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Trans fluid and dipstick

123K views 68 replies 26 participants last post by  andyg 
#1 ·
Does anybody know the secret to check the 6 speed trans on a 2008 Dodge CV
with 3.8 litre engine it does not have a dipstick. The book just tells you to take it to the dealer also what type of fluid does it use?.

Thanks in advance.









2008 Dodge Caravan :ThumbsUp:
 
#2 ·
The owners manual says:


All six–speed transaxles 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.
Hmm. I wonder what the secret is all about? Why not just use a dipstick? Great question, Akaial.
 
#4 ·
Hmm. I wonder what the secret is all about? Why not just use a dipstick? Great question, Akaial.
I wouldn't think it's a secret. It's just not user serviceable. Remember when you used to have to check fluid level in batteries as well? A properly functioning transmission should not consume fluid and should not need regular monitoring/topping off in the same way that oil would. Add to that the fact that it is typically more complicated than checking oil (e.g. need to warm up car, leave engine running, etc.), and it seems better to leave it to the mechanics.
 
#3 ·
Foreign cars have had sealed transmissions for years.Audi is one.Fluid has to be pumped out,and pumped in by special Audi machinery.They set it for the amount it holds.Trannys are not DIY maintenance anymore.Now just imagine if all these car makers go under,lots of late model non serviceable vehicles in the scrapyards while the old vehicles (pre electronic,non tampering crap) will keep on keeping on.
 
#6 ·
I'm not going to get too paranoid over the transmission fluid... especially with a lifetime warranty. However, if Chrysler does go under, then I think I'm a service manual away from figuring it out.

And as long as there are no leaks, changing fluid would be a matter of measuring how much came out and putting that much back in.
 
#5 ·
This way Dexron III doesnt see its way in like in the late 80s....
A Dipstick wouldnt even be needed if they offered the diesel/manual trans option other countries have gotten for years now.If Chrysler could rush that combo to production here,wouldnt that impress the Obama people....the only car company in America that sells a diesel/manual minivan...imagine the veggie oil they could consume...
 
#7 ·
Sounds pretty stupid to me. Yes trannys arn't surpose to consume tranny oil but some might down the road or maybe it has a defect in it and it is. How are you surpose to tell. Take it to the dealer to have it checked every time you want to check it out. Sounds like just another way for the dealer to make money. Also good thing they got lifetime warrentys on them.
 
#8 ·
Well, us Canadians don't have the lifetime warranty dealy. I leased anyway so no biggie for me. But maybe for those that have the EVIC, it may provide an "early warning" caution that something is happening... ie: lower fluid or pressure or something.
 
#9 ·
Take this as a head up:Back when emission controls were being federally mandated and they were being added on in growing amounts(mid 1970s),the feds discussed a tamper resistant engine compartment.Either welding the hood shut,covering the engine in a non removeable cover,or making the hood only open with a special key dealers only possessed.This in theory was to make the emission devices tamper proof,and as a side benefit,make the engines non serviceable and replaceable only in their entirety (a new engine will pollute less than one with 90K miles).Only some common sense and some lobbying saved this from being a law.When car companies make devices non user friendly,its done for one reason (maybe 2)......to preserve their dealer service bays future (and maybe to also keep the car "pure" without unskilled maintenance being done to them and invoking warranty work).The dealer can also brag at sales time that the vehicle is maintenance free for 100K miles.
 
#10 ·
My guess is that these are what's referred to as "sealed" transmissions. I beleve Honda has had them for some time as well.
I heard from a "non flush" transmission shop about a power flush being done on one. Wasn't pretty, the company that did the flush, a national company, was out some thousands of $ for severely messing up the transmission. That's the way the story goes.
"Hands off" is the word(s).
 
#11 ·
My wifes 04 Malibu has a sealed Transmission as well. It has a plug in the side that you can take out to check the fluid level apparantly.
Hank
 
#12 ·
Some "sealed" transmissions have areas that are just plugged off that you can still install a dipstick into.. but if you can't change the filter, why bother checking the fluid?

Seriously, the only reason you're going to check the fluid is to find out if it's bad and needs to be changed, right? But you can't change the filter anyway, so why would you bother changing the fluid? If you can't change it, or service the tranny, why bother checking it? It's just one more thing that you have to inconvenience yourself with when you think about maintenance on your vehicle.

Many auto manufacturers are suggesting that transmissions be left to use the same oil for the life of the vehicle, except in cases where they're used severely. In those cases, the vehicles are often under lease anyway, and subject to dealer-only maintenance already, making it a null point as to whether it's user serviceable or not.

There really is no reason to check the fluid in a CVT transmission, nor is there any reason to check it if you're not leaking it in most modern transmissions. If you're leaking fluid, the only reason to check is to replace what's come out AFTER you've repaired the leak.
 
#13 ·
Who says you can't change the filter? Just because you don't have a dipstick doesn't mean you cannot change a filter. You can measure the fluid that drains out, change the filter, put in the equivalent amount of fluid, put the plug back in. :biggrin:

Check a couple of manuals and you'll find out how much it takes. Ask some naive questions at the dealership and you may also get the information you need.
 
#20 ·
If i recall on the 3.8 there is a pipe under the hood which i believe comes from the transmission with a cap on it which says i believe do not remove dealer use only. This is where i would think the tranny fluid gets added any thoughts? i don't have the vehicle with me now but i do remember seeing this.
 
#22 ·
You are correct. That cap is where the dealer inserts their scan dipstick tool . You can add some fluid there, however, without knowing how low the fluid is, how do you know how much to add?
 
