2011 DODGE CARAVAN transmission

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 a collision.
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.
The six–speed transmission is 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.
492 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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.
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.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
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 the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 493
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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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 513
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•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
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
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut OFF. Checking the oil
level while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only
when the level is at or below the ADD, SAFE or MIN
mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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 the coolant reservoir, the
brake master cylinder, the power steering and the
transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 517
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56,000 Miles (91,000 km) or
42 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
56,000 miles (91 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
64,000 Miles (104,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
64,000 miles (104 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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S522 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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120,000 Miles (195,000 km) or
90 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
120,000 miles (195 000 km).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid
and filter(s).
❏ Replace the accessory drive belt(s).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
128,000 Miles (208,000 km) or 96 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
128,000 miles (208 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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S526 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Automatic TransaxleAdding Fluid ....................... 493
Fluid Level Check .................... 493
Selection Of Lubricant ..............492,513
Shifting ........................... 358
Special Additives ..................... 493
Automatic Transmission .............354,492,493
Adding Fluid ....................... 493
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 493
Fluid Change ....................... 493
Fluid Type ...................... 492,513
B-Pillar Location ........................ 382
Battery ............................... 478
Jump Starting ....................... 456
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 26
Saving Feature (Protection) .............. 171
Belts, Seat ............................. 102
Blind Spot Monitoring .................... 118 Body Mechanism Lubrication
............... 482
Brake Assist System ...................... 372
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 371
Brake Fluid ............................ 513
Brake System ........................... 489
Fluid Check ........................ 490
Parking ........................... 367
Warning Light ....................... 257
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 355
Brakes ............................... 489
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ....... 100
Bulb Replacement ....................... 507
Bulbs, Light ......................... 104,507
Calibration, Compass .................. 265,278
Camera, Rear ........................... 191
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 511
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 416
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Speedometer........................... 256
Starting ............................... 351
Automatic Transmission ................ 351
Cold Weather ....................... 352
Engine Fails to Start .................. 352
Remote ............................ 29
Starting and Operating .................... 351
Starting Procedures ...................... 351
Steering Power .......................... 365,366
Tilt Column ........................ 175
Wheel, Heated ...................... 176
Wheel, Tilt ......................... 175
Steering Wheel Audio Controls .............. 319
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls .............................. 319
Storage ............................ 217,506
Storage Bin ............................ 217
Storage, Vehicle ...................... 343,506Storing Your Vehicle
...................... 506
Stow \bn Go (Fold in Floor) Seats ............. 139
Sun Roof .............................. 204
Sunglasses Storage ....................... 194
Sunroof Maintenance ..................... 206
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag ........ 72
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 474
System, Remote Starting .................... 29
Tachometer ............................ 249
Telescoping Steering Column ............... 175
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 333
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......259,439
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 91
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 175
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 382
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 380
Tire Markings .......................... 377
Tire Safety Information .................... 377
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INDEX 555
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