Choosing the proper 62te transmission fluid type is definitely the single most important thing you can do to maintain your Chrysler, Dodge, or even Volkswagen Routan shifting smoothly. If you've ever felt that weird little shiver when your minivan shifts from second to third, or even if you've noticed the gears hunting while you're traveling on the motorway, there's a great chance your fluid is definitely either low, old, or—worst of all—the wrong spec entirely.
The 62TE is a 6 spedd automatic transaxle that will Chrysler introduced back in the mid-2000s. It's found in almost everything from the Dodge Great Caravan and The chrysler Town & Country to the Chrysler 200 and the Dodge Journey. Whilst it's a quite sturdy piece of equipment, it is extremely picky about what you pour into it.
The short answer: It's always ATF+4
If you're looking for the quick answer so you can get to your weekend break project, here this is: the only 62te transmission fluid type you need to actually use is ATF+4 . Specifically, it needs in order to meet the Chrysler MS-9602 specification.
You might see "multi-vehicle" fluids from the auto parts store that claim to be compatible with everything under the particular sun, including The chrysler vehicles. My suggestions? Skip them. The particular 62TE uses the specific group of friction modifiers that are cooked into the ATF+4 formula. Using a generic fluid or something similar to Dexron VI can result in "clutch chatter" or torque converter shudder. In the particular long run, saving five bucks upon a quart associated with generic fluid could cost you three thousand dollars inside a transmission rebuild. It's just not worth the gamble.
Why ATF+4 will be a big deal for this transmission
The particular 62TE isn't simply a basic transmission; it's actually a good evolution of the older four-speed 41TE. Chrysler added a "compounder" assembly in order to get those extra gears. This design means there are more relocating parts and much more handbags engaging and disengaging in various combos.
Because of this complexity, the fluid has a lot of jobs to do. It's a hydraulic fluid that moves the inner parts, a coolant that carries high temperature far from the equipment, plus a lubricant that will prevents metal-on-metal wear. Above all, it offers the exact quantity of "grip" for the clutch packs. ATF+4 is a synthetic-based fluid made to maintain its thickness (viscosity) actually when it will get hot, and this stays slippery enough to avoid wear whilst being "grabby" good enough to maintain the clutches from slipping.
Coping with the missing dipstick
A single of the nearly all frustrating things about checking the 62te transmission fluid type and level is that The chrysler stopped including the dipstick from the factory on most associated with these vehicles. If you pop the hood, you'll likely get a small plastic cap that says "Dealer Use Only. "
This particular is honestly a bit of the pain for DIYers, but it's not really a dealbreaker. It is possible to buy an aftermarket replacement dipstick tool on the internet for about 15 bucks. It's essentially an extended, flexible item of metal along with markings in millimeters.
The trick is that the fluid level changes significantly centered on temperature. You can't just stick the tool within and see in the event that it's "full. " You need to use a scan tool (or a basic infrared thermometer pointed on the transmission pan) to see how hot the particular fluid is, then compare your millimeter reading to a chart. If you're just doing a quick top-off because you noticed a little leak, just make sure you don't overfill it. Excess filling is actually just as bad as underfilling because it leads to the fluid to foam up, which leads to reaching extreme temperatures.
Just how much fluid do you need?
If you're planning for a standard service—which usually involves falling the transmission pan and replacing the particular filter—you'll typically need about 5. 5 to 6. 0 quarts associated with ATF+4.
However, if you're doing a "dry fill" (meaning the transmission was simply rebuilt or the torque converter was drained), the capability is very much higher, usually around 9. 0 to nine. 5 quarts . Most people doing a driveway service can fall into that 5. 5-quart variety. Always buy an extra quart simply in case; there's nothing worse than being half the quart short whenever your van will be up on jack port stands and your only other car may be the one you're focusing on.
When in the event you change this?
If you check out the owner's manual, you might notice some pretty optimistic numbers, like one hundred, 000 miles with regard to a fluid change. Honestly, I believe that's pushing it. These transmissions knuckle down, specifically in heavy minivans loaded with kids and groceries.
Most mechanics who specialize within Mopar vehicles recommend changing the fluid and filter each 50, 000 to 60, 000 miles . If you perform a lot of towing or live in a place with extreme high temperature, you might even want to do it every thirty, 000.
A good way to tell in the event that you're overdue is definitely to check the particular color and odor. Fresh ATF+4 is bright red and has a somewhat sweet, chemical smell. If your fluid looks dark dark brown or black, or if it smells such as burnt toast, it's definitely time with regard to a change. In case you see shiny silver precious metal flakes in the particular fluid, that's a sign of internal wear, along with a fluid change might just be a temporary band-aid for the larger problem.
The DIY process: It's messy yet doable
Altering the fluid yourself isn't technically challenging, but it is usually messy. The 62TE pan doesn't possess a drain plug. To get the old stuff out there, you have to loosen the particular bolts around the particular pan and carefully pry one corner down to let the fluid spill out there into a capture basin. It's almost impossible to get this done with out getting some on the driveway, so lay down some cardboard first.
Once the pan is away, you'll see the filter. It's held in by a few of bolts (usually T25 Torx). If you pull the filtration system down, be prepared for another sprinkle of fluid. Create sure the old O-ring comes out with the aged filter; if a person "double-stack" the seals by accident, the transmission won't be capable to prime by itself, and you won't be going anyplace.
When putting the pan back again on, you have two choices: the rubber gasket or even RTV silicone sealant. From the stock, Chrysler uses RTV. If you go the RTV route, make sure the surfaces are usually perfectly clean plus dry, or it will leak. If you use a rubber gasket, don't over-tighten the bolts, or you'll crush the gasket and cause the leak anyway.
Common symptoms of wrong or even old fluid
If you haven't used the appropriate 62te transmission fluid type , your van is going in order to let you know. One of the most common problems is "limp setting. " This is usually when the transmission's computer detects a problem and locks the vehicle into second or even third gear to prevent further damage. It's scary when this is really because you drop all your speed, but it's in fact a fail-safe.
Other signs consist of: * Delayed engagement: You place it in Push, plus it takes a second or two before it in fact "clunks" into equipment. * Hard shifts: Instead of a clean transition, the car jerks forward when it changes gears. * Slipping: The engine revs up, but the car doesn't speed up. This is usually a sign that the handbags aren't getting enough hydraulic pressure.
Conclusions on servicing
At the end of the day, the 62TE is a "workhorse" transmission. It's not the most refined point in the entire world, however it gets the particular job done. The best way in order to ensure it endures 200, 000 kilometers or more will be religious about using the right 62te transmission fluid type .
Stick with a reputable brand associated with ATF+4—whether it's the Mopar stuff from the dealership, or even brands like Valvoline, Castrol, or Pennzoil that are officially licensed. As longer as that "ATF+4" logo is around the bottle, you're in good shape. It's a small price to pay for the reassurance that comes with knowing your transmission is happy plus healthy. Keep that will fluid clean, maintain it cool, and your vehicle will stay on the street with regard to a lot much longer.