I am Confused ! ATF+3 or ATF+4 in 99 Dodge Caravan 3.3L

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Rick Yerke, Oct 24, 2005.

  1. Rick Yerke

    Rick Yerke Guest

    After reading all the posts about which fluid to use in my 99 Caravan
    transmission, i am still confused. Is it OK to use ATF+4 or should i stay with
    ATF+3.Thanks Rick
     
    Rick Yerke, Oct 24, 2005
    #1
  2. Rick Yerke

    maxpower Guest

    TSB 21-006-01 googled for you.
    http://dodgeram.info//tsb/2004/21-004-04.htm

    Glenn Beasley
    Chrysler Tech
     
    maxpower, Oct 24, 2005
    #2
  3. Rick Yerke

    kmatheson Guest

    The part that always confuses me is the following:

    *NOTE: This bulletin applies to all transmissions manufactured by
    Chrysler except for 1999 and earlier minivans with the 41TE/AE
    transmission.*

    I understand this to mean that 1999 and earlier minivans should not use
    ATF+4, if they have the 41TE/AE transmission.

    Am I correct?

    -Kirk Matheson
     
    kmatheson, Oct 24, 2005
    #3
  4. Your confusion is quite understandable, given the contradictory statements
    DC has issued on the matter. People will argue until the cows come home
    about your question. They will brandish and declare as authoritative
    various versions of the Chrysler transmission fluid TSB. The +4 is
    significantly improved in just about every way compared to +3, and
    Chrysler has issued statements that +4 is acceptable in all applications
    originally specced for +3, including pre-2000 minivans. However, +3 is
    less expensive than +4, and Chrysler has issued statements that +4 might
    cause the torque converter lockup clutch to chatter in pre-2000 minivans.

    In your position, I would use +4.

    DS
     
    Daniel J. Stern, Oct 24, 2005
    #4
  5. Rick Yerke

    maxpower Guest

    ATF+4 is compatiable with ATF+3 and ATF+2. ATF+4 can be used to top off
    vehicles that already have ATF+2 or ATF+3.(TOP OFF ONLY)
    They say not to use ATF+2 or ATF+3 to top off vehicles that have ATF+4
    fluid.
    Whenever the factory fill is changed, use ATF plus 3 type 7176

    Glenn Beasley
    Chrysler Tech
     
    maxpower, Oct 24, 2005
    #5
  6. Unless your putting in a new, rebuilt transmission, since the rebuilt
    transmission
    in a minivan will have the same parts as a rebuilt transmission in any
    other vehicle, including a post-1999 minivan. (actually it might have a
    heavy duty
    10' torque converter, but this is of no importance to the fluid) In that
    case use
    ATF +4. Trans programming might be different
    but I have never read or heard anyone say that they thought trans
    computer reprogramming would make the vehicle 'more compatible' with ATF +4
    or ATF +3.

    Ted
     
    Ted Mittelstaedt, Oct 25, 2005
    #6
  7. Rick Yerke

    philthy Guest

    go with teh atf4
     
    philthy, Oct 27, 2005
    #7
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