automatic transmission fluid DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2013 5.G Owners Manual

Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into Overdrive if the following con-
ditions are present:
•the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
•the transmission fluid has reached an adequate
temperature,
•the engine coolant has reached an adequate
temperature,
•vehicle speed is sufficiently high, and
•the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage until
the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Using the AutoStick® shift control, when the transmis-
sion is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
476 STARTING AND OPERATING

Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid specifications. It is
important to maintain the transmission fluid at the
correct level using the recommended fluid. No chemical
flushes should be used in any transmission; only the
approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
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 for diagnosing fluid
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 617

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission We recommend youONLYuse MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmission
Fluid. Failure to use ATF+4® fluid may affect the function or performance
of your transmission.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used.
If DOT 3 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR® Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR®
ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid.
640 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other thanyour authorized dealer, the message can be reset by refer-
ring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
•Check windshield washer fluid level
•Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission as
needed
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
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S642 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
•Rotate the tires.Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
•Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
•Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
•Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses.
•Inspect exhaust system.
•Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 643

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) if using your
vehicle for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing.X
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s).X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary.X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
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S646 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Transmission....................464
Adding Fluid..........................618
Fluid and Filter Changes..................618
Fluid Change..........................618
Fluid Level Check.......................618
Fluid Type............................617
Gear Ranges...........................469
Special Additives.......................617
Torque Converter.......................476
Auto Up Power Windows....................42
Battery.................................603
Jump Starting..........................579
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........28
Saving Feature (Protection)................228
Belts, Seat...............................118
Blind Spot Monitoring......................136
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................607
B-Pillar Location..........................502Brake Assist System.......................487
Brake Control System, Electronic..............486
Brake Fluid.............................640
Brake System............................615
Fluid Check...........................615
Parking..............................481
Warning Light.........................320
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................466
Bulb Replacement.........................635
Bulbs, Light.............................120
Calibration, Compass......................340
Camera, Rear............................249
Capacities, Fluid..........................638
Caps, Filler
Fuel.................................537
Power Steering.........................481
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................612
Carbon Monoxide Warning
..................11710
INDEX 663

Exhaust System...........................117
Exterior Lights...........................120
Fabric Care..............................622
Filler Location Fuel........................319
Filters
Air Cleaner...........................599
Air Conditioning.......................455
Engine Oil............................599
Engine Oil Disposal.....................599
Flashers
Hazard Warning........................560
Turn Signal...........................120
Flash-To-Pass............................228
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range.........................536
Engine Oil............................535
Fuel Requirements......................533
Maintenance...........................536Replacement Parts.......................536
Starting..............................536
Flooded Engine Starting....................462
Floor Console............................285
Fluid Capacities..........................638
Fluid Leaks.............................121
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission..................618
Brake................................615
Cooling System.........................609
Power Steering.........................481
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts...........639
Fog Lights..............................224
Fog Light Service.........................636
Fold in Floor (Stow n Go) Seating.............196
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.....................583
Fuel...................................528
Adding..............................537
Additives.............................53110
INDEX 667

Torque Converter Clutch....................476
Towing................................541
24-Hour Towing Assistance................160
Disabled Vehicle........................586
Guide...............................547
Recreational...........................556
Weight...............................547
Towing Assistance.........................160
Traction................................477
Traction Control..........................486
Traction Control Switch.....................486
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)..................492
Trailer Towing...........................541
Cooling System Tips.....................555
Hitches..............................546
Minimum Requirements..................549
Tips.................................554
Trailer and Tongue Weight.................548
Wiring...............................553Trailer Towing Guide.......................547
Trailer Weight............................547
Transmission............................617
Automatic............................464
Fluid................................617
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry). . .28
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®). . . .256
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE).........20
Transporting Pets.........................112
Tread Wear Indicators......................514
Trip Odometer...........................312
Turn Signals.............................311
UCI Connector...........................376
Umbrella Holder..........................281
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.................657
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector. . . .376
Universal Transmitter......................256
678 INDEX