Coolant shelf life, dexron transmission fluid

QuestionEdit

1999 Dodge Grand Caravan 165K 3.3L

I have two general questions:

1) Is there any expiry date for the green mopar coolant? I am going to replace the radiator hoses and I have about 3 quarts of 50/50 coolant in a bottle, never used but 2-3 years old. Can I use it now?

2) What will happen if Dexron III is used in a Chrysler transmission that needs ATF 4? Today a mechanic recommended me to use it for my van and said he has done it for many vans and those are running fine. Dexron III is much cheaper compared to mopar ATF 4 here. Ofcourse I did not listen to him and got ATF 4.

Thanks for your help!

AnswerEdit

Hi Shafique, I have not seen such an expiration date for coolant. I agree with your decision to not use Dexron III as Chrysler has for years warned against doing that. Internal wear on parts/gaskets is the problem with the Dexron for Chrysler-built transmission. Roland