2010 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY automatic transmission fluid

NOTE:On the Base cluster, the reset button toggles
between odometer, Trip A, Trip B, ECO and outside
temperature. To reset a message display on Base Cluster
(gATE, gASCAP, noFUSE, CHangE OIL, LoCOOL, Lo-
WASH, etc.), push and hold the button until the display
resets (approximately two seconds).
23. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.
NOTE: You must apply the brakes before shifting from
PARK.
24. Message Display Area
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
odometer messages will display:
ECO ................... Fuel Saver Indicator Off
ECO-on ................. Fuel Saver Indicator On door
............................. Door Ajar
gATE ........................... Liftgate Ajar
LoW tirE ..................... LowTirePr essure
gASCAP ....................... Fuel Cap Fault
noFUSE .......................... Fuse Fault
CHAngE OIL ............... Oil Change Required
CRUISE ..................... Cruise Control On
LoCOOL ........................ Low Coolant
LoWASH .................... LowW asher Fluid
NOTE: Some of the above warnings will be displayed in
the Compass Mini-Trip Computer / Electronic Vehicle
Information Center Display Area located in the instru-
ment cluster.
Refer to ”Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC)
Display— If Equipped” / ”Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) Display — If Equipped” for further
information.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 243

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.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL but do not increase engine idle
speed.
•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
•Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
408 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Brakes ............................ 458
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 461
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 464
▫ Cleaning The Instrument Panel Cupholders . . 469
 Fuses .............................. 470
▫ Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) . . . 470
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 479
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 479
 Bulb Replacement ..................... 480
▫ High Intensity Discharge Headlamps (HID)
— If Equipped ...................... 480
▫ Quad Headlamps .................... 481 ▫
Front Park/Turn Signal Lamp ........... 481
▫ Front Side Marker Lamp ............... 482
▫ Fog Lamp ......................... 482
▫ Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, Side Marker
And Backup Lamp ................... 482
▫ Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL) .......................... 484
▫ License Lamp ....................... 484
 Fluid Capacities ...................... 485
 Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ....... 486
▫ Engine ............................ 486
▫ Chassis ........................... 487
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.3/3.8L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter7 — Engine Oil Fill
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (3.3L Only) 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Battery 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Totally Integrated Power Module 11 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
6 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435

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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 461

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).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove the dipstick and note reading.
462 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 463

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPAR
ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPAR
DOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPAR
Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 487