transmission DODGE CARAVAN 2006 4.G Owner's Guide

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.
426 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 427
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Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 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 MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445
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•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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 and transmission; add as needed.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 449
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•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.
450 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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 60,000
miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under
one or more of the conditions marked with an.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
SCHEDULE“B”451
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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. X XXXXX
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary. * XXXXX
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs
on 2.4 liter engines.X
Replace theignition 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 thePCV 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 filter.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
SCHEDULE“B”455
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Miles 108, 000 111, 000 114, 000 117, 000 120, 000
(Kilometers) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary. * X X X X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs
on 2.4 liter engines.X
Replace theignition cables
on 2.4 liter engines.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 serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8 liter
engines, replace if necessary.‡X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals.X
Inspect thePCV valve
and replace as necessary.*X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
SCHEDULE“B”459
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Interlock System....................... 310
Reset Mode.......................... 311
Selection Of Lubricant................425,445
Shifting............................. 311
Special Additives...................... 427
Automatic Transmission................... 424
Adding Fluid......................... 426
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 427
Fluid Change......................... 427
Fluid Level Check...................... 426
Fluid Type........................425,445
Ball Joints............................. 412
Battery............................... 409
Gas Caution.......................... 409
Jump Starting......................... 387
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 145
Bearings.............................. 428Belts, Drive............................ 405
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 413
B-Pillar Location........................ 324
Brake Fluid............................ 445
Brake, Parking.......................... 313
Brake System........................314,421
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 315
Fluid Check.......................... 423
Hoses.............................. 422
Warning Light........................ 205
Brakes.............................314,421
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 310
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 82
Bulb Replacement....................... 438
Bulbs, Light............................ 437
Calibration, Compass..................... 159
Capacities, Fluid........................ 443
INDEX 483
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Compass Variance....................... 160
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 162
Console, Overhead....................... 158
Console, Removable...................184,185
Contract, Service........................ 476
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 418
Cooling System......................... 416
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 418
Coolant Capacity...................... 443
Coolant Level......................416,419
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 419
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 417
Inspection........................... 419
Points to Remember.................... 420
Pressure Cap......................... 418
Radiator Cap......................... 418
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......417,443,444
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 155
Cruise Light........................... 211Cup Holder.........................177,432
Customer Assistance..................... 474
Daytime Running Lights................... 145
Dealer Service.......................... 400
Defroster, Rear Window................... 300
Defroster, Windshield................84,279,290
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 398
Dimmer Control........................ 144
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 426
Oil (Engine).......................... 401
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 391
Disarming, Theft System................... 27
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 419
Engine Oil........................... 405
Domelight............................. 144
Door Ajar Light......................... 205
INDEX 485
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