condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin
to look darker in color and may eventually become
brown. This is normal. ATF+4 also has a unique
odor that may change with age. Consequently, odor
and color cannot be used to indicate the fluid condi-
tion or the need for a fluid change.
FLUID ADDITIVES
DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those automatic transmission fluids listed above.
Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes
to aid in detecting fluid leaks.
Various “special” additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and these
additives must not be used. The use of transmission
“sealers” should also be avoided, since they may
adversely affect the integrity of transmission seals.
DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID - W5J400
NOTE: Refer to Service Procedures in this group for
fluid level checking procedures.
Shellt 3403 Automatic Transmission Fluid is the
recommended fluid for the W5J400 DaimlerChrysler
automatic transmission.
Dexron II fluid IS NOT recommended. Clutch
chatter can result from the use of improper
fluid.
Shellt 3403 Automatic Transmission Fluid when
new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be
identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such
as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not per-
manent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As
the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look
darker in color and may eventually become brown.
This is normal.
FLUID ADDITIVES
DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those automatic transmission fluids listed above.
Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes
to aid in detecting fluid leaks.
Various “special” additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and these
additives must not be used. The use of transmission
“sealers” should also be avoided, since they may
adversely affect the integrity of transmission seals.
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE OIL - DIESEL
ENGINES
Use only Diesel Engine Oil meeting standard MIL-
2104C or API Classification CD or higher or CCML
D4, D5.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
CAUTION: Low viscosity oils must have the proper
API quality or the CCMC G5 designation.
To assure of properly formulated engine oils, it is
recommended that SAE Grade 10W-40 engine oils
that meet Chrysler material standard MS-6395, be
used. European Grade 10W-40 oils are also accept-
able.
Oils of the SAE 5W-40 or 8W-80 grade number are
preferred when minimum temperatures consistently
fall below -12°C.
OPERATION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
The automatic transmission fluid is selected based
upon several qualities. The fluid must provide a high
level of protection for the internal components by
providing a lubricating film between adjacent metal
components. The fluid must also be thermally stable
so that it can maintain a consistent viscosity through
a large temperature range. If the viscosity stays con-
stant through the temperature range of operation,
transmission operation and shift feel will remain con-
sistent. Transmission fluid must also be a good con-
ductor of heat. The fluid must absorb heat from the
internal transmission components and transfer that
heat to the transmission case.
FLUID FILL/CHECK
LOCATIONS
INSPECTION - FLUID FILL/CHECK LOCATIONS
The fluid fill/check locations and lubrication points
are located in each applicable group.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION
9Maintenance Schedule Information not included in
this section, is located in the appropriate Owner’s
Manual.9
0a - 6 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE WG
FLUID TYPES (Continued)