2016 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 toElectronic 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.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 477

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.
NOTE: The torque converter clutch will not engage until
the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control,
when the transmission is sufficiently warm, will demon-
strate that the transmission is able to shift into and out of
Overdrive.
480 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 range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, 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.
560 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 manufactur-
er’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 Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
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
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
638 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Use Only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure
to use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or perfor-
mance of your transmission. We recommend MOPAR
ATF+4 Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR DOT 3. If DOT 3 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR Power Steering Fluid
+4, MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 663

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter if using your ve-
hicle for any of the following: po-
lice, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing. XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
670 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Anti-Lock Warning Light....................331
Appearance Care ........................ .640
Ashtray ............................... .276
Assistance Towing ........................ .160
Assist, Hill Start ......................... .492
Auto Down Power Windows ..................41
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................132
Automatic Door Locks ......................37
Automatic Headlights ..................... .223
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........448
Automatic Transmission ..............468, 638, 639
Adding Fluid ......................... .639
Fluid And Filter Changes ..................639
Fluid Change ......................... .639
Fluid Level Check ...................... .639
Fluid Type ........................ .638, 663
Gear Ranges .......................... .473
Special Additives ...................... .638
Torque Converter ...................... .480Auto Up Power Windows
....................41
Battery ............................ .319, 624
Charging System Light ...................319
Jump Starting ......................... .600
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........28
Saving Feature (Protection) ................229
Belts, Seat .............................. .120
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................627
B-Pillar Location ......................... .507
Brake Assist System ...................... .491
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............488
Brake Fluid ............................ .663
Brake System ........................ .488, 635
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .488
Fluid Check .......................... .636
Parking ............................. .485
Warning Light ........................ .317
Brake/T
ransmission Interlock .................470
10
INDEX 685

Exterior Lights....................... .122, 655
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .621
Air Conditioning ....................459, 626
Engine Oil ........................ .621, 661
Engine Oil Disposal .....................621
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... .567
Turn Signal ..................122, 335, 657, 658
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .229
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .543
Engine Oil ........................... .542
Fuel Requirements ...................540, 541
Maintenance .......................... .543
Replacement Parts ...................... .543
Starting ............................. .542
Flooded Engine Starting ....................466 Floor Console
........................... .283
Fluid Capacities ......................... .660
Fluid Leaks ............................ .123
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................639
Brake ............................... .636
Cooling System ........................ .630
Power Steering ........................ .484
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........661
Fog Lights .......................... .225, 658
Fog Light Service ........................ .658
Fold in Floor (Stow N Go) Seating.............197
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................605
Fuel .................................. .536
Adding ............................. .543
Additives ............................ .538
Clean Air ............................ .536
Conserving ........................... .346
Economy

Mode ....................... .471
690 INDEX