My money is on BMW. The timing belt thing has been that way for decades on Audi/VW cars, especially if they have a V6 or V8 and AWD and even so its more of a drawback of the design (Quattro AWD means most of the engine is ahead of the front wheels which results in the engine jammed up against the radiator) as opposed to engineers purposely trying to get everybody to go to the dealer for an oil change or anything engine related for that matter like BMW does.
Thank much for that great tip, I hadn't even looked for a dipstick yet. Here I was going to add a Trans cooler and didn't know there was no sip stick, talk about feeling like a dip stick :-D
Today's cars don't even come with an engine oil dipstick. It basically comes with a cover over the entire engine that reads "You don't belong here, go to our authorized dealers only".
That trans dipstick doesn’t hit the pan, theres a stop which the dipstick is likely to fold over and give a false reading. Thats why the dipstick tool was re designed with the stopper at the end. So be careful with the homemade dipsticks
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.
A few years ago Mecedes Benz trucks did away with engine oil dipsticks in favour of a dash low warning light ,brilliant untill the sensor acts up then you are scuttled !!
Chrysler really dropped the ball here. I had one of these vans a couple days ago, had to do the cooler lines. I wasn't sure how much leaked out before I changed the lines, so I dumped a litre of fluid in. I bought one of those dipsticks from AST tools for the Chryslers. Not sure what the measurements are on yours but mine are in 10mm sections. Fluid was on the stick so I went for a drive, and let it run until operating temp, which is about 95 Celsius, hooked my Snap On Modus Ultra scantool up to check trans temp according to the chart, my scanner only reads in Fareinheit but the chart had min and max in both Celsius and Farenheit so I figured I would be ok. Nothing was making any sense at all, it said I need to get to 200F, but it was hovering around 116F, and it was at operating temp of 95c, so I said screw it, looked at the chart for 95C, it said 40mm, that's what was on the stick, so I let the customer have it. This set up is stupid an confusing, why couldn't they just have one with min/max, idling in park, no that would be to easy.
Oh Dude bless you...I have 2013 grand caravan I looked and thought are they kidding no trans stick. Thank you for your hack. It so works. Keep it Simple.👃👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
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".
I saw some lipstick on that dipstick. haha Great tip man combating dumbass oem engineering. I have done trans fluid checks/changes on Audi/VW and just adding the fluid into the trans is insane!!
Yeah there is 7 speed one that you can only chage differential fluid. if you drain transmission fluid you then need new transmission you cant bleed the air out of it and there is no add port on it. Same thing if it has leak of transmission fluid you need to get new transmission to get your car go again :D
If your talking about the 6 speed DSG, you can add fluid through the hole after you take off the transmission filter. It takes longer than bottom filling it but it's much easier.
And he said with such a drawl, too, like he's been saying it for yyyyears! I kind of like it. I might slip it in from time to time to see who is paying attention! Also, can someone tell him that eye protection is a thing? I learn a LOT from his videos and want them the keep on coming! This creative solution was really nice. "We're just above the HOT mark..." Should be "high mark" on the cold transmission fluid range.
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."
Please, how many quartz of ATF4+ does the transmission take after a fluid change? With these marks as references, I added only 4 litres, while many guys mention 5.5 quarts. I just want to avoid over filling. Please help. Thanks
Dipsticks don’t usually hit the pan... it usually stays just above the bottom so the dipstick needs a “stop” mark so you know how deep to put it in. You are “measuring” more than the actual amount of fluid.
HAHAHA, aren't you the man too, since you have a business of your own, don't take me wrong i'm just having fun, you're a cool cat, i haven't heard anyone use "The Man" term in ages, I'm 66 yrs old.
you paid 70 bucks for that, holy moely you got raked. i got mine for 12 and change from Orielly's. anyway i'm glad i came across your video because trying to understand the instructions is like taking freaking Greek lessons for the first time, not to mention i don't have a heat measuring tool.
That dealer use only is illegal... "The right to repair concept has generally come from the United States. Within the automotive industry, Massachusetts passed the United States' first Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act in 2012, which required automobile manufacturers to provide the necessary documents and information to allow anyone to repair their vehicles. While not passed at the federal level, the major automobile trade organizations signed a memorandum to agree to abide by Massachusetts' law in all fifty states starting in the 2018 automotive year." Thus they should provide a dip-stick and anything else necessary so the owner can do it themselves.
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!
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.
Eric what is your take on the 62TE transmission in terms of longevity as a whole? Continuing the proud tradition of Ultra-Drive, or an improvement? How many miles before this one kicked the bucket?
They are doing this on more, and more, and more vehicles, saying "oh our vehicle comes with "Lifetime" transmission fluid," which really means oh about 70k, or until you over heat the transmission...
Lifetime for a Chrysler is 36000 miles. After that you never want to buy another POS ever. All we see is engine ticks and transmission issues on this van at our shop.
hey eric ever noticed on these that the purge canister valve makes a popping noise when you sit with your foot on the brake and the car in Drive at the stop light. I hear a pop pop , and my mechanic verified it's the pruge cannister valve but couldn't tell me if that was a problem or not.
xl auto parts sells the universal dip stick in dorman brand for around 25 bucks here in texas. also comes with the temp and oil level chart for multiple chrysler/ dodge vehicles.🤖
@@SouthMainAuto Hello Eric, how often do you recommend changing the fluid on a 62TE transmission? Could you please get the chart for the 2014 Grand Caravan, please?
whoaaaaaaa there Eric-o.... Chrysler transmission never fail......... on a serious note dam good idea dude, stupid for sure the way they want fluids checked now a days
Some dealer mechanics can't be trusted. Sign says " mechanic on duty" that's not the one working on your car. I took my car to Musselman Dodge in Catonsville, MD and my car cut off after I got off the highway, the mechanic short-changed me on my engine oil and it has a dipstick to check the oil level. Of course they blamed me. That all happened after my tire almost flew off when I had my tires rotated because the mechanic only put 2 lug nuts on each tire instead of the 5. The other mechanics ran out of the shop when they heard the noise. Shame and sad.
