check transmission fluid CHRYSLER PACIFICA 2005 1.G Owners Manual

•The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
“B” in section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level before
towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor, shows the
need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
•For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using the
Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
performance. For example, choose “4” if the desired
speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed
to maintain the desired speed.
•Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehiclespeed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
TRAVEL CONDITION MAXIMUM TRAILER
WEIGHT(TRAILER
FRONTAL AREA NOT
TO EXCEED 32 SQ. FT.)
3.5L ENGINES
MAX. COMBINED
WEIGHT OF VEHICLE
AND TRAILER NOT TO
EXCEED 8,600 lbs (3900
kg)
UP TO 2 PERSONS &
LUGGAGE3,500 lbs (1600 kg)
3 TO 4 PERSONS &
LUGGAGE3,000 lbs (1360 kg)
5 TO 6 PERSONS &
LUGGAGE1,000 lbs (454 kg)
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Steering Shaft Seal....................295
▫Steering Linkage......................295
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............295
▫Body Lubrication.....................296
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................296
▫Windshield And Rear Window Washers.....297
▫Exhaust System......................297
▫Cooling System.......................298
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......303
▫Brakes.............................304
▫Master Cylinder — ABS Brakes Brake Fluid Level
Check.............................305
▫Fuel System Hoses....................306▫Automatic Transmission................307
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped.....310
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........311
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................311
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 316

Integrated Power Module (IPM)............316

Vehicle Storage........................319

Replacement Light Bulbs.................320

Bulb Replacement......................321
▫Standard Quad Headlights...............321
▫High Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID) — If
Equipped...........................322
278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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).
308 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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 necessarySevere Usage (fluid and filter) — 60,000 miles (96 000 km)
Severe Usage is defined as:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle 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 309
7

All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped
Under normal operating conditions, periodic fluid level
checks and lubricant changes for the Power Transfer
Unit, Overrunning Clutch and Rear Carrier, are not
required. However when the vehicle is serviced for other
reasons, the exterior surface of these components should
be inspected for evidence of fluid leaks. Confirmed leaks
should be repaired as soon as possible.
Power Transfer Unit
The fill plug is located on the side of the power transfer
unit housing. The fluid should be maintained at a level
even with the bottom of the fill plug hole when the
vehicle is parked on a level surface. If it becomes neces-
sary to add or replace the fluid, use only the manufac-
turers recommended fluid, refer to Recommended Flu-
ids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Overrunning Clutch
The fill plug is located on the side of the overrunning
clutch housing. The fluid should be maintained at a level
even with the bottom of the fill plug hole when the
vehicle is parked on a level surface. If it becomes neces-
sary to add or replace the fluid, use only the manufac-
turers recommended transmission fluid, refer to Recom-
mended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type. To assure performance, it is important that the
proper lubricant be used.
Rear Carrier
The fill plug is located on the side of the rear carrier
housing. The fluid should be maintained at a level even
with the bottom of the fill plug hole when the vehicle is
parked on a level surface. if it becomes necessary to add
or replace the fluid, use only the manufacturers recom-
mended fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 bottle, brake master
cylinder and transmission, 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.
332 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Selection Of Lubricant................307,327
Shifting............................. 215
Special Additives...................... 309
Autostick........................120,215,216
Ball Joints............................. 295
Battery............................... 291
Jump Starting......................... 270
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 23
Bearings.............................. 311
Belts, Drive............................ 288
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 296
B-Pillar Location........................ 229
Brake, Parking.......................... 218
Brake System........................219,304
Anti-Lock........................... 220
Fluid Check.......................305,327
Hoses.............................. 304
Warning Light........................ 146Brakes.............................219,304
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 213
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 59
Bulb Replacement....................... 321
Bulbs, Light............................ 320
Calibration, Compass..................... 158
Capacities, Fluid........................ 325
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 252
Radiator............................ 301
Car Washes............................ 312
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 251
Cargo Area Cover....................... 134
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 137
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 135
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 192
Cassette Tape Player...................165,170
INDEX 361
10