automatic transmission fluid CHRYSLER 200 2014 1.G Owners Manual

DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), select the3range. Under
these conditions, using the 3range will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing limits, the powertrain controller will modify the
DRIVE and “3” range shift points. This is done to prevent
transmission damage due to overheating. During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid
is warm (refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” in this section). During extremely cold tempera-
tures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be
limited to second gear only. Normal operation will re-
sume once the transmission temperature has risen to a
suitable level.
DRIVE 3 (3)
This range eliminates shifts into fourth gear. The trans-
mission will operate normally in first and second gear.
Shifts into third may be delayed to provide second gear
operation at higher speeds. Using the
3range while
operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 303

NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fourth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into Overdrive if the following con-
ditions are present:
• The shift lever is in the DRIVE position.
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature. •
The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
• Vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 305

NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage until
the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Shifting between the DRIVE and 3 ranges, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that
the transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission (62TE) — If
Equipped
The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
You must press the brake pedal to move the shift lever
out of PARK (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Inter-
lock System” in this section). To drive, move the shift
lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position. The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when
shifting between these gears.
The transmission shift lever has PARK, REVERSE, NEU-
TRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick® shift positions. Manual
shifts can be made using the AutoStick® shift control
(refer to “AutoStick®” in this section for further informa-
tion). Moving the shift lever into the AutoStick® position
(below the Drive position) activates AutoStick® mode,
providing manual shift control and displaying the cur-
rent gear in the instrument cluster.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into Overdrive if the following con-
ditions are present:
• The shift lever is in the DRIVE position.
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature. •
The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 313

NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage until
the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
(usually after 1 to 3 miles [2 to 5 km] of driving). Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Using the AutoStick® shift control, when the transmis-
sion is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
AUTOSTICK® — IF EQUIPPED
AutoStick® is a driver-interactive transmission feature
providing manual shift control, giving you more control
of the vehicle. AutoStick® allows you to maximize en-
gine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and down-
shifts, and improve overall vehicle performance. This
system can also provide you with more control during
passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain
driving, trailer towing, and many other situations.
Operation
When the shift lever is in the AutoStick® position (below
the DRIVE position), it can be moved from side to side.
This allows the driver to manually select the transmission
gear being used. Moving the shift lever to the left (-)
triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an upshift. The
current gear will be displayed in the instrument cluster.
In AutoStick® mode, the transmission will shift up or
down when the driver moves the shift lever to the right
(+) or left (-), unless an engine lugging or overspeed
condition would result. It will remain in the selected gear
until another upshift or downshift is chosen, except as
described below.
• The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
314 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Brake System ....................... .444
▫ Automatic Transmission ................446
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... .450
▫ Cleaning Center Console Cupholders ........456
 FUSES ............................. .456
▫ Integrated Power Module ...............457
 VEHICLE STORAGE ....................463
 REPLACEMENT BULBS .................463
 BULB REPLACEMENT ..................464 ▫
Headlamp ......................... .464
▫ Front Turn Signal .....................467
▫ Front Fog Lamp ..................... .468
▫ Backup Lamps ...................... .468
▫ License Plate Lamp ....................470
 FLUID CAPACITIES ....................471
 FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE
PARTS ............................. .472
▫ Engine ............................ .472
▫ Chassis ........................... .473
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir5 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses) 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 6 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses) 10 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 7 — Air Cleaner Filter 11 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 8 — Engine Oil Fill
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419

WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid.
446 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant should be
used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check — Four-Speed Transmission
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 447

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Spark Plugs – 2.4L with
PZEV* We recommend you use MOPAR® Spark Plugs (Gap 0.031 in [0.8 mm]).
Spark Plugs – 3.6L Engine We recommend you use MOPAR® Spark Plugs (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm]).
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
* PZEV = Partial Zero Emission Vehicle
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic
Transmission Use only ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to use ATF+4® fluid may affect the
function or performance of your transmission. We recommend MOPAR® ATF+4® fluid.
Brake Master
Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 3 and SAE J1703. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not available,
then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steer-
ing Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR® Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 473