Lot's of those lovely "no stick" models out there these days. My favorite are the "sealed for life" CVTs. Had a guy asking me about a Ford with non-operational hubs the other day. Pointed him to your video. He calls me back asking "Why did they make them that way, it's just stupid". Just said "Welcome to my world"
Asked about my "lifetime" fuel filter and trans fluid/filter, so these will last a good 50 plus years and 500k miles? Dealer, no, about 100-150k. Me: That is not even near lifetime. Dealer: Most people don't keep their cars that long Me: Lifetime Dealer: Shrug
Yeah, these things are meant to last the lifetime of the loan, not the car. Then it's time to run out and finance another brand new car, and everybody wins! Right?
And it was only a few years ago that they were all bragging about how long their vehicles lasted compared to the rest of the field.... Guess the bean counters saw that and were like, "WHAT! they won't buy new if they last that long".... So now you have 10,000 mule oil changes, "lifetime" trans fluids, Lifetime filters, and more.
Wouldn't you just like to slap someone at Chrysler for pulling that stunt???? Once again, I've learned something on your show. My next car won't be a Chrysler !!!
VHO TECH my dad's Nissan truck doesn't have one either which sucks too, and my friends Toyota truck. It's bs IMO, I should be able to at least maintain my vehicle
Unfortunately they're all doing this now. GM and FoMoCo collaborated on the 6-speed "unserviceable" tranny, and all of the big 3 collaborated on the 8-speed, I thought I read too - none even have a dipstick tube.
Smitty Smithsonite the Chrysler 8 speed is the same ZF transmission everyone else use. I believe Ford and GM also collaborated on the new snazzy 10 speed.
Yeah I remember reading something about that one too a while back. I knew they were all plotting against us, lol. Some of the engineering today just defies logic. They should force everyone in the company to repair these things ... then maybe they'd design them with a bit more thought for service techs.
i know chevy cobalt and some pontiacs have no dipstick or any place to put one. you gotta jack it up keeping it level and with it running at operating temp and pull an 11mm bolt by the cv shaft and fill it till it comes out. freakin pain in the ass
How far down do you put it in the tube? A measurement from the top of the tube would be nice to have to make another scribe mark for consistent measurements.
Exactly! I just did this tonight, and it's really hard to tell if you've put the dipstick in far enough. I wish someone would give us that measurement. I watched & re-watched this video.... it looks like 2/3 of the oil dispstick is inserted, and 1/3 sticks out the top, but sure would like something more accurate than that since we ARE measuring fluid levels in mm!!
The dip stick does not bottom out in the pan there is a stop before you hit bottom and an oil dip stick can slide past that stop, that's why the regular dip stick has that big end on it
It would really help if SOMEONE said how far to insert the oil dip stick to reach the Stop!! So far, no one has indicated how many inches to insert the oil dipstick. It looks, from the video, as if it's about 2/3 of the dipstick, with 1/3 sticking out the top. Does anyone have the exact inches to make sure you've inserted the dipstick the correct amount to the stop??? Thank you very much!
I have a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan with the 62TE at 92K miles. Just did a pan drop with new filter and fluid. Used one of those 5 foot long tie wraps they use in HVAC system to make a dipstick per your instructions here. They are 3/8th inch wide and I cut it down to 20 inches long. Used a file to make slight grooves at the right points, then marked it with a sharpie. The grooves in the tie wrap hold the sharpie ink very well. None came off when I used it after letting it dry for 24 hrs. And the head of the tie wrap makes a good handle. Great channel and thanks for the info, Eric :-)
bodgit and leggit garage I can top that. MB ditched the stock on the 03 E class. No trans stick no oil. Goes to show that Chrysler engineering stepping in.
They're carefully engineered juuuuust long enough to last the term of the lease. Then you take it back and overpay for more plastic. But dat badge tho. Oo, aren't you fancy.
This is so common on European cars. MB threw their dip sticks like 20 years ago and others are following them.. Todays wehicles are beginning to use bottom one dipstick. That especially has to read out when hot.
its pretty since, pump new fluid in the trans, make sure the car is leveled and open the drain plug when the transmission pan has reached required temperature to drain the extra fluid. Still very servicible but that's on an older model, they are getting worse and worse and soon will have sealed hoods.
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!!!
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.
Gary's Garage at least the couple GM trans without a dipstick have the bolt in the side you use, fill until it comes out the hole and it's full, that's it, don't even have to start the car.
yep, i know chevy cobalt and some pontiacs have no dipstick or any place to put one. you gotta jack it up keeping it level and with it running at operating temp and pull an 11mm bolt by the cv shaft and fill it till it comes out. freakin pain in the ass
Hi, I'm Jhonny from New York. Congratulations on your work and the impeccable, technical, specific and professional way in which you work and explain everything. You are very intelligent and fine in your work and in the way you explain everything and how you do everything, you are a true high-level and high-end mechanic that today are not very common, I like it very much. continue like this and thank you very much. Now I want to ask you which 2009 Chrysler town country engine is the best, the 3.8l or the 4.0l. I wait your answer. thank you very much and God bless you
It seems these automakers are in a conundrum. How to make a transmission that will last just long enough to get out of warranty yet still be strong enough to haul a 250 lb. soccer mom and 6 kids with all their gear to sports practice all over town in all kinds of temperature extremes. I know! We will build a decent transmission and tell them it NEVER needs maintenance or EVEN fluid checks. Genius! Can anyone say "Revenue Stream"?
