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Fluid - A/T

Transmission and Drivetrain › Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
Unified entry — merged from multiple cross-listed pages in the original manual.

Labor

Replace0.6 hr
Warranty 0.0 hrSkill C
To Change Filter, Add0.1 hr
Warranty 0.0 hrSkill C
Procedures
Capacity Specificationsreference
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID CAPACITY NAG1 Transmission Service Fill 5.0 L (5.3 quarts) Overhaul Fill * 7.7 L (8.1 quarts) 42RLE Transmission Service Fill 3.8 L (4.0 quarts) Overhaul Fill * 8.3 L (8.8 quarts) *Dry fill capacity depending on type and size of internal cooler, length and inside diameter of cooler lines, or use of an auxiliary cooler, these figures may vary.
Transmission Fill9 steps
ℹ NOTE
On vehicles without a dipstick, use (9336A) to properly check fluid level.
△ CAUTION
Do not overfill transmission, fluid foaming and shifting problems can result.
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
  1. Remove plug or dipstick and insert clean funnel in transmission fill tube.
  2. Add following initial quantity of Mopar(R) ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid, to transmission: a.If only fluid and filter were changed, add 6 pints (3 quarts) of ATF +4 to transmission. b.If transmission was completely overhauled, or torque converter was replaced or drained, add 10 pints (5 quarts) of ATF +4 to transmission.
  3. Apply parking brakes.
  4. Start and run engine at normal curb idle speed.
  5. Apply service brakes, shift transmission through all gear ranges then back to NEUTRAL, set parking brake, and leave engine running at curb idle speed.
  6. Remove funnel, insert dipstick and check fluid level. If level is low, add fluid to bring level to MIN mark on dipstick. Check to see if the oil level is equal on both sides of the dipstick. If one side is noticeably higher than the other, the dipstick has picked up some oil from the dipstick tube. Allow the oil to drain down the dipstick tube and re-check.
  7. Drive vehicle until transmission fluid is at normal operating temperature.
  8. With the engine running at curb idle speed, the gear selector in NEUTRAL, and the parking brake applied, check the transmission fluid level.
  9. Add fluid to bring level up to MAX arrow mark. When fluid level is correct, shut engine off, release park brake, remove funnel, and install plug or dipstick in fill tube.
Fluid/Filter Service9 steps
ℹ NOTE
Only fluids of the type labeled Mopar(R) ATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid, should be used in the transmission sump. A filter change should be made at the time of the transmission oil change. The magnet (on the inside of the oil pan) should also be cleaned with a clean, dry cloth.
ℹ NOTE
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the fluid and filter should be changed.
ℹ NOTE
One of the oil pan bolts (5) has a sealing patch applied from the factory. Separate this bolt for reuse.
ℹ NOTE
Before installing the oil pan bolt (5) in the bolt hole located between the torque converter clutch on and U/D clutch pressure tap circuits(Figure 1)
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
  1. Raise vehicle on a hoist. Place a drain container with a large opening, under transmission oil pan.
  2. Loosen pan bolts and tap the pan at one corner to break it loose allowing fluid to drain, then remove the oil pan.
  3. Install a new filter and o-ring on bottom of the valve body and tighten retaining screws to 5 Nm (45 in. lbs.). , it will be necessary to replenish the sealing patch on the bolt using Mopar(R) Lock AND Seal Adhesive.
  4. Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan using new Mopar(R) Silicone Adhesive sealant. Tighten oil pan bolts to 20 Nm (14.5 ft. lbs.).
  5. Pour four quarts of Mopar(R) ATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid, through the dipstick opening.
  6. Start engine and allow to idle for at least one minute. Then, with parking and service brakes applied, move selector lever momentarily to each position, ending in the park or neutral position.
  7. Check the transmission fluid level and add an appropriate amount to bring the transmission fluid level to 3mm (1/8 in.) below the lowest mark on the dipstick.
  8. Recheck the fluid level after the transmission has reached normal operating temperature, 82° C (180°F).
  9. To prevent dirt from entering transmission, make certain that dipstick is fully seated into the dipstick opening.
Check Oil Level9 steps
⚠ WARNING
There is a risk of accident from vehicle starting off by itself when engine running. There is a risk of injury from contusions and burns if you insert your hands into the engine when it is started or when it is running. Secure vehicle to prevent it from moving off by itself. Wear properly fastened and close-fitting work clothes. Do not touch hot or rotating parts.
ℹ NOTE
The dipstick protrudes from the fill tube when installed.
ℹ NOTE
The true transmission oil temperature can only be read by a scan tool in Reverse or any forward gear position.
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
  1. Verify that the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
  2. Remove the dipstick tube cap.
  3. Actuate the service brake. Start engine and let it run at idle speed in selector lever position "P".
  4. Shift through the transmission modes several times with the vehicle stationary and the engine idling
  5. Warm up the transmission, wait at least 2 minutes and check the oil level with the engine running. Push the Oil Dipstick into transmission fill tube until the dipstick tip contacts the oil pan and pull out again, read off oil level, repeat if necessary.
  6. Check transmission oil temperature using the appropriate scan tool.
