mikewrite

2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE, 3.3L Flex Fuel engine.

Friend's van, and I'm a stick guy, so I don't know if P-R-N-D-3-L makes it a
3-spd or a 4-spd autobox. (Don't know if the reverse gear is counted in
auto trannies.)

She lost the owner's manual, and fuckin' Mopar won't let you download one
for free, unlike Ford. So I've been looking online to find out what tranny
fluid to use.

Seems you _can_ use ATF+4 in this model year. What I'm not sure is, do you
_have_ to? Cause if not, I'd rather buy ATF+3 for her fluid change, rather
than pay a premium for DC's stupid monopoly on ATF+4. The local dealer sez
use ATF+4, but I never trust dealers, and particularly not when they
recommend something only they can sell me.

I can't find a clear explanation anywhere of when Chrysler went to requiring
ATF+4, and when ATF+3 was still OK to use.

Tx.

cloakedrun2001

Well if you Google this newsgroup, you will find a HUGE debate about
various fluid types and additives.

However, if I recall correctly, the ATF+3 is for use in chysler
transmissoins built prior to 1996??? (or is that 1998??)

But anything after that (incl. 2000 model year) the specified fluid is
ATF+4.

hth

greg houston

Per TSB 21-16-99, the transition to ATF+4 (Chrsyler Spec 9602) at the factory
took place at the following dates and serial numbers for each body type:

**GS** **AFTER NOVEMBER 8, 1999 (MDH1108XX)**
JA AFTER SEPTEMBER 7, 1998 (MDH0907XX)
**JX** **AFTER MAY 21, 1999 (MDH0521XX)**
LH AFTER JULY 20, 1998 (MDH0720XX)
**NS** **AFTER OCTOBER 10, 1999 (MDH1010XX) WINDSOR ASSY PLANT**
**AFTER OCTOBER 18, 1999 (MDH1018XX) ST LOUIS ASSY PLANT**
11TH POSITION OF VIN - R = WINDSOR/B = ST LOUIS
**PL** **AFTER APRIL 24, 1999 (MDH0424XX)**
PR AFTER JULY 20, 1998 (MDH0720XX)

Another TSB specifies which earlier vehicles can/should be switched to ATF+4.
IIRC, it was all Chrysler vehicles except certain minivans, although that
exception may no longer be in effect.

jerry

This will tell you what you need to know.

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2001/21-006-01.htm

Jerry

daniel j. stern

Others have posted the links to the authoritative info.

But *SHE* would rather you use the correct fluid and saver her a ton of
grief and money down the line.

DS

greg houston

x-no-archive: yes

Penny Wise, Pound Foolish. Anything you save by using the wrong fluid will be a
false economy that you will likely pay many times over in repairs. Why not use
the proper fluid that Chrysler's engineers has determined is proper for your
transmission? ATF+4 isn't that expensive, everything considered.

jdoe

If you don't trust what the authority on the product sells than by all
means put dexron/mercon in it or better yet type f. That will make the
clutches grab real good. ;-)

trdstr2000

ATF+4 unless you want to lose a friend (and a transmission) in the near future.

jerry

If the vehicle came with ATF+3 and has never been changed over to ATF+4
then there is no reason not to use ATF+3 in the transmission. Once you
change over there is no going back. My truck (1999) was sold with ATF+3
in it and that is all I use. The thing Mike has to be sure about is
what is in the transmission right now.

Jerry

mikewrite

Um, the "authority on the product" has a monopoly on it and therefore has a
vested interest in selling it.

If you believe a given dealership is the real authority on how to repair a
vehicle and which parts to use, the dealer may love you, but you're being
naive. Many have come to expensive grief this way.

And thanks, I've done enough homework to know not to put anything but ATF+X
in these crappy Chrysler trannys.

Mike