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!
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.
I guess if you need an exact reading, Amazon has the tool for under $10. Just aim a infrared temperature gun at the transmission and refer to the chart.
I've never heard anything one way or the other why there is no dipstick but my guess is they did it as a cost saving measure. Seldom is it ever needed since the tranny fluid supposedly lasts the life of the vehicle. They no doubt take nothing else into consideration. As far as not being able to open the hood in the future, I doubt it will happen. Though the DIYers are dying out. Back in the 80s Congress proposed that to Detroit and they said NO! We couldn't sell anything if we did that. Though times are still changing. Shame on FCA for saving $6 in the cost of the vehicle so its difficult to check levels but easy to spend $3500 on a new tranny.
Hey Mr.O! I love watching your videos and have been for some time! I do have a question though. I made a video similar to yours a little while back not knowing you made a video on it. I did get some different results. After an hour and a half drive I checked my fluid temp with my scan tool and it was stable around 146°F. So if the normal operating temp is that and not 196°F like the engine temp that would make the trans about 50°F cooler. This would make the full hot mark around 36mm max. So if I filled it up to where it would be if the trans was at 196°F then I would be over filling the trans about a quart right? Do you think that would hurt anything? Thanks.
I'm puzzled. with the comparative lengths of the dip sticks. The "$$$$" one recommended to buy vs. the oil dipstick. The "$$$$" looks a bit longer and would therefore measure differently according to its length. I do get where you are coming from if, as you say it is just and always a matter of sticking anything into the transmission fill hole till it hits the bottom (straight down) of the pan...and whether the level is consistent with what it should be at the temps described. So...is that it? Hanger, wooden dowel, anything that just "hits" the bottom of the pan is the place where all measurements are calculated from? (NO, don't try silly putty of course)
I don't know how much is the right amount, but I've been checking mine with my oil dipstick at every fifth-ish gas fill up. As long as I can see that there's fluid, I'm not hurting it and I know where the level used to be, so I just try to keep it around that line. It's less scientific than your way, for sure.
I have a 2011 T&C 3.6L that has a rebuilt Tranny. It does NOT have a "Dealer Only" cap. There is what seems to be a vent cap in approx the same location. Any idea?
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!
Amazing.. Question: (mine is a 2015 T&C).. Is it possible to find a mini dip stick long enough to make as you did, OR, use a motor oil dip stick as you did, and mark it as you did, BUT be able to size it right and epoxy-glue it to the "Dealer Only Cap"..?? So all you have to do is stick it in, twist, pull it out and read! (That didn't sound to great)..lol.
That shouldn't have the 62te I thought 08-10 with the 4.0 was the only ones with the 6 speed the 3.3-3.8 had the 5 speed and that engine is not the 4.0 ???🤔and the 3.3-3.8 did have the dip stick still. Correct me if I'm wrong on this?
VW cars as well don't have an trany dip stick. Pain in the cahouns if you know what I mean. I resent lay did an trany oil change after the car exhibited shifting issues into 2nd gear in cold weather. That did not help, so I read up on the issue and found out that it has to do with the solenoids sticking in the valve body due to sediment in the oil (fine sediment almost like graphite but finer). I ordered a full solenoid kit from Cobra Transmission and made the switch. Hard to reach valve body between the trany and the cooling fans in front of the car, but I managed to get it done with a new oil from the dealer at $50.00 CND./ quart (ouch). Now it's running as smooth as when it came out of the show room. This car is a Jetta TDI with over 600,000 km on it, so I think I got my money out of that car for sure. Unfortunately the car does not have a trany dip stick and the manual said that the transmission is not serviceable, heck even the oil filter is built in the trany and the only way to remove it is to do a complete transmission tare Down! Manufacturers want you to buy new transmission or push you over the edge and get you to buy a new car. It's not bad engineering, they know what they are doing, it's the marketing bastards who have infiltrated the engineering dept. to create more sales down the road , typically like grocery stores putting the milk way at the back of the stores down the isle of the chips & dip so you can buy more stuff instead of just the milk. They know what they are doing, they call it "non serviceable for the life of the vehicle". I am now much wiser and will be changing the trany oil regularly. Ho yes, no dipstick.... Just put in a bit more than you took out, that is all. Don't need to make it more complicated than what it really is. Cheers from Canada.
Anybody know if this works on dodge chargers as well with the nag1? I can buy a dip stick if I have to but wondering if it’s long enough as well. 2005 to 2010 charger
Another reason I see will never buy a dodge again! Screw you dodge you rotten company. Plastic parts in the motor! Horribly difficult to replace major parts like starter or alternator! Over priced parts! $400 for a got damn alternator? Yep! Done with dodge!
You guys have got to be kidding if you think this is bad. WORK ON SOME EURO-TRASH. I'm surprised VW, BMW and Mercedes haven't welded the hoods shut yet. I think they also use a computer module to open the glove box. Truly pathetic.
i just got a 2016 grand caravan with 63k on it, i doubt the trans fluid was ever changed, i know they say 100k change, unless its a taxi, police, etc. Do you think its ok to change it, or should i change it ? its a hair low maybe at 38mm hot( thanks for dip stick trick)..fluid looks ok clean not perfect? Any help would be great...thank you!!!
