How to Replace a Transmission Pan in a Caravan

You should only need to replace the transmission fluid pan on your Dodge Caravan if it has been damaged. If this is the case, the van is likely leaking fluid and the van is soon going to be in a lot of trouble. You'll need to replace that pan soon or else a professional mechanic is going to have to fix much more. When replacing the pan, it is important to remember that you are also dealing with the transmission fluid, which you should also replace.

Instructions

Removal

1

Raise the Caravan's front end and support it on jack stands. Apply the parking brake for extra protection.

2

Place a large drain pan or similar container underneath the transmission pan near the rear end.

3

Unscrew and remove all the transmission pan's bolts with a wrench, save the bolts at the front end. Tap the corner of the pan with a soft-face hammer to break its gasket seal, tilt the pan and drain any remaining transmission fluid into the container.

4

Remove all the remaining bolts and disconnect the pan from the vehicle.

5

Scrape away all traces of sealant from the transmission's mating surface using a gasket scraper.

Installation

6

Cover the new transmission pan's sealing surface with a 1/8 inch bead of RTV sealant.

7

Attach the pan to the transmission in the correct position and apply each bolt using the wrench in a criss-cross pattern.

8

Lower the van off the jack stands.

9

Fill the transmission wit four quarts of the transmission fluid needed for your particular model through the transmission filler neck in the engine compartment.

10

Start and run the engine for a minute, then shift the gear lever through every gear. Check for any leaks from the pan underneath the vehicle. If there are any leaks in the pan, repeat the removal process, check the pan for damage--especially along the edges--and use another pan if needed. If the pan is good, re-install it with a bit more RTV sealant.