AW4 Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Service

Difficulty 3/52–4 hrs$50–1201987-1990, 1991-1995, 1996, 1997-2001

Drop pan, replace filter, refill with Dexron III/Mercon (or modern multi-vehicle ATF equivalent). Pan drop nets ~4 qt; full system holds ~8 qt.

The AW4 is an Aisin-Warner four-speed automatic spec'd by the FSM for Dexron II/III ATF, not ATF+4. A 2006 service bulletin reaffirmed Dexron over Chrysler's later ATF+4 standard. Modern Dexron VI or a multi-vehicle ATF (Maxlife, Mobil Multi-Vehicle) is the popular consensus pick today since true Dexron III is no longer licensed. Capacity for a pan drop and filter is about 4 quarts; a full fluid exchange/torque-converter flush is 7.5-8 quarts. The AW4 has no dipstick tube full-system drain - either drop the pan repeatedly with refills between, or pull a cooler line and pump fresh fluid through while the engine idles. The filter is held by four bolts to the valve body and uses a rubber-tipped pickup that must seat against the new pan gasket. Always use a new Mopar or Beck/Arnley pan gasket - reusable cork gaskets weep. Check level hot, in Park, on level ground; the dipstick has HOT and COLD ranges.

Why it works

Trade-offs

Tools required

Parts

PartVendorEst. price
AW4 filter kitRockAuto~$25
Pan gasketMopar~$12
Dexron VI ATF (8 qt)any~$50

Sources

Related


Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.