I think you should have taken your cut-off grinder and carved "MIN" and "MAX" on the stick along with that crosshatch. Come on, how's this guy gonna otherwise keep straight what the marks mean? LOL :-) Do you think there's a meeting planned, (or, better yet, the ever-stupid conference call,) with some Chrysler engineering group to discuss why the f@#k they didn't think of this??? -- Na, that would have cost too much money. After all, it's all about the sales margin. . . :-(
I amma retired ford tech and trans builder on occasion and everything has turned into bullshit in the past 20 years. the no dipstick is one of the stupidest things to ever hit the market. and when cruising in 72 ltd convertible sporting its 429 v8 and c6 trans and 9 inch differential that will probably will still be around many decades after all this computerized bullshit is dead and gone. yep I got the store bought dipper for the chrysler 62te trannys cause I own 2. I learned to make the 62te live is to keep serviced i flush mine about every 60,000 and add 2 containers of dr tyranny friction modifier and one has over 350,000 miles never a transmission issue yet using all amzoil juices in everything.
how is that right. the service manual says the dipstick will be inserted about 16.69", you did not insert that 16.69". your supposed to go past first stop, and at 2nd stop measure, dont go past second stop. if im wrong please explain
Just bought a used 2011 Chrysler town and country minivan touring. The owners manual says to replace the transmission fluid at 124,000 miles. I’m at 100,000 miles today. I have been told by other transmission people in the past that after 100,000 miles you should never touch the transmission fluid because changing the fluid has a detergent affect And changing the fluid can cause the transmission to start slipping. What’s your opinion on this?
Hello, my car is a Chrysler Town Country2011. There was smuggling but the specialist added oil to the car . Today I measured the oil level when the engine is running 5.5 cm, is it good or too much?
job assurance/service department assurance 101 and they wonder why I hate the shitheads in control :| Sadly Chrysler aka MO-PARTS is the one and only auto company I would love to see extinct, sans all the fudgery of fail the rest have done >_> afraid I forgot to say pyramid scheme at it's finest
My 2015 doesn't even have this dipstick tube and cap. There is just a stub pipe on top of trans front cover that I assume is for filling. It's only 1/2 inch long 1/4 in diameter with a semi-loose cap the size of a tire valve cap that won't come off. Anyone know if this is meant to be a dipstick/fill port? If so is there a replacement cap. It is completely different from what is seen on earlier models.
Why? What is the reason the dealer gives for asshatery? I mean they have to say something. ....Even though we all know it about the money, it's always about the money, saving a nickel on each car so that adds up to millions and a bonus for a CEO. Fuck the mechanic that has to pay for a 70$ tool. Well, maybe those 70$ will stimulate the economy and trick down economics will finally work, haha jk, that will never work.
You can also use a clothes hanger (make sure it's not the painted type). Unwind the hanger, then stick it in the tube until it bottoms, cut off the excess (you can even bend the end into a handy U for easier handling). Mark your measurements cold and hot. Boom, you're in business.
I have the same dam van. I'm doing this hack right now!
Thanks Mr O👍
I predict BMW will be the first to come without a bonnet (Hood) catch so you will be no longer permitted to open your own hood.
VW might beat them to it, since you currently have to remove the front of the car to change the timing belt on some of their models.
"no user serviceable parts inside"
My money is on BMW. The timing belt thing has been that way for decades on Audi/VW cars, especially if they have a V6 or V8 and AWD and even so its more of a drawback of the design (Quattro AWD means most of the engine is ahead of the front wheels which results in the engine jammed up against the radiator) as opposed to engineers purposely trying to get everybody to go to the dealer for an oil change or anything engine related for that matter like BMW does.
Thank much for that great tip, I hadn't even looked for a dipstick yet. Here I was going to add a Trans cooler and didn't know there was no sip stick, talk about feeling like a dip stick :-D
Its already here the hood on the i8 is bolted on and says in owners manual removal could void warranty
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!
We're does the fluid go in at
Into the same tube you are putting the dipstick into, you need a funnel.@@curtislafoy8469
@@curtislafoy8469 Down the dipstick tube.
Today's cars don't even come with an engine oil dipstick. It basically comes with a cover over the entire engine that reads "You don't belong here, go to our authorized dealers only".
I wonder what it takes to become "Authorized??"
$$$$, I imagine
....or perhaps a service writer who lies easily and wants to sell the customer lots of stuff they don't need.
I don't call them cars anymore, more like appliances.
Write a book?
That's great. Good job with "sticking" it to the man. They are so ridiculous.
Maybe they came up with this idea because someone at higher levels thought there were already too many dipsticks in the world.
caduceus33: yes right too many dipsticks,they just included themselves. Man
what are they thinking?
That trans dipstick doesn’t hit the pan, theres a stop which the dipstick is likely to fold over and give a false reading. Thats why the dipstick tool was re designed with the stopper at the end. So be careful with the homemade dipsticks
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.
😎😀
A few years ago Mecedes Benz trucks did away with engine oil dipsticks in favour of a dash low warning light ,brilliant untill the sensor acts up then you are scuttled !!
Simple, no cost, effective, reliable. Brilliant!!!! Way to go Eric!
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.
Chrysler really dropped the ball here. I had one of these vans a couple days ago, had to do the cooler lines. I wasn't sure how much leaked out before I changed the lines, so I dumped a litre of fluid in. I bought one of those dipsticks from AST tools for the Chryslers. Not sure what the measurements are on yours but mine are in 10mm sections. Fluid was on the stick so I went for a drive, and let it run until operating temp, which is about 95 Celsius, hooked my Snap On Modus Ultra scantool up to check trans temp according to the chart, my scanner only reads in Fareinheit but the chart had min and max in both Celsius and Farenheit so I figured I would be ok. Nothing was making any sense at all, it said I need to get to 200F, but it was hovering around 116F, and it was at operating temp of 95c, so I said screw it, looked at the chart for 95C, it said 40mm, that's what was on the stick, so I let the customer have it. This set up is stupid an confusing, why couldn't they just have one with min/max, idling in park, no that would be to easy.
