'06 owner alert

[Rip Rook]

We've now had 3, (count 'em ) three '06s come through our shop with ONLY 1 quart of atf in the transfercase. My initial thought was it HAD to be a mistake. Either on our end, or the customers or Chrysler. It's now appearing it may be bean counters ? Wow, if that's the case... .....

 

[JRD]

Wow! Thanks for the heads up. Im in Minnesota right now, when I get home I will be sure to check my T-Case!

 

[pwr2tow]

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[BSwope]

Thanks for the heads up i better check mine soon!

 

[CDonaldson]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll check mine asap. Shouldn't that have been taken care of by the dealerships 'new vehicle prep' stuff?



CD

 

[HSpiering]

Don't want to be a dumby,but how do you check it?

 

[MMeier]

Thought this was going on for sometime now... . starting with the '03's. Might as well check your diffs and see if they started filling those correctly, while you're at it.

 

[JCasper]

Holy Cow, I can not believe that Dodge can not even get that right.

 

[pwr2tow]

Don't want to be a dumby,but how do you check it?

The smartest guy is a guy who wants to learn.

Crawl under truck at mid point, about where cab and box meet.
locate transfer case towards rear end of transmission.
On the back side, facing rear of truck, you'll find 2 hex head flush mount plugs.
Unscrew the top on and if fluid leaks out it's full.
If fluid does not leak out stick your pinky in hole and bend down feeling for fluid, if you feel fluid it's full enough.
reinstall plug, tighten snug but don't crank with all your might.

 

[HSpiering]

pwr2tow



Thanks for the info. Figured it would be something like that

 

[MAshley]

what is the max fill quantity? Also in 2WD I assume the case is just a straight throughout connection and little harm until a user selects 4wd. you mentioned you have seen 3 now, are these new units right off of the truck or customers trucks that have had issues? IE why did you check and what harm has been done? I'm going to check but at 30K miles either I'M lucky, its full, or in 2wd it doesn't really matter, and I'm lucky what little 4wd i have done hasn't caused an issue.

 

[SRadke]

Unlike the manual transmissions out transfer cases can get by with low fluid levels because they have a lubrication pump with a suction in the bottom. You should still check and fill as required but that is likely why we havn't heard of serious damage due to this.



MAshley, if the case was empty serious wear would occur in 2wd as well as 4wd. Although the planetary and chain aren't turning the bearings on the mainshaft still are and they need lubrication as well.



-Scott