recently purchased town and country van 2010. Looking at transmission pan it looks like it is sealed with RTV smeared on the mating surface-is this standard? In this day and age?

 

Absolutely.................

 

Yes, surprisingly so. And no drain plug.

 

Double post , Please delete

 

Just an Explanation for a very valid question......

3 Things....#1 ...Cost efficiency, #2, Durability...RTV seals much better than Gasket material, and eliminates the need for re-torquing the pan at regular intervals, and #3........

If you look closely at your transmission, The pan is actually a "Structural" piece of your trans casing....

Anyone who has ever built a "Pre-Fab" pressboard Book-Case, has noticed that it Flops around and sways uncontrollably, until you put the Cardboard on the back......Same principle. Since Aluminum does not readily "Flex" as opposed to Cracking, The pan is there not only to hold fluid, But to provide the rigidity necessary for the aluminum casing.