"Dipstick is conveniently stored right there" That got me tickled.
Oh Dude bless you...I have 2013 grand caravan I looked and thought are they kidding no trans stick. Thank you for your hack. It so works. Keep it Simple.👃👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
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.
Gracias hermano yo tengo una Chrysler town and Country y eso me ayudo bastante para saber medir el aceite de transmisión.
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".
Is it the same measurement for the 3.8 vs 3.6
I saw some lipstick on that dipstick. haha Great tip man combating dumbass oem engineering. I have done trans fluid checks/changes on Audi/VW and just adding the fluid into the trans is insane!!
Yeah there is 7 speed one that you can only chage differential fluid. if you drain transmission fluid you then need new transmission you cant bleed the air out of it and there is no add port on it. Same thing if it has leak of transmission fluid you need to get new transmission to get your car go again :D
If your talking about the 6 speed DSG, you can add fluid through the hole after you take off the transmission filter. It takes longer than bottom filling it but it's much easier.
Being the bumblefuck that I am, I would surely have circumcised the oil dipstick with the cutoff wheel.
Nah? Drain, measure what came out, replace, done. No leaks? No worries.
bravo bravo and I'll say it again Bravo!!!!! this is another reason why this channel ROCKS, keep it up Eric. 👍👍
"Rocket surgery" LOL, lol, lol...
And he said with such a drawl, too, like he's been saying it for yyyyears! I kind of like it. I might slip it in from time to time to see who is paying attention!
Also, can someone tell him that eye protection is a thing?
I learn a LOT from his videos and want them the keep on coming! This creative solution was really nice.
"We're just above the HOT mark..." Should be "high mark" on the cold transmission fluid range.
Oh I'm stealing this one!
Yeah, we all know it's brain science 😂
That’s a rickism from trailer park boys
Awesome, thanks 😊 I'm a big fan. Your videos has saved me some money and expensive trips to the dealership.
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."
Please, how many quartz of ATF4+ does the transmission take after a fluid change? With these marks as references, I added only 4 litres, while many guys mention 5.5 quarts. I just want to avoid over filling. Please help. Thanks
Dipsticks don’t usually hit the pan... it usually stays just above the bottom so the dipstick needs a “stop” mark so you know how deep to put it in. You are “measuring” more than the actual amount of fluid.
Key word "usually." Read service info. You'll see I'm right.
HAHAHA, aren't you the man too, since you have a business of your own, don't take me wrong i'm just having fun, you're a cool cat, i haven't heard anyone use "The Man" term in ages, I'm 66 yrs old.
you paid 70 bucks for that, holy moely you got raked. i got mine for 12 and change from Orielly's. anyway i'm glad i came across your video because trying to understand the instructions is like taking freaking Greek lessons for the first time, not to mention i don't have a heat measuring tool.
NOT COOL!!! I just bought a 2015. I deserve a dip stick. The new ways suck. Thanks for the hack.
Why is the dipstick they make you purchase 4 foot long and your using the 2 foot long engine dipstick ???
That dealer use only is illegal...
"The right to repair concept has generally come from the United States. Within the automotive industry, Massachusetts passed the United States' first Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act in 2012, which required automobile manufacturers to provide the necessary documents and information to allow anyone to repair their vehicles. While not passed at the federal level, the major automobile trade organizations signed a memorandum to agree to abide by Massachusetts' law in all fifty states starting in the 2018 automotive year."
Thus they should provide a dip-stick and anything else necessary so the owner can do it themselves.
10 quarts when you rebuilt the transmission and 4 quarts when you change the oil filter forget about this crap
😮 UBER THANKS , IM BEEN A PRO MECHANIC 50+ YRS TRYING HELP AN OLD LADY HERE. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
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!
Chrysler does a terrible job with wiring.
The temp guage he mentions is at this URL. It'a a PDF, www.denlorstools.com/shop/images/CRY933_Dip_Stick_Instructions.pdf
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.
Eric what is your take on the 62TE transmission in terms of longevity as a whole? Continuing the proud tradition of Ultra-Drive, or an improvement? How many miles before this one kicked the bucket?
Brilliant! You're right it ain't rocket surgery...lol! thanks buddy.
Aren't dipsticks all different lengths
You measure from the bottom of the pan. Stick it in till it touches, then pull it and read the level.
Maybe wear safety glasses when using a grinder to keep that one set of eyes good !
They are doing this on more, and more, and more vehicles, saying "oh our vehicle comes with "Lifetime" transmission fluid," which really means oh about 70k, or until you over heat the transmission...
Lifetime for a Chrysler is 36000 miles. After that you never want to buy another POS ever. All we see is engine ticks and transmission issues on this van at our shop.
Question: How much oil per mm when level is below the required?
rocket surgery!!!! brain surgery and rocket science in ONE! love the vid. that was best part
yes it is very complex :D
hey eric ever noticed on these that the purge canister valve makes a popping noise when you sit with your foot on the brake and the car in Drive at the stop light. I hear a pop pop , and my mechanic verified it's the pruge cannister valve but couldn't tell me if that was a problem or not.
spending too much time on ave"s channel??? he does come up with some skookum sayings lol
lightningsmokerXx Normal for a Dodge, Chrysler Plymouth.
At this time 140 dealership disliked the video.
xl auto parts sells the universal dip stick in dorman brand for around 25 bucks here in texas. also comes with the temp and oil level chart for multiple chrysler/ dodge vehicles.🤖
All vehicles come with a dipstick..its usually located in the drivers seat...
