HELP!! 96 Avenger trans problem

[sixpack_sid]

I have a '96 Dodge Avenger with a 2.5 engine. I recently bought the car & it wasn't running.  I noticed a trans leak when it was sitting, between the engine and the bell housing. I got the car running and I checked the trans fluid. The fluid is showing 3x higher than normal on the dipstick. So I drained the fluid, put a new screen on & put new fluid in. I put 2 quarts of fluid in & checked the dipstick. It showed overfill on the dipstick, but the car wouldn't move when I put in in Drive. So I put 2 more quarts in (as stated in the repair manual-put 4 quarts of fluid in car). Now it moves, but it doesn't shift properly and the fluid level is showing way higher than it should be. Is there a certain kind of fluid I should be using? (I put in Dexron III Mercon.) Is there anything that I could check-Is there a pump maybe that's not pumping the fluid? Could something be blocking it? I'm at my wit's end with this car! Any help would be much appreciated. Also, it is front wheel drive and has the automatic transaxle.
Thanks,
Sid

[Charger_Fan]

When you're checking the dipstick, make sure you look at both sides. The reason being is that one side will usually pick up residual oil from the tube from pouring your 2 quarts.
If both sides read the same, then I'm baffled on why it reads so high.

Yes there is a pump in there, sometimes two. If the trans is leaking from inside the bellhousing, that's probably a front pump seal...which can only be changed by dropping the trans.
As far as not shifting right, it could still be low on fluid...unless your manual states that it only holds an even 4 quarts. If so, then there's probably more internal issues wrong with it.

Oh & yes, Dexron/Mercon.


Wait for some more replies, because as my wife sez, I'm not always right.

[71superbee]

THE FLUID THAT IS RECOMMENDED IN YOUR 96 DODGE AVENGER WITH A 2.5 LITER V6 AND AN AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IS ATF+4 TYPE 9602 TRANSMISSION FLUID. IT IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR CHRYSLER DEALER UNDER PART # 5013457AA QUART OR 5013458AA GALLON. I WOULD NOT USE DEXRON/MERCON ATF FOR YOUR TRANSAXLE.

I'M PRETTY SURE THAT THE TOTAL CAPACITY OF YOUR TRANSAXLE INCLUDING THE TOURQUE CONVERTER IS 9.1 QUARTS. YOU WOULD NOT NEED TO REPLACE THAT MUCH, UNLESS YOU REMOVED THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND COMPLETELY DRAINED THE CONVERTER AND TRANSAXLE. THE SERVICE MANUAL STATES THAT IF YOU ARE PERFORMING A TRANS SERVICE (REMOVING THE TRANS PAN AND REPLACING THE FILTER) TO ADD 4.0 QUARTS OF ATF+4 FLUID.
START THE ENGINE AND RUN @ IDLE FOR AT LEAST 1 MINUTE.
MOVE THE GEARSHIFT SELECTOR TO EACH POSITION ENDING IN PARK OR NEUTRAL.
ADD SUFFICIENT FLUID TO BRING THE LEVEL TO 1/8" BELOW THE ADD MARK.
RECHECK THE FLUID LEVEL AFTER THE VEHICLE IS AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE.

HOPE THIS HELPS

[Plumcrazy]

Check the fluid idling in park.
Use Mopar ATF+3.   It's much cheaper than +4 and your transmission doesn't require +4

[twilt]

Quaker State also makes a ATF+3 trans fluid that can be picked up at your local parts store. 

[Dodge Don]

I had a 96 Avenger ES 2.5 and it used ATF+3. Mine developed a leak and it wasn't the pump seal, something broke internally and even cracked the housing. Had to replace the entire tranny. CHA-CHING $$$. Eventually gave the car to my brother.