2013 Dodge Durango, 3.8L V6 AWD

Cars are getting too darned fancy for my tastes. For example, I went to check the transmission fluid in my 2013 Dodge Durango. The filler tube is in the back left corner. Notice how it says "For dealer use only".



Upon extracting the dip stick cap, I found it to consist of only a cap, with no attached dip stick, like in the old days. Turns out, that we ordinary citizens aren't deemed to be smart enough any more to read a dip stick. So now you have to go see a mechanic who knows how to put some kind of dipstick down that hole and interpret the results for you, consulting tide tables and the atmospheric pressure, or something. Bah Humbug!



So, your next step is to buy your own dip stick. That'll run you about $27. It's not called a "dip stick" any more. It's now a "measuring tool"... Sure looks like a dip stick to me. Make sure you get one to match your vehicle.l

A few days later, the dip stick arrives. And it comes with a rocket science chart of temperature versus fluid level.



Better read the instructions, and follow them. Note the orange highlight, below. The dip stick bottoms out, while the **** on top is still sticking up above the filler tube. This is disconcerting to me, not the way they used to work, but is apparently the way it's now supposed to be. Then you have to figure out what transmission type you have, so you know which chart to use.

Oh, and they also say to read the trans fluid temp with a scan tool. I don't have that. So I just went by the temp display on my dashboard display. And call it an estimate.



I dipped the trans fluid and got 35 mm on the dip stick. The dash says the temp is 93°.



Next, go to the rocket science chart. Plot your trans fluid temperature and fluid level on the x and y axes of the chart. What this chart means, is that the hotter your fluid gets, the higher the fluid level will be. Apparently that stuff expands when hot.

And lo and behold, mine is smack dab in the middle of the acceptable range. Woohoo!


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Now I no longer have to drive around just wondering whether or not it's okay. Or going to a dealer and paying him to tell me. I can now physically confirm it, all by myself. Just like the old days. Ahhh! I like the feeling of personally knowing the condition of my car, and not depending upon others to tell me.

- John Rich, Katy, Texas