Hahaha
How smart is that? I love the idea. My Dodge Magnum has a tube but no dip stick. Stupid, but now I know how to fix it. Awesome.
Let me know if you need the fluid chart for yours Wyatt.
Is there a link you can send me? That would be a great help. Thank you.
Just text me your email with your VIN and I will get it to ya
@@SouthMainAuto Hello Eric, how often do you recommend changing the fluid on a 62TE transmission? Could you please get the chart for the 2014 Grand Caravan, please?
whoaaaaaaa there Eric-o.... Chrysler transmission never fail......... on a serious note dam good idea dude, stupid for sure the way they want fluids checked now a days
Try that on a VW auto! They have their own oddball methods of checking transmission fluid.
Some dealer mechanics can't be trusted. Sign says " mechanic on duty" that's not the one working on your car. I took my car to Musselman Dodge in Catonsville, MD and my car cut off after I got off the highway, the mechanic short-changed me on my engine oil and it has a dipstick to check the oil level. Of course they blamed me. That all happened after my tire almost flew off when I had my tires rotated because the mechanic only put 2 lug nuts on each tire instead of the 5. The other mechanics ran out of the shop when they heard the noise. Shame and sad.
Lot's of those lovely "no stick" models out there these days. My favorite are the "sealed for life" CVTs. Had a guy asking me about a Ford with non-operational hubs the other day. Pointed him to your video. He calls me back asking "Why did they make them that way, it's just stupid". Just said "Welcome to my world"
and then you have the life time air filters like the put on the Focus haha. I just want one with lifetime gas!
Asked about my "lifetime" fuel filter and trans fluid/filter, so these will last a good 50 plus years and 500k miles?
Dealer, no, about 100-150k.
Me: That is not even near lifetime.
Dealer: Most people don't keep their cars that long
Me: Lifetime
Dealer: Shrug
Yeah, these things are meant to last the lifetime of the loan, not the car. Then it's time to run out and finance another brand new car, and everybody wins!
Right?
Charles Putt I couldn't have said it better myself. Meant to last the life of the LOAN!
And it was only a few years ago that they were all bragging about how long their vehicles lasted compared to the rest of the field.... Guess the bean counters saw that and were like, "WHAT! they won't buy new if they last that long".... So now you have 10,000 mule oil changes, "lifetime" trans fluids, Lifetime filters, and more.
Wouldn't you just like to slap someone at Chrysler for pulling that stunt???? Once again, I've learned something on your show. My next car won't be a Chrysler !!!
VHO TECH my dad's Nissan truck doesn't have one either which sucks too, and my friends Toyota truck. It's bs IMO, I should be able to at least maintain my vehicle
Unfortunately they're all doing this now. GM and FoMoCo collaborated on the 6-speed "unserviceable" tranny, and all of the big 3 collaborated on the 8-speed, I thought I read too - none even have a dipstick tube.
Smitty Smithsonite the Chrysler 8 speed is the same ZF transmission everyone else use. I believe Ford and GM also collaborated on the new snazzy 10 speed.
Yeah I remember reading something about that one too a while back.
I knew they were all plotting against us, lol. Some of the engineering today just defies logic. They should force everyone in the company to repair these things ... then maybe they'd design them with a bit more thought for service techs.
i know chevy cobalt and some pontiacs have no dipstick or any place to put one. you gotta jack it up keeping it level and with it running at operating temp and pull an 11mm bolt by the cv shaft and fill it till it comes out. freakin pain in the ass
Just stumbled across this. Genius!!!! That’s why your the top dog!!!
How far down do you put it in the tube? A measurement from the top of the tube would be nice to have to make another scribe mark for consistent measurements.
Exactly! I just did this tonight, and it's really hard to tell if you've put the dipstick in far enough. I wish someone would give us that measurement. I watched & re-watched this video.... it looks like 2/3 of the oil dispstick is inserted, and 1/3 sticks out the top, but sure would like something more accurate than that since we ARE measuring fluid levels in mm!!
Dude we are alike..before I watched this vid I was like why buy another dip stick, it already has one...then I saw your vid. Thanks
The dip stick does not bottom out in the pan there is a stop before you hit bottom and an oil dip stick can slide past that stop, that's why the regular dip stick has that big end on it
It would really help if SOMEONE said how far to insert the oil dip stick to reach the Stop!! So far, no one has indicated how many inches to insert the oil dipstick. It looks, from the video, as if it's about 2/3 of the dipstick, with 1/3 sticking out the top. Does anyone have the exact inches to make sure you've inserted the dipstick the correct amount to the stop??? Thank you very much!
I have a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan with the 62TE at 92K miles. Just did a pan drop with new filter and fluid. Used one of those 5 foot long tie wraps they use in HVAC system to make a dipstick per your instructions here. They are 3/8th inch wide and I cut it down to 20 inches long. Used a file to make slight grooves at the right points, then marked it with a sharpie. The grooves in the tie wrap hold the sharpie ink very well. None came off when I used it after letting it dry for 24 hrs. And the head of the tie wrap makes a good handle. Great channel and thanks for the info, Eric :-)
Nice hack BMW's are the worst I've come across yet dipstick for the engine oil German engineering yeah right
bodgit and leggit garage I can top that. MB ditched the stock on the 03 E class. No trans stick no oil. Goes to show that Chrysler engineering stepping in.
Smart cars have no engine oil drain plug -- many have found the oil lasts longer than the engine.
They're carefully engineered juuuuust long enough to last the term of the lease. Then you take it back and overpay for more plastic. But dat badge tho. Oo, aren't you fancy.
