Check ATF level on sealed Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep automatics that have no factory dipstick.
Open the hood on a six-speed Grand Caravan, Journey, Town & Country or Chrysler 200 and you will find a capped fill tube where a dipstick used to be. Chrysler's owner's manuals for these vehicles say the six-speed has no dipstick and the level is checked with a service tool. This braided stainless dipstick is a replacement for dealer tool numbers 8863B, 9336, 9336A and 917-327, and it lets you check the level yourself on the 62TE, 45RFE, 42RLE and NAG1 automatics it is listed for.
On the 62TE the tool slides down the fill tube until its tip lands on a stop bracket inside the pan. Transtar's 62TE install guide puts the insertion depth at about 16.7 inches, so most of the 52.8-inch tool sticks out of the tube, and it warns that pushing too hard can slip the tip past the stop and give a false reading. The level is not read as a simple full mark. The stick has indicator marks every 10 mm, and you compare the height of the oil film with the transmission temperature on a scan tool using a temperature-versus-level chart. A printed chart comes in the box.
Park on level ground with the brake applied, start the engine and shift slowly through every range a few times, then return to Park. With the transmission warm and the engine idling, remove the fill tube cap, push the tool in until it lightly bottoms, pull it out and read where the wet line falls. Read the fluid temperature off a scan tool, look up that temperature on the chart and add or remove ATF+4 as needed, then recheck. Our 62TE fluid type and capacity guide has the capacities, and the 62TE fluid change cost guide covers what a service involves. This is a check tool only; take it out when you are done and put the cap back on.
The listing names the 42RLE, NAG1, 45RFE and 62TE, behind the 2.7, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 5.7, 6.1 and 6.4 engines. Each transmission has its own level chart, so read the chart for your unit and do not assume a 62TE reading applies to a NAG1. If your vehicle still has a normal dipstick with a handle, you do not need this tool. Unsure which transmission you have? Our 62TE identification guide shows how to confirm it, or send us your year and VIN. More service parts for the six-speed are in the 62TE parts collection.
Use ATF+4 only in the 62TE. If the fluid on the stick is dark or smells burnt, plan a pan and filter service with the 62TE service kit with ATF and filter, and if a harsh shift is still there with the level correct, look at the 62TE solenoid pack next.
| Replaces | 8863B, 9336, 9336A, 917-327 |
| Fits | 42RLE, NAG1, 45RFE, 62TE |
| Body | Braided stainless, ABS handle |
| Length | 52.8 in overall |
| Includes | Level chart + instructions |
| Ships from | USA |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
It is listed as a replacement for 8863B, 9336, 9336A and 917-327.
Yes, the 62TE is on the fit list along with the 45RFE, 42RLE and NAG1. On the 62TE it goes down the capped fill tube until it touches the stop in the pan, about 16.7 inches in.
The correct level changes with fluid temperature. Read the oil height against the 10 mm marks, then use the included chart with the temperature from a scan tool.
No. It is a check tool. Remove it after reading the level and reinstall the fill tube cap.
ATRA lists 5.5 quarts for a service and 9.0 quarts after an internal repair, ATF+4 only. Always set the final level with the dipstick hot, not by the quart count.
