check transmission fluid DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2010 5.G 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

CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized Chrysler Group LLC
dealership or qualified repair center.
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut OFF or before starting the
engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437

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

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

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

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 the coolant reservoir, the
brake master cylinder, the power steering and the
transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S484 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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
10
INDEX 511

Flooded Engine Starting................... 322
Floor Console .......................... 208
Fluid Capacities ......................... 477
Fluid Leaks ............................ 104
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle .................... 458
Automatic Transmission ................. 457
Brake .............................. 454
Power Steering ........................ 335
Fluids ................................ 478
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 478
Fog Light Service ........................ 474
Fog Lights ....................... 160,236,474
Fold in Floor (Stow \bn Go) Seating........... 132
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 425
Fuel ................................. 372
Adding ............................. 381
Additives ............................ 375
Clean Air ............................ 373 Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
................. 227,381
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ................... 227
Gasoline ............................ 372
Gauge .............................. 227
Light ............................... 237
Octane Rating ........................ 478
Requirements ...................... 372,477
Tank Capacity ........................ 477
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution ..................... 376
Fueling ............................... 381
Fuses ................................ 465
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 186
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............381,383,433
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 373
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 372
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 374
516 INDEX