transmission fluid for rebuilt a670

I just had my transmission rebuilt on my 97 caravan with the A670 transmission.It had a bad thrust washer and annulus gear(?).It was putting metal shavings in the governor and valve body.He also changed the a band that was impregnated with brass shavings and had a small chip in it. While picking it up I asked what fluid he used.He said dexron.

I know from reading that in the 4 speed model with electronics it matters greatly.But since this is all hydraulic and no longer using Chrysler linings and clutches is it necessary to change it out to ATF+3 fluid?

Any input from a dodge expert would be appreciated.

Thanks
Scott

I just had my transmission rebuilt on my 97 caravan with the A670 transmission.It had a bad thrust washer and annulus gear(?).It was putting metal shavings in the governor and valve body.He also changed the a band that was impregnated with brass shavings and had a small chip in it. While picking it up I asked what fluid he used.He said dexron.

I know from reading that in the 4 speed model with electronics it matters greatly.But since this is all hydraulic and no longer using Chrysler linings and clutches is it necessary to change it out to ATF+3 fluid?

Any input from a dodge expert would be appreciated.

Thanks
Scott

Scott, I don't know if I qualify as a "Dodge Expert", but I will tell you this, you don't have to be a chicken to be able to smell a rotten egg.

There is only one reason to use Dexron in an A-604 or A-670 transaxle, and that is to save the 50¢ or $1 a quart between the cost of Dexron and ATF+3, which is what the manufacturer calls for. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a damned liar.

I'm sick of hearing about shops that are so eager to save a buck, that they are willing to compromise on the service life of your transmission for a lousy $10 or $20 worth of fluid.

In my experience, a reputable transmission shop always installs the latest updates when they rebuild a transmission. Therefore, in a very real way, your transaxle now should be more like a 2004 than a 1997, unless of course the basic design has changed significantly, which, in this case, it has not. So the shop really should offer to refill the unit with ATF+4, since this is the fluid Chrysler recommends for 2000 and newer Caravans.

ATF+4 is one of a number of changes made over the life cycle of the Caravan that is intended to extend the service life of your transaxle. Why would you not want this fluid in your fresh rebuild? Sure, it costs more...even more than ATF+3...but this cost is chicken feed compared to what you spent already, and is good, cheap insurance.

IMHO, shops should explain that, although ATF+3 is acceptable for a 1997 Caravan, they are updating your transaxle to current specifications and therefore, you should consider using ATF+4, which would be optional. In other words, ATF+3 is the minimum that should be considered, but they should offer you +4 at extra cost.

Most reasonably prudent consumers would be pleased to pay the extra for +4 once the situation is explained to them. So everyone wins; the shop makes a little more profit, the consumer gets a longer lasting transaxle, etc. I can't for the life of me explain why more shops aren't open and honest about this.

But the bottom line is that you were cheated. If you don't believe me, stop in at any Chrysler service department and ask for yourself.

If you'd like to read more about this subject, take a peek at this page;

http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html

I'd get that Dexron drained out of there ASAP. Remember to get the fluid in the torque converter too!

Carl