is stronger, lighter and more compact than its predecessor. The material for the snubber that reduces noise by restricting chain free play has been upgraded from plastic to rubber.
For easier access and reading, the transmission fluid dipstick and housing have been lengthened by 2 in. (50 mm) and the stick rotated 180 degrees relative to the handle. The handle is now yellow with black nomenclature for easier location.
See also Underhood Maintenance and Inspection Points for Concorde, LHS, New Yorker, Intrepid and Vision under Serviceability & Maintenance.
41 TE Electronic 4-speed Overdrive Automatic - LeBaron Convertible, minivans
An automatic speed control overspeed reduction feature has been added to the transmission control software. It helps maintain vehicle speed at the selected set point when descending a grade. The TCM (transmission control module) first senses that the speed control is set. If the set speed is exceeded by more than 4 mph (6.5 km/hr) and the throttle is closed, the TCM causes the transaxle to downshift to Third gear. Subsequent to the downshift, the automatic speed control continues its normal operation. To assure that an upshift is appropriate after the set speed is reached, the TCM waits until the throttle is opened at least 8 degrees by the speed control system before upshifting to Overdrive again. If the driver applies the brakes, canceling automatic speed control operation with the transaxle still in Third gear, the TCM maintains this gear until the driver opens the throttle at least 8 degrees to avoid an inappropriate upshift. The upshift is also delayed for 0.5 seconds after reaching the 8 degree throttle opening in anticipation that the driver might open the throttle enough to require Third gear, thus avoiding unnecessary and disturbing cycling of the transmission. If the automatic speed control RESUME feature is used after braking, the upshift is delayed until the set speed is achieved to reduce cycling and provide better response.
Additional refinements continue on the 41TE electronic four-speed automatic transaxle. For 1995, software changes provide smoother 2-1 low speed, heavy throttle downshifts. Kick-down shifts after a coast- down in Third are also refined.
31TH 3-speed Automatic (minivans, Spirit/Acclaim)
A lower helix angle in the transfer gear set reduces noise. An increase in the helix angle from 27.5 degrees to 32 degrees makes the gears quieter by placing more teeth in simultaneous contact.
30RH 3-speed Automatic for Cherokee Four-Cylinders
Cherokee offers an optional automatic transmission-model 30RH-with the 2.5L OHV SMPI four-cylinder engine in 1995. Features of the transmission include three-speeds and a computer-controlled lockup torque converter that reduces engine noise at highway speeds and enhances highway fuel economy. Ratios are: 2.45, 1.45 and 1.00 as in other Chrysler-built 3-speed automatic transmissions. Internal components are sized to the four-cylinder Cherokee's power and weight.