#24 ·
without a dipstick, how do you know how much is "the appropriate amount?" If you are draining and refilling, there's some fluid that doesn't get drained. So drain, measure, and refill with the same amount you drained, right? but what if there's a leak?

Give me a dipstick anyday. I may not use it, but it's nice to know it's there, especially if I find transmission fluid on the outside of the pan, or on my garage floor.
 
#25 ·
Well if there does happen to be a leak under your 5th gen, I would call up the dealership and demand they have it towed back for repair, cost free of course because it's warranty work, because if it's leaking and there's no dipstick for me to tell if it's dangerously low, then I would refuse to drive it to them. No dipstick would drive me crazy, I'm OCD about my fluid levels and check them frequently.
 
#26 ·
I'm with you on the dipstick idea! Believe me I was born and raised in Ireland and drove standard transmission cars from 16 until I left in 2001. I never had a problem with a transmission in Ireland at all with any of the cars I owned.
I come to Canada and I have actually replaced 3 auto transmissions so far!
On all the cars in Canada the dipstick is the only way to try to prevent the auto trans from dying as they all develop leaks from somewhere. I check the dip sticks every month and if I see a change from the norm I jack the car up and find out why!
 
#28 ·
The dealer does use a dipstick (special tool!) to check fluid level. Scan tool is used to check transmission temperature to know proper level of fluid on the "special tool". A load of BS in my opinion. I will be looking into fabricating a usable dipstick myself.

Audis are another matter. Those are checked and filled from the bottom. Daughter has one of those unserviceable things.
 
#29 ·
If your worried about your transmission fluid level, call your dealer and schedule an appointment to check your transmission fluid level. They'll do it.

We have some customers that request a level check at every oil change. No problem.

Also I'm surprised some company has not came up with a dipstick to put in the tube that the transmission has. I can't imagine someone has not... I'm sure it is on the drawing board somewhere... if not already available.
 
#31 ·
This thing must have a golden vein running through it, but it's for the 62te tranny.

http://www.usatoolwarehouse.com/usatoolwarehouse/OTC-MLR-9336A.html

People that are mechanically inclined would probably like to have once if they plan on keeping their vans for any length of time. All tranny fluid wears out since it is put under some harsh conditions. I have looked up a transmission filter number online and even though I haven't changed mine yet I'm curious how easy it is to change.
 
#32 ·
I've just cut a 604 dipstick to length. The rubber seal and top on it fit the 6 speed dipstick tube perfectly. Someone will start selling these for a lot less than $50, but I've got mine already. I'm leaving mine in the shop as a special tool as I don't need to have a dealer seeing it if the car ever has to go to a dealer, which is fairly unlikely anyway.
 
#33 ·
I've said that all along. Someone will come up with the dipstick for the transmission.
 
#34 ·
I have a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with the 3.8 L and 6 speed auto. I wonder, does the fluid need to be changed before the "recommended" interval? My van has 62,000 km (40,000 mi) on it. I bought it used, so I have no idea if the van was abused. My past experience with other vehicles has shown me to change the tranny fluid and filter around this mileage. This being my first experience with the 6 speed auto, I'm not sure if this is needed. Any thoughts on this matter? Also my van shifts hard at times, is this normal with this transmission, or is it a sign of a future problem?
 
#35 ·
The recommended interval for changing the fluid is still 60K mi. I usually do it more often, around every 40K mi. That is up to you.

Also there are a few software updates avaliable for some 08 vans with the 6 speed. We've put updates in at work and got rid of the harsh shift. Run it by the dealer and have them check for software updates. I had the software updated in my 07 for a partial torque converter lock-up and it took care of my problem. :thumb:
 
#37 ·
I would tend to change fluid at about 30K or less. My experience with the 604 is that they are VERY sensitive to fluid condition. Iv'e been changing ours at 15K or less for years and we have seen them run far longer than most people have. Since the 6 speed is a similar basic design (all clutch, no band, all electronic control) I suspect is may be sensitive to fluid as well. Fluid is cheap, transmissions are very expensive.
 
#38 ·
Another question please, while we are on the topic of fluids. What is the correct type of transmission fluid to use? I have heard it is ATF-4. Also when would it be good to change the coolant? I have had some strange experiences with Dexcool that I don't want to repeat. While we are at it, what type of coolant does the 3.8 use? It looks red in color, any suggestions?
 
#39 ·
ATF+4 is the correct fluid to use. I believe the coolant is called xerex or something. You can find it on the label of coolants stating that it is for late model Chryslers. The colors are not always the same but if it says it is compatible it is fine.
 
#43 ·
Has anyone taken the pan off of a 62te and changed the filter...if there is one and accessible by a normal human?
I watched as they did one at work. Its as straight forward as the fluid/filter change on a 41TE.
 
#42 ·
I think all they are trying to do is keep the average Joe form overfilling the transmission because he hasn't allowed the fluid to get hot enough to check. I imagine the transmission shops have dip sticks. Here's a couple of opinions from other sites:
I think they are doing this to try to cut down on problems. According to my service manager whom I know well, they have seen a big uptick in trans problems since these quick lubes started selling transmission flush's. The quick lube part time oil jockey sells a the flush to some lady, her trans fails a week later and she is back at the dealer for warranty.
I can tell you why they don't have dipsticks: because everyone always over-fills them. If you don't have a leak you won't need to add.
Leaving a dip stick in the tube might not be operationally wise either.
 
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