96 Town & Country tranny fluid issues

Thanks for the follow-ups. I did read something on ALLPAR.com about
syphoning out the tranny fluid by shoving a plastic tube down the
dip-stick tube. I will try to drain that way first then pull the pan
(less mess). I would rather be safe than sorry.

When they showed me the fluid level last night, it was on the bottom of
the stick on the "warm" level- only should have been at the hot by that
point. The guy asked me if I wanted him to add some of the stuff from the
machine (I assume it is the Dextron 3 they just pulled out)- Uh no thanks!
I figured I was at least a quart low and would pick up some fluid after
work today. My wife said on her way to droping the kids off at her
parents before her work, it was slipping again (put in drive and wont go
anywhere until 4k RPM). She left the car at her parents (2 miles from our
house) and I had her dad check the level. He said it was at the bottom of
the dipstick (I guess I was low on my estimations). I suspect it will be
ok when I add to the correct level... if it isn't.. the quick lube just
bought me a new trans rebuild!

I'll probably change the filter this weekend and just add for now.
Autozone filter: $10.00. Dealer says pan gasget is RTV sealant. Anything
else I should know? Any ATF +3 brand better than others? I read on
Allpar.com that ATF+4 may not be ok due to seal failure.

I'll probably change the filter this weekend and just add for now.
Autozone filter: $10.00. Dealer says pan gasget is RTV sealant. Anything
else I should know? Any ATF +3 brand better than others? I read on
Allpar.com that ATF+4 may not be ok due to seal failure.

+4 is fine. Won't cause seal failure. There is a multi use coated steel
gasket ask your dealer to look it up. NOt cheap but easier than silicone.
Basically +3 should be +3 too.
Larry
"99trooper" > wrote in message
lkaboutautos.com...
> I'll probably change the filter this weekend and just add for now.
> Autozone filter: $10.00. Dealer says pan gasget is RTV sealant. Anything
> else I should know? Any ATF +3 brand better than others? I read on
> Allpar.com that ATF+4 may not be ok due to seal failure.
>

+4 is fine. Won't cause seal failure. There is a multi use coated steel
gasket ask your dealer to look it up. NOt cheap but easier than silicone.
Basically +3 should be +3 too.
Larry
"99trooper" > wrote in message
lkaboutautos.com...
> I'll probably change the filter this weekend and just add for now.
> Autozone filter: $10.00. Dealer says pan gasget is RTV sealant. Anything
> else I should know? Any ATF +3 brand better than others? I read on
> Allpar.com that ATF+4 may not be ok due to seal failure.
>

Dropping the pan isn't that bad even with it full. Just get a large basin
to put under it. If you break the RTV seal at the rear first you can let it
drip out with some control. The angle of the pan on the Caravan makes it a
little easier to get at and less messy that the other models. Invest in the
re-useable gasket from the dealer. I've bought three so far for my various
Chryslers and all have gone on well and none have leaked (torque settings
for the pan bolts is 165 in pounds IIRC and remember to snug them up first
and then torque each alternating across the pan as you go). Breaking the
seal, followed by scraping off the RTV were probably the worst parts of the
whole job.

Hope that the slipping is the remaining fluid or low level. I've used
Quaker State and IIRC, Valvoline ATF+3 in the past. Both worked fine and I
had no problems, but in the recent past and going forward all I use is the
ATF+4.

Bob
"99trooper" > wrote in message
lkaboutautos.com...
> I'll probably change the filter this weekend and just add for now.
> Autozone filter: $10.00. Dealer says pan gasget is RTV sealant. Anything
> else I should know? Any ATF +3 brand better than others? I read on
> Allpar.com that ATF+4 may not be ok due to seal failure.
>

Dropping the pan isn't that bad even with it full. Just get a large basin
to put under it. If you break the RTV seal at the rear first you can let it
drip out with some control. The angle of the pan on the Caravan makes it a
little easier to get at and less messy that the other models. Invest in the
re-useable gasket from the dealer. I've bought three so far for my various
Chryslers and all have gone on well and none have leaked (torque settings
for the pan bolts is 165 in pounds IIRC and remember to snug them up first
and then torque each alternating across the pan as you go). Breaking the
seal, followed by scraping off the RTV were probably the worst parts of the
whole job.

Hope that the slipping is the remaining fluid or low level. I've used
Quaker State and IIRC, Valvoline ATF+3 in the past. Both worked fine and I
had no problems, but in the recent past and going forward all I use is the
ATF+4.

Bob
"99trooper" > wrote in message
lkaboutautos.com...
> I'll probably change the filter this weekend and just add for now.
> Autozone filter: $10.00. Dealer says pan gasget is RTV sealant. Anything
> else I should know? Any ATF +3 brand better than others? I read on
> Allpar.com that ATF+4 may not be ok due to seal failure.
>

Chrysler put out a notice that the use of +4 in a pre 2000 4 speed mini-van
transmission will cause the transmission clutch to chatter (bad) if it has
to go through a computer re-learn cycle. It happened to me. People who post
otherwise should keep their traps shut.

Richard.

Chrysler put out a notice that the use of +4 in a pre 2000 4 speed mini-van
transmission will cause the transmission clutch to chatter (bad) if it has
to go through a computer re-learn cycle. It happened to me. People who post
otherwise should keep their traps shut.

Richard.

On Thu, 11 Nov 2004, Richard wrote:

> Chrysler put out a notice that the use of +4 in a pre 2000 4 speed mini-van
> transmission will cause the transmission clutch to chatter (bad) if it has
> to go through a computer re-learn cycle.

Chrysler has put out a lot of "notices" (TSBs) regarding transmission
fluid selection. What is the date on the TSB you looked at?

Also, please give more info. What happened *after* the computer re-learn
cycle? Was the on-road learn protocol used, or the "quick learn"
procedure?

DS