  7. The transmission Oil Dipstick has indicator marks every 10mm. Determine the height of the oil level on the dipstick and using the height, the transmission temperature, and the Transmission Fluid Graph, determine if the transmission oil level is correct.
  8. Add or remove oil as necessary and recheck the oil level.
  9. Once the oil level is correct, install the dipstick tube cap.
Causes of Burnt Fluid2 steps
  1. A result of restricted fluid flow through the main and auxiliary cooler. This condition is usually the result of a damaged main cooler, or severe restrictions in the coolers and lines caused by debris or kinked lines.
  2. Heavy duty operation with a vehicle not properly equipped for this type of operation. Trailer towing or similar high load operation will overheat the transmission fluid if the vehicle is improperly equipped. Such vehicles should have an auxiliary transmission fluid cooler, a heavy duty cooling system, and the engine/axle ratio combination needed to handle heavy loads.
Fluid Contaminationreference
FLUID CONTAMINATION Transmission fluid contamination is generally a result of: -adding incorrect fluid. -failure to clean dipstick and fill tube when checking level. -engine coolant entering the fluid. -internal failure that generates debris. -overheat that generates sludge (fluid breakdown). -failure to replace contaminated converter after repair. The use of non-recommended fluids can result in transmission failure. The usual results are erratic shifts, slippage, abnormal wear and eventual failure due to fluid breakdown and sludge formation. Avoid this condition by using recommended fluids only. The dipstick cap and fill tube should be wiped clean before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease and other foreign material on the cap and tube could fall into the tube if not removed beforehand. Take the time to wipe the cap and tube clean before withdrawing the dipstick. Engine coolant in the transmission fluid is generally caused by a cooler malfunction. The only remedy is to replace the radiator as the cooler in the radiator is not a serviceable part. If coolant has circulated through the transmission, an overhaul is necessary. The torque converter should be replaced whenever a failure generates sludge and debris. This is necessary because normal converter flushing procedures will not remove all contaminants.
Fluid - A/T: Description and Operationreference
ℹ NOTE
Refer to Service Procedures fluid level checking procedures.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID Mopar(R) ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid is the recommended fluid for Chrysler automatic transmissions. Dexron II fluid IS NOT recommended. Clutch chatter can result from the use of improper fluid. Mopar(R) ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look darker in color and may eventually become brown. This is normal. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Consequently, odor and color cannot be used to indicate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid change. FLUID ADDITIVES Chrysler strongly recommends against the addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than those automatic transmission fluids listed above. Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. Various "special" additives and supplements exist that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These additives and others also claim to improve converter clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation, varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been supported to the satisfaction of Chrysler and these additives must not be used. The use of transmission "sealers" should also be avoided, since they may adversely affect the integrity of transmission seals.
Maintenance - Chrysler Systems That Do NOT Require Flushingreference
NUMBER: 26-004-12 GROUP: Miscellaneous DATE: June 06, 2012 SUBJECT: Fluid Flushing Requirements MODELS: 2011 - 2012(D2)Ram Truck (3500 Pick Up) 2011 - 2012(DD)Ram Truck (3500 Chassis Cab) 2011 - 2012(DJ)Ram Truck (2500 Pick Up) 2011 - 2012(DP)Ram Truck (4500 / 5500 Chassis Cab) 2011 - 2012(DS)Ram Truck (1500) 2012(FF)Fiat 500 2011 - 2012(JC)Journey 2011 - 2012(JK)Wrangler 2011 - 2012(JS)Avenger/200 2011 - 2012(KK)Liberty 2011(KA)Nitro 2011 - 2012(LC)Challenger 2011 - 2012(LD)Charger 2011 - 2012(LX)300 2011 - 2012(MK)Compass/Patriot 2011(ND)Dakota 2013(PF)Dart 2011 - 2012(PM)Caliber 2011 - 2012(RT)Town & Country/Grand Caravan 2011 - 2012(WD)Durango 2011 - 2012(WK)Grand Cherokee DISCUSSION: Chrysler Group vehicle fluid systems do NOT require regular flushing. These systems include: engine oil, transmission oil, axle lube, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and refrigerant. The only exceptions to this requirement are published in the vehicle maintenance schedules, e.g. engine coolant. Exceptions to this recommendation include only those instances where a malfunction has occurred and/or the system has become compromised, contaminated or overheated beyond the normal operating range. Chrysler Group does NOT recommend aftermarket chemicals to flush the engine, transmission, brake or steering systems. Chemicals contained in these products can damage the system elastomeric components, and contaminate the component fluid, leading to loss of system/component durability and service life. When necessary, only the original approved system fluid should be used to flush these components using team PSE approved equipment. If the engine coolant contains a considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with Mopar Cooling System Flush, p/n 04856977, or equivalent. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Refill with a minimum of a 50% mixture of the specified coolant and distilled water. POLICY: Information Only Disclaimer: This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.