check transmission fluid DODGE CARAVAN 2009 Owners Manual

Automatic Transaxle
The automatic transaxle and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and the fluid.
All four–speed transaxles are equipped with a conven-
tional filler tube and dipstick. If fluid is added, it should
be added through the filler tube.
All six–speed transaxles are equipped with a capped
dipstick tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered
with. Your authorized dealer has the necessary tools to
ensure that the fluid level is set properly.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transaxle to assure optimum transaxle performance. Useonly the manufacturer’s recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts” in
this section for the correct fluid type. It is important that
the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed
level using the recommended fluid. No chemical flushes
should be used in any transaxle; only the approved
lubricant may be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transaxle shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts” in this sec-
tion for the correct fluid type.
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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 that it is low, add sufficient
fluid to bring it to the proper level.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water from
entering the transaxle after checking or replenishing
fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is reseated
properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
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 transaxle. The only exception to this policy is
the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. In
addition, avoid using transaxle sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
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Automatic Headlights.................... 174
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 310
Automatic Transaxle...................... 327
Adding Fluid......................... 459
Fluid Level Check...................... 459
Interlock System....................... 328
Selection Of Lubricant................458,481
Shifting............................. 329
Special Additives...................... 460
Automatic Transmission................458,460
Adding Fluid......................459,460
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 460
Fluid Change......................... 460
Fluid Level Check...................... 459
Fluid Type........................458,481
Battery............................... 444
Gas Caution.......................... 445
Jump Starting......................... 424Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 177
Blind Spot Monitoring.................... 106
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 448
B-Pillar Location........................ 354
Brake Assist System...................... 346
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 344
Brake Fluid............................ 481
Brake, Parking.......................... 339
Brake System........................343,456
Fluid Check.......................... 456
Warning Light........................ 238
Brakes.............................343,456
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 328
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 93
Bulb Replacement....................... 475
Bulbs, Light............................ 474
Calibration, Compass..................251,257
INDEX 513
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Replacement Parts..................... 386
Starting............................. 385
Flooded Engine Starting................... 325
Floor Console.......................... 217
Fluid Capacities......................... 479
Fluid Leaks............................. 95
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 459
Automatic Transmission................. 459
Brake............................... 456
Power Steering........................ 338
Fluids................................ 480
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 480
Fog Light Service........................ 476
Fog Lights.......................177,244,476
Fold in Floor (Stow n Go) Seating........... 149
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 427
Fuel................................. 378
Adding............................. 387Additives............................ 381
Clean Air............................ 379
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................236,387
Filler Door (Gas Cap)................... 236
Gasoline............................ 378
Gauge.............................. 236
Light............................... 245
Octane Rating........................ 480
Requirements......................378,479
Tank Capacity........................ 479
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution..................... 382
Fueling............................... 387
Fuses................................ 467
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 197
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............387,388
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 379
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 378
518 INDEX
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