2005 DODGE CARAVAN transmission

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
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Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 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 MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423
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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 X
434 SCHEDULE“B”
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Miles 108, 000 111, 000 114, 000 117, 000 120, 000
(Kilometers) (173 000) (178 000) (182 000) (187 000) (192 000)
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
‡This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
This maintenance is required only for police, taxi,
limousine type operation, or trailer towing.Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
SCHEDULE“B”439
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Interlock System....................... 298
Reset Mode.......................... 299
Selection Of Lubricant................403,423
Shifting............................. 299
Special Additives...................... 405
Automatic Transmission................... 402
Adding Fluid......................... 404
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 405
Fluid Change......................... 405
Fluid Level Check...................... 404
Fluid Type........................403,423
Ball Joints............................. 390
Battery............................... 387
Gas Caution.......................... 387
Jump Starting......................... 365
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 137
Bearings.............................. 406Belts, Drive............................ 383
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 391
B-Pillar Location........................ 312
Brake Fluid............................ 423
Brake, Parking.......................... 301
Brake System........................302,399
Anti-Lock........................... 303
Fluid Check.......................... 401
Hoses.............................. 400
Warning Light........................ 197
Brakes.............................302,399
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 298
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 82
Bulb Replacement....................... 416
Bulbs, Light............................ 415
Calibration, Compass..................... 152
Capacities, Fluid........................ 421
INDEX 459
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