Joined
Nov 11, 2008 · 1 Posts
ADMIN NOTE: This is old info. More recent info is available. You can, with the transmission at ambient temperature and engine not running, use the engine dipstick to check the fluid level. Just clean the dipstick well before using it. Remove the air intake/battery cover to access the CVT dipstick tube.
Fluid level is good if it falls within the "safe zone" markings. Hello, I have a 2007 Caliber 2.0L with a CVT. I would like to check the transmission fluid level and take a look at the condition. Seems I can't find the dip stick, if there i one, and the owners manual says to "let a qualified mechanic" check it. What;s the deal with this? There must be a way to check it. Anybody know how? Thanks, Nouerid
Joined Jul 3, 2007 · 3,985 Posts
STOP! The CVT fluid only needs replacement around 60,000KM. If you've reached that point, my advice would be to have it checked by a dealer. Checking fluid level requires a special dip stick that has gradation marks on it. These marks are used to compare against a temperature chart for proper levels. CVT fluid is a special beast that
contains micro pellets of rubber-like compounds. These make the fluid very dynamic in density with varying temperatures and thus requires special attention when checking for it's level. Too much fluid will cause an overflow valve to flush out the fluid and depending on it's temperature, will likely flush out too much. Too little fluid will cause the transmission to heat up rapidly and to foam up the fluid, causing decreased lubrication and transmission failure:
Service Manual said: EFFECTS OF INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL These transmissions are not serviceable. If it fails, it must be REPLACED! If you are mechanically-inclined, then indulge yourself and arm yourself with the proper tools: and consult this temperature chart:
Joined Apr 5, 2008 · 63 Posts
Great Reply! Super job on description of CVT fluid! Joined Jan 15, 2009 · 371 Posts
Mouser, I was going to say, 60,000K is kind of short. My manual says 96,000K or 100,000K. I think you ment miles. and yes, I would just take your car to the dealer of an oil change, and ask them to specifically check your CVT fluid.
Joined Jul 20, 2009 · 8,302 Posts
At the very least, you MUST use fluid specified for the JATCO CVT2 Transmission. There may be a few other brands out there (Nissan for one), but do not use any other type of fluid. There are molecules of a synthetic rubber polymer in suspension in the fluid. Actually, the base of the fluid is synthetic also. This fluid will still be good as
new, even after the rest of the car is history. And a final point, I have never had to change the ATF in any car I have ever owned. Using the dipstick on on my older cars has always shown the fluid level to be correct, and the fluid smelled normal, and was only a little darker than new (at about 100k miles). Yes I am a conservative driver, but most cars used as "private automobiles" that are driven in a safe and sane manner never really need the fluid changed. Joined Jul 20, 2009 · 8,302 Posts
From experience a while back on a Jeep Patriot: 4 quarts, plus part of a fifth one for a basic (no TC) drain and fill.
Joined Jul 18, 2011 · 54 Posts
Mine was changed and it was right at 7.9qt.I was quoted $110 at a local Dodge dealer in Duncannon P.A. They quoted me 110 but had only done this under warranty.He said they had never had anyone come in for CVT service as a paying customer.I learned later that service guy quoted me wrong and should have been 300+.While he said that the 110 didn't even
cover the parts/fluid he had to honor it and only charge me 110 for the CVT service.I told him I would be willing to at least cover his costs for parts and fluid because of the mix up.He showed me their true costs for parts/fluid and it came up to like 178 so I gave him that as payment.Owner stopped me at the door and told me that I had 2 free OLF just because I was fair about it. While I wont ever use them but at least there are still honest and fair people left on this planet still. From now
on I will service them, Just cant go wrong putting back what you take out.This is the very first CVT I have worked on and really took it there to get the flash update. These are not dodge transmissions so would be willing to use another fluid brand in them now. Prior to this dodge CVT vehicle, I would never have put anything in it but mopar fluid in a dodge due to dodge trannys never last on anything but mopar fluid. Now that these are not dodge electronic transmissions I believe that you can
get away from using nissan cvt or any other cvt fluid without having the problems you did other dodge 3-4spd electronically controlled transmission. Its about time public got a break from being forced to use mopar fluids. Downside is Nissan cvt fluid is probably just as much if not more......I would stick to the top cvt fluids only. Mainly Nissan has been using these for over 9 years now so they would be first choice.
