automatic transmission DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2005 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 a
front wheel drive vehicle on a tow dolley. Vehicle damage
may occur.370 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫ Steering Shaft Seal ....................391
▫ Steering Linkage ......................391
▫ Drive Shaft Universal Joints ..............391
▫ Body Lubrication .....................391
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ................392
▫ Windshield And Rear Window Washers .....392
▫ Exhaust System ......................393
▫ Cooling System .......................394
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......399
▫ Brakes .............................399
▫ Master Cylinder — ABS Brakes Brake
Fluid Level Check .....................401
▫ Fuel System Hoses ....................402 ▫ Automatic Transmission ................402
▫ Front And Rear Wheel Bearings ...........406
▫ Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion ......................406
▫ Cleaning The Instrument Panel And Underseat
Cup Holders ........................410

Integrated Power Module (IPM) ............412

Vehicle Storage ........................415

Replacement Light Bulbs .................415

Bulb Replacement ......................416
▫ Headlights ..........................416
▫ Front Park/Turn Signal And
Sidemarker Lights .....................418
▫ Front Fog Light ......................419372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — 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 “ Malfunction Indicator Light. ” 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 “ Malfunction Indica-
tor Light ” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
• If the “ Malfunction Indicator Light ” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure. Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses which have unique material charac-
teristics to provide adequate sealing and resist attack by
deteriorated gasoline.
Use only the manufacturers specified hoses in any fuel
system servicing. It is mandatory to replace all clamps
that have been loosened or removed during service. Care
should be taken in installing 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.402 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).
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.404 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 405
7

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission Mopar  ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder Mopar  DOT 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 Mopar  ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423
7

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.
• 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.428 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 ” 429
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Miles 57, 000 60, 000 63, 000 66, 000 69, 000 72, 000
(Kilometers) (91 000) (96 000) (101 000) (106 000) (110 000) (115 000)
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 X434 SCHEDULE “ B ”
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