automatic transmission DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2004 User Guide

If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing with out the ignition key is
with a flat bed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle. TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the
ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, is only permitted within the limitations
described in this section.
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE WITH A TOW DOLLEY
The manufacture does not recommend that you tow an
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or front wheel drive vehicle on a
tow dolley. Vehicle damage may occur. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 293
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N Front Suspension Ball Joints ..............314
N Steering Shaft Seal ....................314
N Steering Linkage ......................315
N Drive Shaft Universal Joints ..............315
N Body Lubrication .....................315
N Windshield Wiper Blades ................316
N Windshield And Rear Window Washers .....316
N Exhaust System ......................317
N Cooling System .......................318
N Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......322
N Brakes .............................323
N Master Cylinder Ð ABS Brakes Brake Fluid
Level Check .........................324 N Fuel System Hoses ....................326
N Automatic Transmission ................326
N All Wheel Drive (AWD) .................329
N Front And Rear Wheel Bearings ...........330
N Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................330
N Cleaning The Instrument Panel And
Underseat Cup Holders .................334
m Integrated Power Module (IPM) ............336
m Vehicle Storage ........................337
m Replacement Light Bulbs .................338
m Bulb Replacement ......................339
N Headlights ..........................339296 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible. CAUTION!Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indicator
Lightº on could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before
any emissions tests can be performed.
If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and clamps which have unique
material characteristics to provide adequate sealing and
resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacturers specified
hoses and clamps, or their equivalent in material and
specification, in any fuel system servicing. It is manda-
tory to replace all clamps that have been loosened or
removed during service. Care should be taken in install-
ing new clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
All automatic transmissions are equipped with a conven-
tional filler tube and dipstick. If fluid is added, it should
be added through the dipstick hole in the case. The dipstick is located just behind the radiator, lower
right side.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturers recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that
the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed
level using the recommended fluid.326 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type. 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. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
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5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180ÉF (82ÉC), 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 80ÉF (27ÉC).
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 ªHOTº (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 ªCOLDº.
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 Ð No change necessary
Severe Usage (fluid and filter) Ð 60,000 miles (96 000 km)
Severe Usage is defined as:
² Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is driven regularly for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.328 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission Mopar t ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
AWD Power Transfer Unit Mopar t Gear Lubricant 75W-90.
AWD Overrunning Clutch Mopar t ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
AWD Rear Carrier Mopar t Gear Lubricant 75W-90.
Brake Master Cylinder Mopar t DOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 or DOT 4+ is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir Mopar t ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
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At Each Oil Change
² Change the engine oil filter.
² Inspect the exhaust system.
² Inspect the brake hoses.
² Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents. ² Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
² Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Tire Rotation
² Rotate the tires at 6,000 miles (10 000 km).350 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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SCHEDULE ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº 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 L .
² Day or night temperatures are below 32É F (0É C).
² Stop and go driving.
² Extensive engine idling. ² Driving in dusty conditions.
² Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
² More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C).
² Trailer towing. L
² Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice). L
² Off-road or desert operation. SCHEDULE ªBº 351
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Sizes ............................... 244
Snow Tires ........................... 264
Spare Tire ........................... 283
Spinning ............................ 256
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 256
Towing ............................... 275
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 291
Trailering ............................ 275
Traction Control ................... 105,156,241
Trailer Towing .......................... 275
Minimum Requirements ................. 275
Trailer and Tongue Weight ................ 276
Transaxle ........................... 231,326
Automatic ........................ 231,326
Filter ............................... 328
Operation ........................... 231
Overdrive ........................... 234
Selection of Lubricant ................ 326,345
Transmission ..................... See Transaxle Transmitter Battery Service .................. 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener ............ 119
Transmitter Programming ................... 23
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry ............ 20
Transporting Pets ........................ 66
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 256
Trip Odometer .......................... 157
Trip Odometer Reset Button ................ 157
Turn Signals ................ 102,158,159,340,342
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 378
Universal Joints ......................... 315
Universal Transmitter ..................... 119
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 266
Vanity Mirrors ........................... 80
Variance, Compass ....................... 112
Vehicle Certification Label ................. 272
Vehicle Identification Number ................ 6396 INDEX