Fluid - A/T: Service and Repair

FLUID AND FILTER CHANGE
When the factory fill fluid is changed, only fluids labeled MOPAR ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission fluid) Type 9602 should be used.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid and filter should be changed.

30,000 MILE TRANSAXLE OIL CHANGE
When a vehicle attains 30,000 miles on its odometer it is recommended that the transaxle oil be changed. To change the oil, use the procedure that follows:
It is recommended that a transaxle fluid exchanger (ATF 2000+ or equivalent) be used to replace the used fluid in the transaxle. If a fluid exchanger is not available use a fluid suction pump (Vacula or equivalent) to draw the fluid out of the dipstick tube. If a fluid suction pump is not available remove the oil pan and drain the fluid.

CAUTION: Chrysler Corporation does not recommend using any fluid exchanger that introduces additives into the transaxle.

TRANSAXLE FLUID EXCHANGER METHOD
1. To perform the transaxle fluid exchange, the transaxle must be at operating temperature. Drive the vehicle till it reaches full operating temperature.
2. Verify that the fill tank on the transaxle fluid exchanger (ATF 2000+ or equivalent) is clean and dry.
3. Fill the tank to the recommended fill capacity with MOPAR ATF+4 Type 9602.
4. Hookup the vehicle to the machine following the manufacturers instructions. Perform the exchange procedure following the instructions provided with the machine.
5. Once machine has completed the fluid exchange. Check the fluid level and condition and fill to proper level with MOPAR ATF+4 Type 9602.

NOTE: Verity that the transaxle cooler lines are tightened to proper specifications. Cooler line torque specification is 2 Nm (18 inch lbs.).

DIPSTICK TUBE FLUID SUCTION METHOD
1. When performing the fluid suction method, make sure the transaxle is at full operating temperature.
2. To perform the dipstick tube fluid suction method, use a suitable fluid suction device (Vacula or equivalent).
3. Insert the fluid suction line into the dipstick tube.

NOTE: Verify that the suction line is inserted to the lowest point of the transaxle oil pan. This will ensure complete evacuation of the fluid in the pan.

4. Follow the manufacturers recommended procedure and evacuate the fluid from the transaxle.
5. Remove the suction line from the dipstick tube.
6. Add 4 Quarts of MOPAR ATF+4 Type 9602 transaxle fluid.
7. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a minimum of one minute. With the parking brake applied, press your foot on the service brake and cycle the transaxle from park to all gear positions ending in neutral or park.
8. Check the transaxle fluid level and add an appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level to 3 mm (1/8 inch) below the ADD mark on the dipstick.
9. Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is at normal operating temperature. The level should be in the HOT range.

TRANSAXLE OIL PAN DROP METHOD
This procedure involves removing the transaxle oil pan to drain the transaxle fluid.
1. Bring the vehicle up to normal operating temperature. Drive the vehicle a minimum of 10 miles.
2. Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
3. Loosen the transaxle oil pan and drain the fluid into a suitable container.
4. Remove the pan and clean all sealant from the pan and transaxle mating surfaces. Clean the magnet and the inside of the pan.
5. Apply a 1/8 inch bead of MOPAR RTV Sealant to the mounting flange of the transaxle oil pan. Apply RTV Sealant to the underside of the attaching bolts. Attach the oil pan to the transaxle. Tighten the bolts to 19 Nm (165 inch lbs.).
6. Lower the vehicle and add 4 Quarts of MOPAR ATF+4 Type 9602 transaxle fluid.
7. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a minimum of one minute. With the parking brake applied, press your foot on the service brake and cycle the transaxle from park to all gear positions ending in neutral or park.
8. Check the transaxle fluid level and add an appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level to 3 mm (1/8 inch) below the ADD mark on the dipstick.
9. Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is at normal operating temperature. The level should be in the HOT range. Drive the vehicle a minimum of 10 miles.
10. Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
11. Check for leaks around the transaxle oil pan sealing surfaces.
12. Recheck the fluid level. The level should be in the HOT range.

SEVERE USAGE SERVICE
If the vehicle exhibits any of the following symptoms, it is recommended that the transaxle oil and filter be replaced.
- Transaxle oil discolored
- Transaxle oil has high mileage
- Oil feels grimy when rubbed between fingertips
- Poor shift quality
- Delayed gear engagement
- Vehicle shudder between shifts

TRANSAXLE OIL AND FILTER REPLACEMENT
This procedure involves changing the transaxle fluid and filter, driving the vehicle for 10 miles and changing the transaxle fluid a second time.
1. Bring the vehicle up to normal operating temperature. Drive the vehicle a minimum of 10 miles.
2. Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
3. Loosen the transaxle oil pan and drain the fluid into a suitable container.
4. Remove the pan and clean all sealant from the pan and transaxle mating surfaces. Clean the magnet and the inside of the pan.
5. Separate the filter and O-ring from the valve body. Inspect the O-ring for cuts or improper installation. This could lead to delayed garage shifts.
6. Install a new filter. Replace the O-ring as necessary.
7. Apply a 1/8 inch bead of MOPAR RTV Sealant to the mounting flange of the transaxle oil pan. Apply RTV Sealant to the underside of the attaching bolts. Attach the oil pan to the transaxle. Tighten the bolts to 19 Nm (165 inch lbs.).
8. Lower the vehicle and add 4 Quarts of MOPAR ATF+4 Type 9602 transaxle fluid.
9. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a minimum of one minute. With the parking brake applied, press your foot on the service brake and cycle the transaxle from park to all gear positions ending in neutral or park.
10. Check the transaxle fluid level and add an appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level to 3 mm (1/8 inch) below the ADD mark on the dipstick.
11. Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is at normal operating temperature. The level should be in the HOT range. Drive the vehicle a minimum of 10 miles.
12. Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
13. Remove the pan and clean all sealant from the pan and transaxle mating surfaces. Clean the magnet and the inside of the pan.
14. Separate the filter from the valve body to allow additional fluid to drain from the transaxle. Inspect the filter O-ring for any damage and replace as necessary.
15. After the transaxle has stopped draining, reinstall the filter and O-ring.
16. Apply a 1/8 inch bead of MOPAR RTV Sealant to the mounting flange of the transaxle oil pan. Apply RTV Sealant to the underside of the attaching bolts. Attach the oil pan to the transaxle. Tighten the bolts to 19 Nm (165 inch lbs.).
17. Lower the vehicle and add 4 Quarts of MOPAR ATF+4 Type 9602 transaxle fluid.
18. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a minimum of one minute. With the parking brake applied, press your foot on the service brake and cycle the transaxle from park to all gear positions ending in neutral or park.
19. Check the transaxle fluid level and add an appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level to 3 mm (1/8 inch) below the ADD mark on the dipstick.
20. Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is at normal operating temperature. The level should be in the HOT range.

FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL
1. Raise vehicle on a hoist. Place a drain container, with a large opening, under transaxle 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 gasket on bottom of the valve body and tighten retaining screws to 5 Nm (40 inch-pounds).
4. Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan using new sealant. Tighten oil pan bolts to 19 Nm (165 inch lbs.).
5. Pour four quarts of MOPAR ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) type 9602 into the transaxle filler tube.
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. Add sufficient fluid to bring level to 1/8 inch below the ADD mark.
8. Recheck fluid level after transaxle is at normal operating temperature. The level should be in the HOT region.