Any T & C minivan owners out there?

[user 37446]

Here are some pics from a Caravan in the Canadian Shield:

Great pictures, good motivation for the OP. I concur that a tranny cooler is unnecessary as long as she isn't driving overloaded or towing. More often fluid changes are the key, and never at a "Jiffy Lube" type place. Only Chrysler approved fluids, no "bulk" should be used.

 

[frater secessus]

This trans remanufacturer recommends a trans cooler for the A604.  And elsewhere on the site (and as said above in this thread) says many Mopar trans failures are due to wrong ATF.

Lots of interesting articles about trans quirks.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Totally agree with getting the fluid changed at a Chrysler dealership.

As for a tranny cooler, my attitude is it can't hurt anything, so why not?

This completely free advice is unconditionally guaranteed to be worth every penny you paid for it, or your money cheerfully refunded!

 

[Kathleen]

The transmission is the Chrysler A604 (aka "41TE") - Google it and make up your own mind ...

Thanks for that info, Gideon! Will do, when the move is over and I have time to study all the info here.

 

[Kathleen]

I agree with Bob; people dream about finding a vehicle that has been maintained like this one.  Drive the wheels off of it.  I would NOT put a transmission cooler on it unless you tow a trailer (which I would not recommend with a front wheel drive vehicle.)  Change the transmission fluid frequently at a Dodge or Chrysler dealer so you get the right fluid.  The correct fluid is VERY important on these vehicles.  You don't seem to me to be someone who would abuse her vehicle.  Drive it, maintain it and enjoy the room.

Ok, good tip to change tranny fluid AT the dealer. Did not know how important the right fluid was for my van. 25 miles round trip to the dealer, but worth saving the life of the vehicle.

No towing. This particular van is a smooth ride but already way too big and clunky feeling. Years ago I did a test drive of a Chevy minivan, which drove like a car. This feels more like a big truck to me.

As I get time to drive the T & C more often I'm sure I'll get used to it.

 

[Kathleen]

Totally agree with getting the fluid changed at a Chrysler dealership.

As for a tranny cooler, my attitude is it can't hurt anything, so why not?

This completely free advice is unconditionally guaranteed to be worth every penny you paid for it, or your money cheerfully refunded!

Ok, thanks for seconding the advice that I get tranny fluid changed at dealership. Will do. Anything else recommended to be done by dealer, rather than my nearby mechanic?

When life settles down, after I move, I can call Uhaul and ask about cost of the cooler. Only thing it can hurt is my pocket book! :dodgy:

 

[Kathleen]

Here are some pics from a Caravan in the Canadian Shield:

thx for the link! will view later. time to move MORE STUFF to the new 200 year old house.

moving makes me wonder WHY i was born inclined to collect pretty things.

 

[user 37446]

Getting fluids changed at the dealer guarantees that Chrysler parts are used. If your local mechanic is trusted, he can use Chrysler ATF as well, he just has to get it. It's normally the quick lube/oil change places, as well as other shops, that use a generic fluid.

From: Centerforqa.com site,

[font=Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif]What You Need to Know About ATF+4®
In response to marketplace demands and evolving vehicle technology, FCA US LLC established a licensing program for its advanced synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, ATF+4® in 2005. This program allows ATF+4 to be made available at retail outlets and through independent repair facilities for Chrysler®, Jeep® and Dodge vehicle automatic transmissions.[/font]

