Ever since i bought my 2002 Grand Caravan about 4 yrs ago, i have never changed the transmission fluid. I bought the vehicle at 87K Miles, and now its at 127K miles. Do i need to change the Fluid anytime soon? or should just use a Transmission Conditioner (zMAX) to improve shifting etc? as i am experiencing intermittent shifting jerks/

Please help. thanks!

 

Should be changed about every 50K miles. Should have nothing but ATF+4 fluid in it.

 

what about Transmission Conditioners (zMAX)? is it ok to use on older car as mine? and should they go with fluid change or existing condition?

 

As I said, nothing but ATF+4 fluid. It's the only approved fluid for Chrysler transmissions. You're taking chances adding anything but. In the early days of the 41te transmission Dexron fluid was approved as a sub for the then ATF+3 fluid. Big mistake by Chrysler. It is what gave the 41te and other transmissions their lousy reputation. Chrysler has since stated use only ATF+4 fluid. Unfortunately, many shops still use Dexron because it is half the price of ATF+4 - one reason there are so many posts concerning transmission problems on this and other forums. So... if it doens't say ATF+4 on the bottle don't pour it in. ATF+4 fluid is a synthetic fluid that does all the "conditioning" your transmission needs.

 

A big "amen" to avoiding additives. Use only +4 fluid. It may or may not help with your issues to do a change, but it can't hurt. Transmission fluid doesn't get contaminated in the same way motor oil does, but it can deteriorate over time due to the heat generated in operation, particularly if the car has been used to tow or has ever overheated.

 

"it can deteriorate over time due to the heat generated in operation, particularly if the car has been used to tow or has ever overheated."

And that's a big reason why a synthetic fluid was developed by Chrysler and improved on with the introduction of ATF+4. It takes much more punishment to break it down.

 

If the previous owner didn't change the fluid before he sold it, there may be a lot more miles of use than you think. I usually change all fluids when I first get a used car just to be sure.

 

Thanks everyone for the advice. I am getting the trans fluid changed. How much do i need to buy? it was hard to find ATF+4 in a 4L can, but i found 946+ ML bottles at a walmart store.


Thanks!