automatic transmission fluid DODGE CARAVAN 2010 Owners Manual

NOTE:Moving the shift lever into third gear (with
four-speed transmission) or fifth gear (with six-speed
transmission) while operating the vehicle under heavy
operating conditions will improve performance and ex-
tend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and
heat build up. This action will also provide better engine
braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level before
towing.
•The six-speed automatic transmission is sealed and
requires an authorized dealer to check the transmis-
sion fluid.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
402 STARTING AND OPERATING
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▫Cooling System ..................... 449
▫ Brakes ............................ 454
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 456
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 459
▫ Cleaning The Instrument Panel Cupholders . . 464
 Fuses .............................. 465
▫ Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) . . . 465
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 472
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 473 
Bulb Replacement ..................... 474
▫ Headlamps ........................ 474
▫ Front Park/Turn Signal Lamps ........... 474
▫ Fog Lamps ......................... 474
▫ Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, Side Marker
And Backup Lamps ................... 475
▫ Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL) .......................... 476
▫ License Lamp ....................... 476
 Fluid Capacities ...................... 477
 Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ....... 478
▫ Engine ............................ 478
▫ Chassis ........................... 479
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.3/3.8L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter7 — Engine Oil Fill
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (3.3L Only) 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Battery 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Totally Integrated Power Module 11 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
6 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
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WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in an accident.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
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 the fluid.
All four–speed transmissions are equipped with a con-
ventional filler tube and dipstick. If fluid is added, it
should be added through the filler tube.All six–speed transmissions 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
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant may be used.
456 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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. 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 “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check (3.3L Engine with Four-Speed
Automatic Transmission) – If Equipped
The dipstick is located just behind the radiator on the
lower right side.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 the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion, ending with the shift lever in 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 fingertips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80°F (27°C).7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 457
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6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove the 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 that it is low, add sufficient
fluid to bring it 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 Level Check (3.8L and 4.0L Engines with
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission) – If Equipped
The six-speed automatic transmission is a sealed unit and
has no dipstick. See your authorized dealer to have the
transmission fluid checked or serviced.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
If the transmission 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 transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
458 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPAR
ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPAR
DOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPAR
Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 479
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54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months if not done at 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 489
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114,000 Miles (190,000 km) or
114 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
120,000 Miles (200,000 km) or 120 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the CV Joints.
❏ Inspect the exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏ Replace accessory drive belt(s).
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
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S494 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Automatic Transaxle...................... 324
Adding Fluid ......................... 458
Fluid Level Check ..................... 458
Interlock System ....................... 325
Selection Of Lubricant ................456,479
Shifting ............................. 326
Special Additives ...................... 458
Automatic Transmission ................456,458
Adding Fluid ...................... 457,458
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 458
Fluid Change ......................... 458
Fluid Level Check ..................... 457
Fluid Type ........................ 456,479
Battery ............................... 443
Jump Starting ......................... 421
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 160
Belts, Seat ............................. 101 Blind Spot Monitoring
.................... 114
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 447
B-Pillar Location ........................ 351
Brake Assist System ...................... 342
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 341
Brake Fluid ............................ 479
Brake, Parking .......................... 336
Brake System ........................... 454
Fluid Check .......................... 454
Warning Light ........................ 229
Brakes ............................... 454
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 325
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 99
Bulb Replacement ....................... 474
Bulbs, Light ......................... 104,473
Calibration, Compass .................. 244,250
Camera, Rear ........................... 181
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 477
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INDEX 511
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