Joined Jun 24, 2006 · 15,005 Posts
Mine was changed and it was right at 7.9qt.I was quoted $110 at a local Dodge dealer in Duncannon P.A. They quoted me 110 but had only done this under warranty.He said they had never had anyone come in for CVT service as a paying customer.I learned later that service guy quoted me wrong and should have been 300+.While he said that the
110 didn't even cover the parts/fluid he had to honor it and only charge me 110 for the CVT service.I told him I would be willing to at least cover his costs for parts and fluid because of the mix up.He showed me their true costs for parts/fluid and it came up to like 178 so I gave him that as payment.Owner stopped me at the door and told me that I had 2 free OLF just because I was fair about it. While I wont ever use them but at least there are still honest and fair people left on this planet
still. From now on I will service them, Just cant go wrong putting back what you take out.This is the very first CVT I have worked on and really took it there to get the flash update. These are not dodge transmissions so would be willing to use another fluid brand in them now. Prior to this dodge CVT vehicle, I would never have put anything in it but mopar fluid in a dodge due to dodge trannys never last on anything but mopar fluid. Now that these are not dodge electronic transmissions I believe
that you can get away from using nissan cvt or any other cvt fluid without having the problems you did other dodge 3-4spd electronically controlled transmission. Its about time public got a break from being forced to use mopar fluids. Downside is Nissan cvt fluid is probably just as much if not more......I would stick to the top cvt fluids only. Mainly Nissan has been using these for over 9 years now so they would be first choice. If they used 7.9qts, then they
did a complete fluid change. In other words, drain-fill-run-drain-fill. Joined Oct 3, 2007 · 23 Posts
Just had my CVT serviced at the 120k interval that the manual specified. Cheapest dealer that I could find charged $295.55. Glad it is only required every 120k. Had to do it though. Not messing around with my lifetime powertrain warranty. Joined Aug 22, 2011 · 6 Posts
CVT Fluid Just purchased a 08 Caliber SXT last week and it has 75,000 Kms on it. Joined Jul 20, 2009 · 8,302 Posts
Yes, there is a strainer that must be replaced when you change the fluid. It does not hurt to change the fluid early, but the price is kind of high - I'd shop around a little first. Yes -
CVT fluid costs about twice as much as ordinary ATF. Joined Jul 5, 2010 · 3,618 Posts
The funny thing is that my 5-speed has ATF-4 in it... Sooo glad I don't have to pay for that pricey CVT fluid! Joined Sep 20, 2010 · 16 Posts
Hi everyone, this thread has been really helpful! Don't know where you got that from in the service manual. 8.1qts is it's total capacity. The service manual under Fluid Capacities states: "Automatic Transaxle - Estimated Service Fill --- 3.8L (4.0 Qts.)" @Prop1 I found on the service manual the table you
quoted saying 3.8L are needed. But why does the page 21-419 on CVT service say 7.0L for a fluid change? (Comes from the 2007 Service Manual) 3. Add following initial quantity of MOPART CVT+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid, to the transmission: I'm asking because I called the dealership and asked for a quotation on the CVT fluid change and from the price they gave me (for parts, labour not included) it seems they are charging for the full 7Lts. Thanks again! Joined Jun 24, 2006 · 15,005 Posts
Hi everyone, this thread has been really helpful! @Prop1 I found on the service manual the table you quoted saying 3.8L are needed. But why does the page 21-419 on CVT service say 7.0L for a fluid change? (Comes from the 2007 Service Manual) I'm asking because I called the dealership and asked for a quotation on the
CVT fluid change and from the price they gave me (for parts, labour not included) it seems they are charging for the full 7Lts. Thanks again! It has to be a typo. Everyone that has changed the fluid has replaced 4qts. If you do a complete fluid change, which consists of draining, adding, running, then draining again; then it would almost double the amount.
Joined Sep 20, 2010 · 16 Posts
Ok, I'll try to get the exact information of how much fluid their quotation includes. Does anyone know of a different service manual version I can get my hands on? Maybe an updated one, or even a spanish version? Cheers! Joined Oct 2, 2012 · 1 Posts
Tranny change + Filter Ive done my research - Nissan NS-2, Nippon Eneos CVT fluid, and Motul Multi CVTF are all equivalents to Mopar's CVTF+4 "monopoly" at $22/qt here in Quebec. Joined Jul 20, 2009 · 8,302 Posts
No 7 liters is the correct amount, as per the service manual. CVTF+4 is actually Valvoline CVT fluid. Joined Aug 14, 2012 · 341 Posts
No 7 liters is the correct amount, as per the service manual. CVTF+4 is actually Valvoline
CVT fluid. Ive done my research - Nissan NS-2, Nippon Eneos CVT fluid, and Motul Multi CVTF are all equivalents to Mopar's CVTF+4 "monopoly" at $22/qt here in Quebec. Definitely buy 7 Litres (8 quarts). Do as Dave suggested, adding 6 first, then letting it settle for 30 minutes or so, take a measurement, then top off as needed. I opted for adding 7quarts off the bat -- turns out Im about
1/4 a quart over (no idea why -- possibly the torque converter and cooler was holding a touch more fluild than I thought), but thats not really a big deal (although I was thinking of evac'ing that 1/4 quart, cuz Im anal like that.. o.0 ). Also, if you have a valvoline center near you, they only charge around $12 a quart for their fluid. The rebrand to mopar apparently is worth the extra $4.something. lol In regards to your whining sound -- is your gasket leaking? This was the case
with my CVT. I was running at about 1/2 fluid-capacity, which was causing the fluid to overheat rendering it useless. It was pretty dark compared to new fluid when I drained it. Joined Aug 14, 2012 · 341 Posts
Hi everyone, this thread has been really helpful! @Prop1 I found on the service manual the table you quoted saying 3.8L are needed. But why does the page 21-419 on CVT service say 7.0L for a fluid change? (Comes from the 2007 Service Manual) I'm asking because I called the dealership and asked for a quotation on the
CVT fluid change and from the price they gave me (for parts, labour not included) it seems they are charging for the full 7Lts. Thanks again! It has to be a typo. Everyone that has changed the fluid has replaced 4qts. If you do a complete fluid change, which consists of draining, adding, running, then draining again; then it would almost double the amount. Just to clarify: Joined Jun 12, 2010 · 117 Posts
If you are mechanically-inclined, then indulge yourself and arm yourself with the proper tools: and consult this temperature chart: ok, so where is the chart. ? I cant believe how many dead links to this chart i'm finding. Edit...found it. This is from the 2007 service manual . What kind of transmission fluid does a Dodge Caliber 2007 take?STP ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid 1 Quart.
Where is the transmission dipstick located?Locate automatic transmission fluid dipstick, typically near where the transmission or transaxle meets rear of the engine. It looks similar to the oil dipstick.
Why is there no transmission dipstick?If you have a late-model car, it may not have a dipstick for checking the transmission fluid. Not only does this make it difficult to check fluid level and condition, it also eliminates the dipstick tube or opening through that fluid is normally added to an automatic transmission.
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