This is so common on European cars. MB threw their dip sticks like 20 years ago and others are following them.. Todays wehicles are beginning to use bottom one dipstick. That especially has to read out when hot.
its pretty since, pump new fluid in the trans, make sure the car is leveled and open the drain plug when the transmission pan has reached required temperature to drain the extra fluid. Still very servicible but that's on an older model, they are getting worse and worse and soon will have sealed hoods.
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!!!
THANK YOU! You gave me a place to start. With code po734 (only po734) I'm hoping for a low oil level.
It's a 2016 with only 103,000 on it.
Was that the problem ? What fixed your issue ?
@@jerrywaller2578 new transmission. Snap ring in the under drive drum let go,major damage.
For a 6 speed it was $4500.00 installed by dodge.
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.
Gary's Garage at least the couple GM trans without a dipstick have the bolt in the side you use, fill until it comes out the hole and it's full, that's it, don't even have to start the car.
yep, i know chevy cobalt and some pontiacs have no dipstick or any place to put one. you gotta jack it up keeping it level and with it running at operating temp and pull an 11mm bolt by the cv shaft and fill it till it comes out. freakin pain in the ass
Yes, that is how to fill it. Still not themes convenient.
Kyle Veilleux one of the few times you use an 11mm socket or wrench. lol
Rocket surgery?
😆
rocket surgery lolol
Hi, I'm Jhonny from New York. Congratulations on your work and the impeccable, technical, specific and professional way in which you work and explain everything. You are very intelligent and fine in your work and in the way you explain everything and how you do everything, you are a true high-level and high-end mechanic that today are not very common, I like it very much. continue like this and thank you very much. Now I want to ask you which 2009 Chrysler town country engine is the best, the 3.8l or the 4.0l. I wait your answer. thank you very much and God bless you
It seems these automakers are in a conundrum. How to make a transmission that will last just long enough to get out of warranty yet still be strong enough to haul a 250 lb. soccer mom and 6 kids with all their gear to sports practice all over town in all kinds of temperature extremes. I know! We will build a decent transmission and tell them it NEVER needs maintenance or EVEN fluid checks. Genius! Can anyone say "Revenue Stream"?
Love this!! Will this procedure work on a 2012 Dodge Caravan?? I hope so.... thanks.
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!
What is the fluid volume difference between max/ min
Hey Eric O is this gonna work on my 2013 dodge journey, it's got this same exact transmission
You got one of those too huh?
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.
I guess if you need an exact reading, Amazon has the tool for under $10. Just aim a infrared temperature gun at the transmission and refer to the chart.
I've never heard anything one way or the other why there is no dipstick but my guess is they did it as a cost saving measure. Seldom is it ever needed since the tranny fluid supposedly lasts the life of the vehicle. They no doubt take nothing else into consideration.
As far as not being able to open the hood in the future, I doubt it will happen. Though the DIYers are dying out. Back in the 80s Congress proposed that to Detroit and they said NO! We couldn't sell anything if we did that. Though times are still changing.
Shame on FCA for saving $6 in the cost of the vehicle so its difficult to check levels but easy to spend $3500 on a new tranny.
Hopefully the 62TE is better than the 41TE. Those things are junk.
Thankfully they are not :D
Rocket surgery
"The Man " can always be overcome with smarts and perseverance!! Hell ya way to go Dr O
Keep that dipstick away from the battery!
Hey Mr.O! I love watching your videos and have been for some time! I do have a question though. I made a video similar to yours a little while back not knowing you made a video on it. I did get some different results. After an hour and a half drive I checked my fluid temp with my scan tool and it was stable around 146°F. So if the normal operating temp is that and not 196°F like the engine temp that would make the trans about 50°F cooler. This would make the full hot mark around 36mm max. So if I filled it up to where it would be if the trans was at 196°F then I would be over filling the trans about a quart right? Do you think that would hurt anything? Thanks.
I'm puzzled. with the comparative lengths of the dip sticks. The "$$$$" one recommended to buy vs. the oil dipstick. The "$$$$" looks a bit longer and would therefore measure differently according to its length. I do get where you are coming from if, as you say it is just and always a matter of sticking anything into the transmission fill hole till it hits the bottom (straight down) of the pan...and whether the level is consistent with what it should be at the temps described. So...is that it? Hanger, wooden dowel, anything that just "hits" the bottom of the pan is the place where all measurements are calculated from? (NO, don't try silly putty of course)
Im sure you already know DORMAN makes a replacement dipstick 917-327 for these
I don't know how much is the right amount, but I've been checking mine with my oil dipstick at every fifth-ish gas fill up. As long as I can see that there's fluid, I'm not hurting it and I know where the level used to be, so I just try to keep it around that line. It's less scientific than your way, for sure.
I have a 2011 T&C 3.6L that has a rebuilt Tranny. It does NOT have a "Dealer Only" cap. There is what seems to be a vent cap in approx the
same location. Any idea?
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!
Amazing.. Question: (mine is a 2015 T&C).. Is it possible to find a mini dip stick long enough to make as you did, OR, use a motor oil dip stick as you did, and mark it as you did, BUT be able to size it right and epoxy-glue it to the "Dealer Only Cap"..?? So all you have to do is stick it in, twist, pull it out and read! (That didn't sound to great)..lol.
That shouldn't have the 62te I thought 08-10 with the 4.0 was the only ones with the 6 speed the 3.3-3.8 had the 5 speed and that engine is not the 4.0 ???🤔and the 3.3-3.8 did have the dip stick still. Correct me if I'm wrong on this?
