transmission DODGE CARAVAN 2007 4.G Owner's Guide

The dipstick is located just behind the radiator, lower
right side.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturers recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type. It is important that the transmission
fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
7

Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK). Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transmission. 5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80°F (27°C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD”.
If the fluid level indicates low, add sufficient fluid to
bring to the proper level.
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transmission
can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transmission after checking or
replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap
is reseated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid should be changed on all
transmissions as follows:
Normal Usage — No change necessary
Severe Usage (fluid and filter) — Refer to Maintenance
Schedule “B” Severe Usage is defined as:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is driven regularly for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE: Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Do not add any fluid additives to the transmission. The
only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to
aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission
sealers should be avoided as they may adversely affect
seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445
7

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder Mopar DOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 463
7

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation. At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
468 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N C E
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S

SCHEDULE “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions. Change
the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 96 000
km (60,000 miles) if the vehicle is usually operated under
one or more of the conditions marked with an \b.
•Day or night temperatures are below 0° C (32° F).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 32° C (90° F).
•Trailer towing. \b
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice). \b
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
SCHEDULE “B” 469
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N C E
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S

Miles 57, 000 60, 000 63, 000 66, 000 69, 000 72, 000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XXXXX X
Rotate Tires XX X
Inspect the brake linings. XX
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. X XXX X
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. X
Replace the spark plugs & ignition cables
on
2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump belt
tension on 2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines,
replace if necessary. X
Inspect the PCV valve
and replace if necessary.X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and
3.8 liter engines, replace if necessary. ‡ X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and fil-
ter. \b X
Replace the air conditioning filter. XX
SCHEDULE “B” 473
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N C E
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S

Miles 108, 000 111, 000 114, 000 117, 000 120, 000
(Kilometers) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter
and 3.8 liter engines, replace if necessary. ‡ X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter.
X
Replace the air conditioning filter. XX
‡ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.

This maintenance is required only for police, taxi,
limousine type operation, or trailer towing. Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
SCHEDULE “B” 477
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N C E
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S

Reset Mode.......................... 317
Selection Of Lubricant ................443,463
Shifting ............................. 317
Special Additives ...................... 445
Automatic Transmission ................... 442
Adding Fluid ......................... 444
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 445
Fluid Change ......................... 445
Fluid Level Check ...................... 444
Fluid Type ........................ 443,463
Ball Joints ............................. 430
Battery ............................... 427
Gas Caution .......................... 427
Jump Starting ......................... 405
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 153
Bearings .............................. 446
Belts, Drive ............................ 423 Body Mechanism Lubrication
............... 431
B-Pillar Location ........................ 332
Brake Fluid ............................ 463
Brake, Parking .......................... 319
Brake System ........................ 321,439
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 321
Fluid Check .......................... 441
Hoses .............................. 440
Warning Light ........................ 213
Brakes ............................. 321,439
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 316
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 88
Bulb Replacement ....................... 456
Bulbs, Light ............................ 455
Calibration, Compass ..................... 169
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 461
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ 357
INDEX 497
10

Compass Variance....................... 170
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 171
Console, Overhead ....................... 167
Console, Removable ................... 193,194
Contract, Service ........................ 488
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 436
Cooling System ......................... 434
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 436
Coolant Capacity ...................... 461
Coolant Level ...................... 434,437
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 437
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 435
Inspection ........................... 437
Points to Remember .................... 438
Pressure Cap ......................... 436
Radiator Cap ......................... 436
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......435,461,462
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 164
Cruise Light ........................... 219 Cup Holder
......................... 187,450
Customer Assistance ..................... 486
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 73
Daytime Running Lights ................... 153
Dealer Service .......................... 419
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 304
Defroster, Windshield ................90,283,295
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 416
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player ............. 259
Dimmer Control ........................ 152
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................. 444
Oil (Engine) .......................... 420
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 408
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 437
Engine Oil ........................... 423
Domelight ............................. 152
INDEX 499
10