[Robertcunniffe]

For my PM, purchased, new, I was simply going to assume the factory fill was correct and then drain out what I can (drain plug in pan method or evacuator) and then replace with the exact same amount of fluid that got removed.

If anyone knows that this simpleton's method is incorrect, please let me know. I still have a lot of driving before I hit say 30K miles or so before I plan to do this so lots of time to think about it. But my Caravan, same transmission as PM, is getting due soon (90,000 Km). Due in my mind that is, because its manual suggests that transmission fluid is lifetime (no replacement necessary) and I'm thinking "er...no.".

Can someone tell me where do I pour in the transmission as I cant find the opening ??

 

[Robertcunniffe]

Can someone tell me where do I pour in the transmission as I cant find the opening ??

2017 promaster??

 

[keeponvaning]

The manual says every 60,000 miles - I would suggest every 30,000.
i fill tube is below and sorta in front of the master cyl. It has a plastic red screw on cap (difficult to remove). Look underneath at the trans and then follow the tube up. Also difficult to fill.

 

[phil]

Here's a visual,
The fill tube is on the front side of the transmission, there should be a thick wire loom running right across the top of the tube, that's why it's hard to see when looking down.
Here's another visual, except the cap is yellow

 

[phil]

So an untouched OEM transmission has a red cap? Do they reuse the red cap or do they replace it with the black cap?

 

[mcneill78@windstream.net]

My cap was black, took 5.5 quarts after running it just enough to put up on the ramps. The factory made a real mess on the bolt heads with RTV all over the place. My filter came with a gasket so I used that instead of RTV.

 

[phil]

filter came with a gasket

I'm guessing no leaks? How often do you change the fluid?

 

[keeponvaning]

Pretty sure the cap on my ‘14 is red (from memory). I doubt if color means anything.

 

[mcneill78@windstream.net]

I'm guessing no leaks? How often do you change the fluid?

After 300+ miles no leaks from the gasket, this is my first filter/fluid change at 60k. Also if you were to do the change after letting it sit overnight (already up on the ramps) I am pretty sure you would get almost all of the fluid (9 quarts). Once you crank it the fluid starts pumping up into the transmission, that is why you get about 5.5 quarts on a warm/hot system.

 

[WanderingWakes]

I know this is an older thread, but I did not find a temperature vs fluid level chart on the forum. Here is a chart to determine proper transmission fluid level based on fluid temperature for the Promaster gas version 62TE automatic transmission. I used an IR temp gun to read the fluid temp in the pan, then the oil dipstick and a mm reference chart to find the level. Mine has 4K miles and was right at the max level when measured. The chart was from a PDF that came with a dipstick kit. Sorry the quality is not the best.

 

[Mapage]

i have a '14 promaster and "knock on wood" only had one issue which was taken care of by the dealer (took some effort). at the moment I'm about to hit the 58xxx mile mark and wanted to know if i should change the trans fluid, which one to buy, can i do it myself and how to do it (has anyone done it)

if it is a diesel do not change the clutch fluid by your self. You need a professional scan tool with Chrysler rights to perform a bleed procedure. Also for the gear oil you’ll need some kind of pump to pump fluid in the case. Space is limited under there

 

[Roblee]

Exactly how should transmission fluid level be measured? Is "cold" stone cold overnight before starting engine? Or is it soon after starting & running it through the gears? Measure while in Neutral or Park? Same questions for "hot"; N or P? I looked a lot & couldn't find the details. Seems that measuring stone cold would have fewest variables. How much fluid would raise level X amount? Like, each 1/2 qt raises level how much?

 

[keeponvaning]

Hot (operating temp) in park

 

[phil]

If you start the van, run it through the gears return to park, check the fluid, it should be something like 10-12mm or 1"
Drive around for a while, put it in park, check the fluid, it should be something like 40-50mm or 2"
The fluid expands when it warms up.
The chart shows the level vs temp.

Mine was at 50mm hot, last time I checked.

 

[Roblee]

I used an industrial 3/8" wide zip tie & it easily went in 21" every time (too far) so maybe I'll try cutting the tip off. Oil dip works but the cable makes reading it questionable.

 

[phil]

Here's a dip stick hitting the trans fill hole thing.

 

[Roblee]

Cutting the tapered tip of the zip tie off worked.

 

[ohecht]

Cutting the tapered tip of the zip tie off worked.

How far does the dip stick (or zip tie) go in to the tube? I’m measuring 11 3/4”when bottomed on the stop to the top of the access tube…

 

[phil]

If I recall mine's was 16"-17", from the stop to the rim

 

[phil]

oil dip stick mod