VW cars as well don't have an trany dip stick. Pain in the cahouns if you know what I mean. I resent lay did an trany oil change after the car exhibited shifting issues into 2nd gear in cold weather. That did not help, so I read up on the issue and found out that it has to do with the solenoids sticking in the valve body due to sediment in the oil (fine sediment almost like graphite but finer). I ordered a full solenoid kit from Cobra Transmission and made the switch. Hard to reach valve body between the trany and the cooling fans in front of the car, but I managed to get it done with a new oil from the dealer at $50.00 CND./ quart (ouch). Now it's running as smooth as when it came out of the show room. This car is a Jetta TDI with over 600,000 km on it, so I think I got my money out of that car for sure. Unfortunately the car does not have a trany dip stick and the manual said that the transmission is not serviceable, heck even the oil filter is built in the trany and the only way to remove it is to do a complete transmission tare Down! Manufacturers want you to buy new transmission or push you over the edge and get you to buy a new car. It's not bad engineering, they know what they are doing, it's the marketing bastards who have infiltrated the engineering dept. to create more sales down the road , typically like grocery stores putting the milk way at the back of the stores down the isle of the chips & dip so you can buy more stuff instead of just the milk. They know what they are doing, they call it "non serviceable for the life of the vehicle". I am now much wiser and will be changing the trany oil regularly. Ho yes, no dipstick.... Just put in a bit more than you took out, that is all. Don't need to make it more complicated than what it really is. Cheers from Canada.
Thank You Worked like A Real Dip Stick 😂, saved a few dollhairs.....
Anybody know if this works on dodge chargers as well with the nag1? I can buy a dip stick if I have to but wondering if it’s long enough as well. 2005 to 2010 charger
Another reason I see will never buy a dodge again! Screw you dodge you rotten company. Plastic parts in the motor! Horribly difficult to replace major parts like starter or alternator! Over priced parts! $400 for a got damn alternator? Yep! Done with dodge!
You guys have got to be kidding if you think this is bad. WORK ON SOME EURO-TRASH. I'm surprised VW, BMW and Mercedes haven't welded the hoods shut yet. I think they also use a computer module to open the glove box. Truly pathetic.
i just got a 2016 grand caravan with 63k on it, i doubt the trans fluid was ever changed, i know they say 100k change, unless its a taxi, police, etc. Do you think its ok to change it, or should i change it ? its a hair low maybe at 38mm hot( thanks for dip stick trick)..fluid looks ok clean not perfect? Any help would be great...thank you!!!
I think you should have taken your cut-off grinder and carved "MIN" and "MAX" on the stick along with that crosshatch. Come on, how's this guy gonna otherwise keep straight what the marks mean? LOL :-)
Do you think there's a meeting planned, (or, better yet, the ever-stupid conference call,) with some Chrysler engineering group to discuss why the f@#k they didn't think of this??? -- Na, that would have cost too much money. After all, it's all about the sales margin. . . :-(
I amma retired ford tech and trans builder on occasion and everything has turned into bullshit in the past 20 years. the no dipstick is one of the stupidest things to ever hit the market. and when cruising in 72 ltd convertible sporting its 429 v8 and c6 trans and 9 inch differential that will probably will still be around many decades after all this computerized bullshit is dead and gone. yep I got the store bought dipper for the chrysler 62te trannys cause I own 2. I learned to make the 62te live is to keep serviced i flush mine about every 60,000 and add 2 containers of dr tyranny friction modifier and one has over 350,000 miles never a transmission issue yet using all amzoil juices in everything.
70 bucks? Dorman makes the dipstick for 20 bucks lol part number 917-327
el_chingon Yep. I got it on Amazon for $18.
el_chingon lol you said dorman
try ali express.. got my mercedes dipstick for $4
pdgeman not everything dorman makes is crap lol
Tracy Sellman I tend to use OEM whenever possible. However, it's a dipstick. Dorman's millimeters are the same as FCA's.
how is that right. the service manual says the dipstick will be inserted about 16.69", you did not insert that 16.69". your supposed to go past first stop, and at 2nd stop measure, dont go past second stop. if im wrong please explain
Just bought a used 2011 Chrysler town and country minivan touring. The owners manual says to replace the transmission fluid at 124,000 miles. I’m at 100,000 miles today. I have been told by other transmission people in the past that after 100,000 miles you should never touch the transmission fluid because changing the fluid has a detergent affect And changing the fluid can cause the transmission to start slipping. What’s your opinion on this?
Hello, my car is a Chrysler Town Country2011.
There was smuggling but the specialist added oil to the car . Today I measured the oil level when the engine is running 5.5 cm, is it good or too much?
job assurance/service department assurance 101 and they wonder why I hate the shitheads in control :|
Sadly Chrysler aka MO-PARTS is the one and only auto company I would love to see extinct, sans all the fudgery of fail the rest have done >_> afraid I forgot to say pyramid scheme at it's finest
My 2015 doesn't even have this dipstick tube and cap. There is just a stub pipe on top of trans front cover that I assume is for filling. It's only 1/2 inch long 1/4 in diameter with a semi-loose cap the size of a tire valve cap that won't come off. Anyone know if this is meant to be a dipstick/fill port? If so is there a replacement cap. It is completely different from what is seen on earlier models.
Why? What is the reason the dealer gives for asshatery? I mean they have to say something. ....Even though we all know it about the money, it's always about the money, saving a nickel on each car so that adds up to millions and a bonus for a CEO. Fuck the mechanic that has to pay for a 70$ tool. Well, maybe those 70$ will stimulate the economy and trick down economics will finally work, haha jk, that will never work.
You can also use a clothes hanger (make sure it's not the painted type). Unwind the hanger, then stick it in the tube until it bottoms, cut off the excess (you can even bend the end into a handy U for easier handling). Mark your measurements cold and hot. Boom, you're in business.
Great info will use it