Trans fluid and dipstick

[Akaial]

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

[jgiurleo]

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.

[2002CaravanSE]

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.

[redwein]

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.

[2002CaravanSE]

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...

[jgiurleo]

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.

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.

[Kscha41]

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.

[Gumby]

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.

[2002CaravanSE]

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.

[Jeepman]

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).