How to Add Transmission Fluid to a Dodge Caravan
by Benjamin Poepsel
Checking and adding transmission fluid can be a very important part of your car's maintenance regime. Keeping it topped off and making sure it is not dirty can keep your transmission running for longer. Many people rely on mechanics to perform this service, but if you would like to save money, it is one of the easier procedures to perform yourself.
Checking and Adding Transmission Fluid
Step 1
Make sure your car is on level ground. Put the car in park and turn on the engine. Let the engine idle for a couple of minutes.
Step 2
Open the hood. Locate the transmission dipstick, which is found on the passenger's side near the back. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it off with the rag. Insert the dipstick again and pull it out. Check the level. There are two gauges, one each for hot and cold engines. If you just started the vehicle you will want to make sure the fluid is in line with the cold mark, and if the car has been running for awhile, the hot mark.
Step 3
If the fluid is low, it is time to add some more to bring it up to the proper level. Remove the dipstick and put it off to the side. Add a small amount of ATF PLUS 3 Type 7176 fluid into the dipstick tube. Let it settle for about five minutes and then check again. Do this until the desired level is reached.
Step 4
When checking the level also check for the color and transparency of the fluid. It should have a reddish color and be clear. If the fluid is dark brown or black and hard to see through then it is time for a change.
References
Tips
- Use only the proper transmission fluid for your vehicle. For a Dodge Caravan it should be ATF PLUS 3 Type 7176.
- If the fluid is dark and dirty it should be changed.
Things You'll Need
- Clean rag
- ATF PLUS 3 Type 7176 transmission fluid
Writer Bio
Benjamin Poepsel started writing for online publications in 2009. He has served as editor for many different science publications from Interperiodica, and currently specializes in education-related articles on eHow and Answerbag. Poepsel holds a Master of Arts in education and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Arizona State University.
