2004 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN automatic transmission fluid

WARNING!A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
15. Washer Fluid Light
This light turns on when the washer fluid level
falls below approximately 1/4 filled. The light will
remain on until fluid is added.
16. Transmission Range Indicator
This vacuum fluorescent display indicator shows the
automatic transaxle gear selection. 17. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for 4 minutes when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
18. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 155
4

² The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire±
Safety Information Section in this manual.
² The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ª3º
range must be selected.
NOTE: Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
WARNING!Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident. ² Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
² Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
² The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
ªBº in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before
towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor, shows the
need for a transmission fluid and filter change.276 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

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
7

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
7

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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