Draining & Refilling

1983 Dodge and Ram Rampage Base, AutomaticSECTION Draining & Refilling
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 14 other vehicles, including the 1986 Plymouth Turismo, 1986 Plymouth Reliant, 1986 Plymouth Horizon, 1986 Plymouth Caravelle, and 1986 Dodge Omni. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Loosen oil pan bolts at one corner. Tap pan to break it loose, allowing fluid to drain. Remove pan bolts and remove pan.
  2. Install a new filter and gasket (if equipped) on bottom of valve body and tighten screws. Clean pan.
  3. Install new pan, using RTV to form gasket.
  4. Add 4 quarts (3.8L) of transmission fluid. Start engine and allow to idle for at least for at least one minute.
  5. With engine at curb idle and parking brake applied, move selector lever through all positions, ending in "P". Add enough fluid to bring level to 1/8" below ADD.
  6. Recheck fluid level after transmission has reached normal operating temperature. Fluid level should check between lower hole of dipstick (fluid warm), and upper hole of dipstick (fluid hot). Do not overfill. Ensure dipstick is fully seated.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.