2005 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN check transmission fluid

▫ 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

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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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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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 .............................. 406 Belts, 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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Temperature Gauge ..................... 200
Exhaust Gas Caution .............. 38,83,333,393
Exhaust System ......................... 393
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 52
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 93
Filters
Air Cleaner .......................... 384
Air Conditioning .................... 284,389
Automatic Transaxle .................... 405
Engine Oil ........................ 383,422
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 383
Flashers
Hazard Warning ....................... 344
Turn Signal ..................... 197,418,419
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 355
Fluid Capacities ......................... 421
Fluid Leaks ............................. 85 Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission ................. 404
Brake ............................... 401
Power Steering ........................ 390
Fog Light Service ........................ 419
Fog Lights .......................... 138,419
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 368
Fuel ................................. 330
Adding ............................. 334
Additives ............................ 332
Clean Air ............................ 331
Filler Cap ............................ 334
Gasoline ............................ 330
Gauge .............................. 196
Hoses .............................. 402
Light ............................... 197
Octane Rating ...................... 330,422
Requirements ...................... 330,421
Tank Capacity ........................ 421 INDEX 463
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