Transmission fluid will not drain?

Tiny
EMILOU311
  • MEMBER
  • 2018 DODGE CARAVAN
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 167,000 MILES
My car was having trouble shifting (hesitating when driving). I decided to do a full drop-pan fluid and filter change on the transmission fluid after looking at it and seeing it was black and super low.

Dropped the pan and old filter, old fluid drained well as expected, put on new filter, gasket and pan. Tried to drive - transmission doesn't work at all now. Does not engage. Car starts and revs fine with gas pedal but won't go anywhere in drive or reverse.

Took the pan and filter off again to see if maybe I didn't install the filter quite right. The new filter is bone dry meaning it hasn't been getting any fluid at all. The transmission fluid now won't drain at all. Despite the pan and filter being completely off the vehicle the transmission fluid tank is full. I have no clue why it won't drain. It's all fresh fluid so it's obviously not gelled or anything.

Any info is appreciated!
Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 AT 11:46 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, so the transmission has a fluid circulation thermostat, so the engine needs to be hot when filling. Also, you need to use MOPAR ATF+4 only or the transmission will not work. Can I ask how you check the fluid level? They have a fill tube but no stick?

There is a special tool to check the fluid level, (dipstick special tool 9336A).
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Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
EMILOU311
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I did use ATF+4 and I purchased a universal dipstick from the dealership. I tried running the car and shifting through the gears. No luck.
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Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 AT 12:52 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Did you allow the engine to get to operating temperature without trying to drive the car and then check the fluid level? Also, the instructions say to pour 4 quarts in the start did you do that? Here is what they say to do after a transmission service.
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Thursday, May 15th, 2025 AT 9:58 AM

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