Caravan / Town & Country 62TE Transmission Dipstick Hack

Why on earth Chrysler never put the transmission oil dipstick in the Dodge Grand Caravans and Chrysler Town and Countries equipped with the 62TE 6 speed automatic transmissions is beyond me. In this video I show you a "life hack" so you can check the trans fluid your self in one of these with out going to the dealer! Why go buy the Miller special tool 9336A when you already have a "dipstick" in your vehicle!

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--Eric O.

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South Main Auto Repair
47 S. Main St
PO Box 471
Avoca, NY 14809

Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.

[dasborke]

If you remember just above the twist for cold, and 1/4" below the kink for hot, you don't even have to mark the stick. Thanks for the tip!

[cback]

Simple, no cost, effective, reliable. Brilliant!!!! Way to go Eric!

[diedus]

the crap they do to these vehicles nowadays is ridiculous, and the sad part is that the dealership's don't always have reliable mechanics to fix the stuff right anyway. i am 46 next month, and I have never taken my vehicles anywhere to be fixed, y grandpa, and my dad taught me how to fix cars when I was kid, because out of us 6 kids, there was one boy, and my brother doesn't like working on cars. my grandpa never wanted to have anyone fix his house or car, i guess because he was an engineer. as Gramps got older, he needed help, so I was it, because he was so darn stubborn, and would never call anyone to fix anything. i learned a lot from Gramps, wish he was still here. love your vids God bless your family.

[TP-nxus]

Great job. Thanks for showing the hack. My dealership insisted that the only correct way to check the fluid was with their tool. As a fellow technician I try to give my customers ways to self help. But did you notice that if they wanted to use the engine oil dipstick without marking it up they can use the already marked points. The 40mm mark is at the same location as the add mark if the transmission fluid is "hot".

[willoverkill]

This is a great idea. My last Chrysler I had gone to Home Depot and bought a long ziptie from the electrical isle to mark and use as a dipstick, works well too, but keep it around and don't lose it! I'll mark the engine oil dipstick next time.

[tlhorroc]

What an Epic way to stick it to the man literally.

FYI Most of these Dodge vehicles will show you in the dash what the transmission temperature is.

[shannonstiles]

I have the same dam van. I'm doing this hack right now!
Thanks Mr O👍

[TheGrappler]

You are a genius, my brother. Thank you very much for being so generous as to show the rest of us how to make life easier. Have a great year.

[dil]

Our Volvo comes with a trans oil dipstick, but it's buried deep in the engine bay, and surrounded by the hot side turbo piping and radiator hose. To make matters worse, the dipstick has a lock on it at the base of the tube, which is why I'm probably the first person to ever check it. I've affectionately named it "The Ring of Fire."

[TreyCook]

Almost every time I turn to YT for a vehicle question, you pop up. Same year, same color, different model, but works all the same. I shall be trying this!

[kennethbrown]

"Dipstick is conveniently stored right there" That got me tickled.

[bryanasher]

As always, my favorite mechanic! Great hack! I bought a factory technician transmission checker like the one at first of video so I could check mine. I hate carrying that stupid thing around with me. Will be doing this hack tomorrow morning. Thanks again for making amazing videos!!!

[Stover]

OMG thank you! My granddaughter has the crycare van. I am not a fan. I do some of the repairs and some maintenance. I just could not justify the cost of the wip stick 70$ but not knowing ALL the info you just provided nails it for me! You are the best!

[brittany]

You are a true automotive hero! Saving the masses by applying a lil common sense and know how with a awesome can do attatude!

I don't even have one of these.... but so awesome! Thank you!

[oldhotcars]

"The Man " can always be overcome with smarts and perseverance!! Hell ya way to go Dr O

[garysgarage]

I was told they stop putting dip sticks in because to many people were over filling them (filling to the hot line, when it was not up to temp.). I came across this on another brand too, I think it was a Pontiac. Great tip as always.

[DA-zieq]

bravo bravo and I'll say it again this is another reason why this channel ROCKS, keep it up Eric. 👍👍

[ClintskySnakeMan]

Great hack! Using the oil dipstick saves time and money. I'm an old 59 dIY guy and have been since around 12 years old. Now, I will go check my ATF fluid level.

[juanarcheval]

Gracias hermano yo tengo una Chrysler town and Country y eso me ayudo bastante para saber medir el aceite de transmisión.

[lektrikbass]

Chrysler has created some "protectionism" in the newer models, my 2013 Town & Country transmission can only be serviced by a dealer, as far as I can find out, regardless of voiding the warranty. I also had to replace the r/h low beam headlight receptacle due to burned up wiring. It appears to be about 18ga and the bulbs draw enough amps to waste the receptacle which cost me about $30. Thanks for the great video, I will be buying or making a dipstick!