[font=Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif]ATF+4 is a high performance, synthetic fluid which provides significant reduction in component wear, superior temperature performance, consistent shift quality, and exceptional friction modifying properties for automatic transmissions in Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The durability of ATF+4 has been successfully proven through more than one million miles of testing in severe environments and an intensive validation process.
"Licensing our ATF+4 product allows the millions of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge owners with vehicles on the road to receive transmission fluid that is designed exactly for their vehicle," said Dennis Florkowski, former Chrysler Senior Specialist/Supervisor. "Using ATF+4 ensures a longer transmission life with regular servicing as described in the vehicle owner's manual."
ATF+4 is approved for use in older transmissions and is currently utilized in newer Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The previous MOPAR ATF+3 formulation was discontinued in 2005, and ATF+4 is recommended for all transmissions filled with ATF+3. ATF+4 is fully compatible with all transmission applications where ATF+, ATF+2 and ATF+3 Automatic Transmission Fluids are specified.  Only certified ATF+4 is recommended for service of FCA vehicles as where ATF+4 is specified in the owner’s manual.  The use of automatic transmission fluids other than ATF+4, including those claiming to be like ATF+4, could result in lower levels of performance, jeopardize transmission life and void warranties.
The ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid formulation is exclusive to FCA and ATF+4 is a registered trademark. The Center for Quality Assurance monitors and publishes licensed ATF+4 brands to assist consumers in making informed decisions when purchasing automatic transmission fluid for their Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.[/font]

Here's a partial list of Chrysler licensed suppliers for ATF4, the fancy table didnt format:

• ABOUT ATF+4®
• LICENSING PROGRAM
• LICENSED ATF+4®BRANDS
• NON-LICENSED BRANDS
• FAQ
• CONTACT US[font=Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif]ATF+4[/font][font=Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif]®[/font][font=Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif] Licensing Program[/font]

[font=Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif]Licensed ATF+4® Brands
Remember, for best performance and vehicle warranty compliance select only licensed ATF+4® for your Chrysler®, Jeep® or Dodge® vehicle. Use of non-licensed ATF brands may damage your vehicle or void your warranty. Please contact us to report unauthorized use of the ATF+4 trademark by non-licensed brands. If you do not see your brand listed here, it is not licensed.[/font]
[font=Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif]Search Table
PRINT TABLE[/font]
[font=Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif]

Brand Name

Supplier

Fluid Type

[/font]
[font=Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif]Advance Auto Parts ATF+4®

AutoZone ATF+4®
AutoZone Parts, Inc.
ATF+4®

Carquest ATF+4®

Castrol ATF+4®[/font]
[font=Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif]
BP Lubricants USA Inc.
ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]

Castrol Transmax +4 ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]

Castrol Transmax ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]

Chevron ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]
Chevron Products Company
ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]

CITGO Transgard ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]
CITGO Petroleum Corporation
ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]

Havoline ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size][/font]
[font=Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif]
Chevron Products Company
ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]

Mobil ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]
Exxon Mobil Corporation
ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]

Mopar ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]
Chrysler Group LLC
ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]

NAPA ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]

O’Reilly ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]

Pennzoil ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size][/font]
[font=Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif]
Quaker State ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]

DFM Castrol
ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]

STP Products Co.
ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]

Super Tech ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Valvoline ATF+4[size=xx-small]®[/size]
Valvoline
[/font]
[font=Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif]

[/font]

 

[closeanuf]

Great info on ATF+4.  As long as you have someone you can trust. BUT, for someone who is not well versed on trustworthy mechanics, why take a chance.  A transmission fluid change is not done all that often anyway.  As for the handling you were talking about it may take a little getting used to.  I have owned 2 of these vehicles and you get used to the handling and the visibility is great.  I enjoyed both of mine.  Stop trying to talk yourself out of it and get started setting it up to use.

 

[skyl4rk]

I never change automatic transmission fluid.

 

[closeanuf]

Am I supposed to be impressed or happy for you?  I know there are those who do not change transmission fluid, but that is a personal choice but to many it seems necessary.

 

[skyl4rk]

The need to change AT fluid is snake oil.

 

[Gideon33w]

lol

 

[Kathleen]

Getting fluids changed at the dealer guarantees that Chrysler parts are used. If your local mechanic is trusted, he can use Chrysler ATF as well, he just has to get it. It's normally the quick lube/oil change places, as well as other shops, that use a generic fluid.

From: Centerforqa.com site,

Thx for posting that important info!
Will revisit info when body and brain recover from my move.

 

[introverting]

As for a tranny cooler, my attitude is it can't hurt anything, so why not?

This completely free advice is unconditionally guaranteed to be worth every penny you paid for it, or your money cheerfully refunded!

Why spend the money if it's not really necessary?