2015 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN automatic transmission fluid

DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control (refer to#Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Operation#in this section for further information)
to select a lower gear range. Under these conditions,
using a lower gear range will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid
is warm (refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” in this section). During extremely cold tempera-
tures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be
limited to third gear only. Normal operation will resume
once the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable
level.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 471

Transmission Gear Position
Display123456D
Actual Gear(s) Allowed 1 1–2 1–3 1–4 1–5 1–6 1–6
NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), tap the shift lever to the
left (-) repeatedly as the vehicle slows. The transmission
will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be
slowed down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into Overdrive if the following con-
ditions are present:
•The shift lever is in the DRIVE position.
•The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature.
•The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
•The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
•The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
474 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE gear can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, use the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control to select a
lower gear range.
NOTE:Using a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the trans-
mission fluid and filter as specified for “police, taxi, fleet,
or frequent trailer towing.” Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
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.
556 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used
in any transmission; only the approved lubricant should
be used.
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, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
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 for diagnosing fluid
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 633

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic TransmissionUse Only ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid. Fail-
ure to use ATF+4® fluid may affect the function or
performance of your transmission. We recommend
MOPAR® ATF+4® Fluid.
Brake Master CylinderWe recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 3. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering ReservoirWe recommend you use MOPAR® Power Steering Fluid
+4, MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 659

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,00080,00090,000100,000110,000120,000130,000140,000150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,00048,00064,00080,00096,000112,000128,000144,000160,000176,000192,000208,000224,000240,000
Change automatic transmissionfluid and filter if using your ve-hicle for any of the following: po-lice, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailertowing.
X
Change automatic transmissionfluid and filter.X
Inspect and replace PCV valve ifnecessary.X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
666 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Anti-Lock Warning Light....................314
Appearance Care.........................635
Ashtray................................278
Assistance Towing.........................162
Assist, Hill Start..........................492
Auto Down Power Windows..................41
Automatic Dimming Mirror..................134
Automatic Door Locks......................38
Automatic Headlights......................223
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........440
Automatic Transmission....................462
Adding Fluid..........................634
Fluid and Filter Changes..................634
Fluid Change..........................634
Fluid Level Check.......................634
Fluid Type............................633
Gear Ranges...........................467
Special Additives.......................633
Torque Converter.......................474
Auto Up Power Windows....................42
Battery.................................618
Jump Starting..........................594
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........28
Saving Feature (Protection)................229
Belts, Seat...............................122
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................622
B-Pillar Location..........................502
Brake Assist System.......................487
Brake Control System, Electronic..............483
Brake Fluid.............................659
Brake System............................482
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................482
Fluid Check...........................631
Parking..............................480
Warning Light.........................320
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................464
BulbReplacement.........................65210
INDEX 681

Flashers
Hazard Warning........................561
Turn Signal...........................125
Flash-To-Pass............................229
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range.........................539
Engine Oil............................538
Fuel Requirements......................536
Maintenance...........................539
Replacement Parts.......................539
Starting..............................539
Flooded Engine Starting....................460
Floor Console............................286
Fluid Capacities..........................656
Fluid Leaks.............................125
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission..................634
Brake................................631
Cooling System.........................624
Power Steering.........................479
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts...........657
Fog Lights..............................225
Fog Light Service.........................653
Fold in Floor (Stow(n Go) Seating.............198
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.....................598
Fuel...................................531
Adding..............................540
Additives.............................534
Clean Air.............................532
Conserving............................336
Economy Mode........................465
Ethanol..............................532
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).....................318
Filler Door (Gas Cap)....................318
Gasoline..............................531
Gauge...............................318
Light................................322
MaterialsAdded........................534
686 INDEX