2012 Dodge Avenger Owner Manual - Page 447

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445 driven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held Fluid Level Check - Four-Speed Automatic comfortably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a Transmission Use the following procedure to check the automatic temperature below 80° F (27° C). transmission fluid level properly: 7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Then, 1. Park the vehicle on level ground. remove dipstick and note the reading. 2. Run the engine at curb idle speed for a minimum of 60 seconds. 3. Apply the parking brake fully. 4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear position ending with the lever in PARK. a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the crosshatched area marked "HOT" (between the upper two holes in the dipstick). b. 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 sufficient fluid through the 5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate filler (dipstick) tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not the possibility of dirt entering the transmission. overfill. 6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180° F (82° C), which is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle is 7