There is a dipstick behind the radiator; complete with a seal saying something to the effect of "open under pain of death." Also, from what I understand, a scantool must be used to compare oil temperature to dipstick level. Might as well just take it to the dealer.

 

05273372AE - Thats the part number for the oil FILLER tube
05105718AC - Thats the part number for the cap, with the seal.

There is NO DIPSTICK. If you crack that seal looking for a dipstick that isnt there, you void the lifetime warranty. DONT DO IT! The dealer must have a tool for measuring depth.

 

This will help explain things:

The powertrain is the same 2.4L four-cylinder and JATCO CVT you'll find in the Caliber. With all the transmission fluids on the market, you won't be thrilled to know that this CVT requires a special oil. If it's the Mopar brand, it's CVTF+4 and it's dyed green. The CYT oil has to provide exceptional lubrication and not cause slippage when the pulley halves apply clamping pressure to the steel link belt. The changes in clamping pressure must be instantaneous, and avoiding slippage is critical, or the transmission would fail quickly. Naturally, Dodge and Jeep dealers will have the oil for openers. JATCO is a Nissan affiliate company that makes similar CVTs for Nissan products, such as the Murano crossover and the new Versa econocar. So, if necessary, you should be able to get the appropriate oil from Nissan dealers, too.

You'll notice what appears to be a dipstick tube at the front of the vehicle on the drivers side, and it should have a warning label to use CVT oil. But when you remove the top, there's no stick. The dipstick itself is a "special tool" (Miller No. 9336). The stick is marked for fluid levels for different temperatures, although there is an acceptable range.

 

Jeep Guy,

Thanks for the 411. Where can the Miller part be purchased? Dealer? (ouch!) or other parts retailers? Not familiar with Miller. What do you know about having to scan CVT oil temp when level checked? Thx. TPA

 

i suggest you understand what has been said to you....if you break the seal youve done the lifetime warranty, a dn as has been explained its not just a case of dip and wipe, ther is a lot more involved

 

As stated checking / changing CVT fluid is not a DIY propersition!

 

Actually changing the fluid is not much different than changing the fluid for a regular automatic. Also changing the fluid yourself does not void any warranties since that would be illegal under Federal law.

The "hard part" is getting the fluid level correct. The factory service manual procedure refers to temperature charts and where the level should be at what temperature on the "Miller Tool Dipstick".

 

Ok !! Hands up all you people who have changed their CVT fluid themselves & are quite happy with the outcome. ???

 

i can just see it .."yeah i did the oil, but something is wrong....", as to voiding warranty im am sure they could turn around and say it wasnt done correctly so sorry no warranty...is it worth the risk?

 

I believe the seal on my '09 SAYS that breaking the seal can void the warranty. They REALLY dont want you messing with the fluid in that CVT.

 

My '08 has a warning about using the correct fluid but there's nothing about voiding the warranty. Could you take a picture of yours? I'd be curious to see what it looks like.

 

My 2008 has a plug in the trans dipstick tube. It has a plastic tag around it that says "Caution! Use only Chrysler CVT Fluid CVT+4 Other fluids may damage the transmission". There is no mention of voiding the warranty, it's not sealed as a simple twist and pull pops it right off and no seal is shown as broken (being a round pipe and plug, I would imagine if they sealed it, it would have to be like a soda bottle where a ring would detach as you're opening it). Chrysler can't stop you from maintaining your own vehicle. That's against the law. If you do it wrong, they can certainly claim you voided the warranty, so document everything and you'll be good to go.

I've posted this in plenty of other threads, but you can use the oil dipstick to check the fluid level. It won't tell you if you're low or high on fluid, but it will let you see a consistent level. Here's how:

1. The CVT fluid expands/contracts a lot due to temperatures, so you always want to do the check with the transmission full hot. Have the dealer check the level so you know it's correct.
2. Always check it at the same location after say driving home from work in your driveway. The fluid should be around the same temperature after driving home from work just about every time (with the exception of very cold winter days or very hot summer days). It should be a level place, but since this is just a reference check for consistency, it doesn't have to be, but it should always be the same place.
3. Remove and thoroughly clean your oil dipstick.
4. Remove the transmission plug and fully insert and seat the oil dipstick.
5. Remove and take note of the level. Write a note, take a picture, scribe a line, whatever, this is now an "acceptable" level.
6. That level mark can safely lower or raise a little based on different temperatures but that's now your reference mark. If you see it change drastically, get to the dealer to have it checked.

 

i heard its a non servicable trans,ehrn the belt goes thats it, maybe the fluid is changeable, volkswagen is stupid like that with their autos trans,