FCA US DODGE JOURNEY 2020, Owner'S Manual

Page: 242 / 404

240 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the
fluid is hot or cold. You can also read the
transmission fluid temperature using the
instrument cluster. Refer to "Instrument
Cluster Display" in "Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel" for further information.
Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C),
which is the normal operating temperature
after the vehicle is driven at least 15 miles
(24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held comfort-
ably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at
a temperature of approximately 80°F
(27°C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until
seated. Then, remove the dipstick and note
the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level
reading is only valid if there is a solid
coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full
of fluid if the actual level is at or above the
hole.

If the fluid is hot, the fluid level should be
in the crosshatched area marked “HOT”
(between the upper two holes in the
dipstick).

If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be
between the lower two holes in the area
marked “COLD”.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the
dipstick tube to bring it to the proper level.
Do not overfill. After adding any quantity of
oil through the dipstick tube, wait at least
two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the
transmission before rechecking the fluid
level.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission
below the operating temperature, the fluid level
should be between the two COLD (lower) holes
on the dipstick with the fluid at approximately
80°F (27°C). If the fluid level is correctly estab-
lished at 80°F (27°C), it should be between the
HOT (upper) reference holes when the transmis-
sion reaches 180°F (82°C). Remember it is
best to check the level at the normal operating
temperature.
8. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in “Servicing
and Maintenance” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if
the transmission is disassembled for any
reason.
CAUTION!

Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder,
and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids And Lubri-
cants” in “Technical Specifications” for
fluid specifications.

Dirt and water in the transmission can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and
water from entering the transmission after
checking or replenishing fluid, make sure
that the dipstick cap is re-seated properly.
20_JC_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 240