Transmission Fluid

[manlystanley]

Hello Everyone,
I have a 1995 Grand Caravan (3.3 L) that I need to change the transmission fluid on. The owners manual spells out "Fluid Type 7176" which I think is the same as ATF+3. I'm not sure if I can find that, so would ATF+4 work OK?

What transmission fluid do you guys use on your older vans?


Thanks,
Stan

[vipergg]

I believe chrysler has said the atf+4 is ok to use in any of there trannys so it should be ok to use . Most makers are phasing the ATf+3 out for the +4 fluid. ATf+4 is full synthetic so it should be better for the tranny.

[jsinton]

Yea, but can you use Dextron III in place of it? Anyway, I haven't seen a place to buy this funky Chrysler fluid.

[mudflap]

Originally Posted by vipergg

I believe chrysler has said the atf+4 is ok to use in any of there trannys so it should be ok to use . Most makers are phasing the ATf+3 out for the +4 fluid. ATf+4 is full synthetic so it should be better for the tranny.

I'm new here, '97 Voyager 3.3 and trying to determine for sure if atf+4 is ok for mine. Web searches are inconclusive so far.... will keep looking.

EDIT: It's atf-3 for me as it seems that atf-4 in pre-2000 trannies will cause leaks.

[webbee]

Here's the TSB covering ATF+4 superseding ATF+3 (PDF). I think the jury is still out on seal damage to pre-2000 tyranny's. If it's been rebuilt since 2000 it should have the ATF+4 seals, otherwise your taking a chance. The real problem is going to be finding ATF+3 at this point. Some people have used ATF+4 without problems, since it came out, in pre 2K vans. ATF+4 is definitely better fluid. Wally World carries ATF+4, as do all the Auto Box Stores.
NEVER use Dextron III in any DC van, even if the dipstick says it's ok. This is known to kill your tranny. The additive which some shops say converts Dextron to ATF+3-4 also doesn't work.

[manlystanley]

Thanks guys. I've decided to go ahead and use ATF+4 in my 95. The tranny is slipping now and it's approaching the undrivable state. Also, I've checked at multiple dealers. All don't have ATF+3 and all swear there's no problem with using ATF+4 in my 95. (Hmmmm.... Why don't I fully believe them.....)

My three older kids are attending a local university and they only need this vehicle for a four mile round trip five days a week. So hopefully I can get it to hang on for another year. We'll see. If the tranny seals do start to leak, I'll make sure to tell you all.

Best Regards,
Stan

[Mrbizness1]

Originally Posted by webbee

Here's the TSB covering ATF+4 superseding ATF+3 (PDF). I think the jury is still out on seal damage to pre-2000 tyranny's. If it's been rebuilt since 2000 it should have the ATF+4 seals, otherwise your taking a chance. The real problem is going to be finding ATF+3 at this point. Some people have used ATF+4 without problems, since it came out, in pre 2K vans. ATF+4 is definitely better fluid. Wally World carries ATF+4, as do all the Auto Box Stores.
NEVER use Dextron III in any DC van, even if the dipstick says it's ok. This is known to kill your tranny. The additive which some shops say converts Dextron to ATF+3-4 also doesn't work.

webbee,
thanks for the info and the pdf file