The special tool is a miller tool 8875A, this is the tool the dodge techs use. You can buy one thru snap on or the miller tool web site. I would also check ebay too.

 

none of those will work, it is another type called Jiffy tite disconnect, used by Chrysler and GM for a decade.

Thats how they look like, just search Jiffy Tite trans line disconnect on google.
there are 4 different sizes, your van uses 3/8", all the larger size are for GM vehicle and Trucks.

However, you do NOT need this tool to disconnect it. You said you see a plastic ring cover, right? pull it off, you will see a tiny horse shoe shape "C-Clip" under the plastic cover. Just take a small pick, and pull that C-Clip off, and pull the transline out. The C-Clip is what holds the trans line in. The whole purpose of the release tool is to release the C-Clip from inside out, so you minimize the chance of loosing the C-clip.
the C-clip looks like thise


have a Magnet right next the the C-clip as you pull it out carefully to minimize dropping it into the engine bay. If you Loose or break the C-Clip, you will be hunting all over town for this part and found out no Part store or dealer has one.

after you are all done, pull on the trans line, and make sure it does NOT pop out. you heard it CLICK when you reinstall the line doesn't mean it is secured in place.

 

Hmm I had about the right idea of what the connector looked like inside but I thought one or all of those tools would work. Oh well, on the up side I don't need to buy any tools!

There are tons of these vans at the local wreckers with many 05/06s available so I am sure I could locate a new clip if I had to. That said my history is mostly 80's and older german cars where every last screw nut and clip is impossible to obtain any more so I am good about not losing things

Thanks for all the advice, I think I finally have a handle on it all!

 

I am attempting to change the tranny fluid completely on our 2005 Grand Caravan (86000 km), as we are planning on towing a tent trailer for the first time with this vehicle.

1. "Make sure you have the 41TE or 41AE transmission" - how do you find this out? Stamped somewhere on the tranny?
2. Zero10 - any update on how your change and flush worked out for you? Were you able to get the connector off easily on the return line?

Howitzer

 

I have the fluid sitting on a shelf in my garage waiting for the time to do the change. Unfortunately summer has gotten the better of me and I am finding myself spending too much time maintaining the house to get around to this just yet. I am nearing 120,000km at which point I will be doing the spark plugs, wires, a few other odds and ends, and hopefully the transmission fluid change.