A member asked me where the trans dipstick is on the CVT. The factory does not supply a dipstick because the fluid has to be checked using the Starscan diag tool. The dealer has a dipstick that is used to test the fluid at different temps. Pretty stupid that you can't check your own fluid at home.

 

The 05-up Mustang 5-speed auto has no dipstick either. Weird.

So does this mean that you have to pay a dealer to check the fluid?

 

Well I don't know about other cars without dipsticks but possibly since the CVT
in the Caliber does not use regular ATF they don't want you topping it up yourself.
Add ATF to the CVT and it done for!!!!!!!

 

What fluid do they use?

 

This CVT isn't new technology;
in fact, the unit is similar to the CVT
found in many Nissans since 2002.
It all begins with the basics, and
nothing gets more basic than checking
fluid, right? The CVT uses a special
fluid, designated CVTF+4, which
is specifically designed for the CVT.
According to DaimlerChrysler, the unit
requires this special fluid because of the
“higher pressure, special metal alloys,
and the critical need to prevent belt
slippage.” For ID purposes, the fluid is
green and, according to the manufacturer,
even a small amount of regular ATF
will cause severe damage to the CVT.
The one-quart bottle is part number
05191184AA and the five-gallon jug is
part number 05191185AA.

The fluid actually has a rubber ingredient in it to
insure that belt slippage due to torque is minimized.

If you are interested I have several articles on the Jatco/Chrysler
CVT they are in Adobe .pdf format pm me with your email address
and I'll fire them off.If you want the parts/service manual I would suggest
you log on to caliberforumz dot com they are availiable there as well as
all the TSBs.

 

Send all that you want. I like to learn all I can about my vehicles. I have read some on them, but limited amounts. I am pretty auto literate, but have little dealings with the CVT type transmissions.
Thanks for your help. I am hoping that if I have the dealer do the oil changes, they would check the fluid for me.

PM has been sent.

 

I have many how to do its for the Caliber i.e. radio installs,roof rack install etc
so if you need something let me know.

 

Thanks, I'll keep it in mind. The dealer tried installing the Mopar U-Connect add-on today (it has the right radio DVD/mp3 6 disc changer with the 9 speaker music gate system) but it would not work right. It never said anything thru the speakers and would not pair thru the phone(same phone I paired to my 08 RAM), so they odered a different kit to see if it will work. Wasted 4 hrs at the dealer today. If I had a $3000 scan tool, I'd do it myself!!

 

I know some owners on other forums have experienced problems with U-Connect.
The I-Phone is one and needs the latest updated software running on it 2.1 as
I recall and several of the Samsung fones need to tinkered with also,again other
Caliber forums have fone info.My 2 fones both have stand alone handsfree so I
didn't feel the need for U-Connect.

 

Mine is a Sanyo Sprint phone. It works fine in the Ram. The U-connect itself isn't working right. It should talk to you when you hit the button and at least say "u-connect ready", but it won't. Hopefully it is just either a bad unit or the wrong one for the upgraded REQ radio.