Dodge Transmision Fluid

My 1997 dodge caravan dosen't shift well into 2nd gear. Its a 3 spd automatic tranny I believe its an A404.

Does this model transmission need atf +3 tranny fluid? And is this the most likely cause of the poor shifting?

My 1997 dodge caravan dosen't shift well into 2nd gear. Its a 3 spd automatic tranny I believe its an A404.

Does this model transmission need atf +3 tranny fluid? And is this the most likely cause of the poor shifting?
yes you should use just ATf +3 fluid . you don't have to buy the fluid from the dealer , any name brand ATF +3 fluid from your auto parts store will work . Also if it's not shifting right you may want to get the bands adjusted also .

My 1997 dodge caravan dosen't shift well into 2nd gear. Its a 3 spd automatic tranny I believe its an A404.

Does this model transmission need atf +3 tranny fluid? And is this the most likely cause of the poor shifting?
you also may want to use merc v . I own a dealership and after discussing proper tranny fluids, two of the most reputable and knowledgeable techs recommended merc v even in the atf 3 application, but not vice versa. Ive been using it in chrysler, ford gm even in older models for about the last year and quality of shifting and general feel seems to be much improved and even seems like less tranny trouble especially for chrysler. so for me its merc v all the way, but!! , do your own research and use your judgement.

I finally found the owners manual for the caravan and it says for the 3 spd auto to use ATF +2 was that a typo in the manual or does such a fluid actually exist...

I finally found the owners manual for the caravan and it says for the 3 spd auto to use ATF +2 was that a typo in the manual or does such a fluid actually exist...
I dont believe its a typo, just obsolete. Its atf4 or merc v all the way with me. check with your dealer also.

See if the fluid type is stamped on the trans dipstick

Don`t go by the dipstick the older Chrysler products say you can use dextron. Don`t do it! Use Atf +3 or 4 only. Dextron tears up these transmissions. Go to allpar.com for more info.

Hi there!

I hope that I may chime in on this discussion by giving you evidence as to why you need to use Mopar ATF +3 for all Caravans prior to 1999. Also, desmarkus, the transmission you have is known as an A-670 3 speed w/ lockup torque converter. Please remember this TSB, it will save you in the long run

NUMBER: 21-006-01

GROUP: Transmission

DATE: Jun. 29, 2001

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 21-16-99, DATED OCTOBER 22, 1999, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES AND NOTED IN THE 1999 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN MANUAL (PUBLICATION NO. 81-699-00004). THIS IS A COMPLETE REVISION AND NO ASTERISKS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO HIGHLIGHT REVISIONS.
SUBJECT:
Automatic Transmission Fluid Usage ATF+4 (Type 9602)

MODELS:

1989 - 1995 (AA) Spirit/Acclaim/Lebaron Sedan

1989 - 2002 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon

1989 - 1993 (AC) Dynasty/New Yorker/New Yorker Salon

1989 - 1993 (AD) Ram Truck

1989 - 1994 (AG) Daytona

1989 (AH) Lancer/Lebaron GTS

1989 - 1995 (AJ) Lebaron Coupe/Lebaron Convertible

1989 - 1990 (AK) Aries/Reliant

1989 - 1990 (AL) Horizon/Omni

1989 (AM) Diplomat/Gran Fury/New Yorker Fifth Avenue

1989 - 2002 (AN) Dakota

1989 - 1994 (AP) Shadow/Sundance

1990 - 1991 (AQ) Maserati

1990 - 1993 (AY) Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue

1994 - 2002 (BR/BE) Ram Truck

1998 - 2002 (DN) Durango

2002 (DR) Ram Truck

1995 - 2000 (FJ) Sebring/Avenger/Talon

2000 (GS) Chrysler Voyager (International Market)

1995 - 2000 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze

2001 - 2002 (JR) Sebring Sedan & Convertible/Stratus Sedan

1996 - 2000 (JX) Sebring Convertible

2002 (KJ) Liberty

1993 - 2002 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/LHS/New
Yorker/300M

1989 - 1992 (MJ) Commanche

2000 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager

1995 - 2002 (PL) Neon

2002 (PG) PT Cruiser (International Markets)

2001 - 2002 (PT) PT Cruiser

1997 - 2002 (PR) Prowler

2001 - 2002 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)

2001 - 2002 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager

1997 - 2002 (TJ) Wrangler

2001 - 2002 (WG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)

1999 - 2002 (WJ) Grand Cherokee

1989 - 1995 (YJ) Wrangler

1996 - 1998 (ZG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)

1993 - 1998 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee/Grand Wagoneer

NOTE :THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO ALL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CHRYSLER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS EXCEPT 1999 AND EARLIER MINIVANS.

DISCUSSION:

A new transmission fluid (ATF+4(R) - Type 9602) has been developed and is being used as factory fill for all vehicles with Chrysler automatic transmissions. Until now, vehicles originally filled with ATF+2 or ATF+3 were to be serviced with ATF+3. Effective immediately, it is recommended that all vehicles with Chrysler automatic transmissions except for 1999 and earlier minivans be serviced with ATF+4(R). ATF+3 should continue to be used for 1999 and earlier minivans because of the potential for torque converter shudder during break in. For all other applications the ATF+4(R) fluid offers significant benefits as outlined below.
NOTE :ATF+4(R) MUST ALWAYS BE USED IN VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY FILLED WITH ATF+4(R).

NOTE :SERVICE INTERVALS DO NOT CHANGE. THE SERVICE INTERVAL CURRENTLY IN EFFECT FOR A GIVEN VEHICLE SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE FOLLOWED.

NOTE :ATF+4(R) IS COMPATIBLE WITH ATF+3 AND CAN BE USED TO TOP OFF VEHICLES THAT CURRENTLY HAVE ATF+2 OR ATF+3. DO NOT USE ATF+2 OR ATF+3 TO TOP OFF VEHICLES THAT HAVE ATF+4(R) FLUID.

BENEFITS
^ Better anti-wear properties

^ Improved rust/corrosion prevention

^ Controls oxidation

^ Eliminates deposits

^ Controls friction

^ Retains anti-foaming properties

^ Superior properties for low temperature operation

FLUID COLOR

Mopar ATF+4(R) is a World Class Fluid having exceptional durability. However, the red dye used in ATF+4°R is not permanent; as the fluid ages it may become darker or appear brown in color. ATF+4(R) also has a unique odor that may change with age. With ATF+4(R) fluid, color and odor are no longer indicators of fluid condition and do not support a fluid change.

I use mopar chrysler atf 3 or 4 and mine is been running great.