How to Check the Transmission Fluid on Chrysler Cars

by Contributing WriterUpdated June 12, 2017

You should periodically check the transmission fluid in your Chrysler car to ensure that it is clean and filled to the proper level. Unfortunately, the Chrysler car comes with a closed transmission, meaning there is no dipstick you can pull out to easily check the transmission fluid. You will need to check the fluid from underneath the vehicle. This is much easier if you have access to an oil change service bay, although you can use four jacks if necessary.

Under The Hood:

 How to Check the Transmission Fluid on a 2005 Chrysler 300C

Drive the Chrysler for 15 to 30 minutes to bring the transmission fluid to operating temperature. Pull the car over an oil change service bay. If you do not have access to a service bay, you will need to park the car on a hard, level surface and lift the car with four, floor jacks. If you use jacks, make sure you lift the vehicle evenly so that you can obtain an accurate reading.

Unscrew the fill plug on the transmission. If transmission fluid pours out in a steady stream, it is overfull. If nothing comes out, it is low. When the transmission is at the correct level, the fluid will be even with the bottom of the fill plug hole, and will drip slowly out of the hole.

Replace the fill plug and tighten it. Lower the vehicle to the ground or drive out of the service bay.

Items you will need

  • Four car floor jacks

  • Oil change service bay

 How to Check the Transmission Fluid on a 2007 Pacifica

Park the 2007 Pacifica on level ground, apply the parking brake and allow the engine to idle for approximately one minute.

Move the gear selector to each position for a few seconds and then place it back in park.

Locate the transmission fluid dipstick, located behind the radiator on the right side of the engine compartment, and pull it out of the fill tube. Take note of the "Hot" and "Cold" indicator marks on the end of the dipstick.

Wipe off the dipstick with a rag, reinsert it into the fill tube and pull it out again.

Check the fluid level on the dipstick in the "Hot" or "Cold" marks. Use the "Hot" mark if your engine is at regular running temperature. The 2007 Pacifica runs at normal temperature after driving it for approximately 15 miles. Use the "Cold" mark if the engine is not running at regular temperature. The fluid level should fall between the upper and lower ranges on the "Hot" or "Cold" mark. Add fluid through the fill tube if the fluid falls below the lower line.

Items you will need

  • Rag

 How to Check Transmission Fluid on a PT Cruiser

Park the vehicle on flat ground and allow it to idle for at least one minute.

Engage the parking brake and fully depress the brake pedal. Shift the vehicle into the "Reverse" gear position and keep it there for a few seconds. Repeat this procedure with each gear position. Return the gear selector to "Park".

Turn off the engine and open the car's hood.

Remove the automatic transmission fluid dipstick. It has a round, yellow handle, and is located in the engine's mid-line, slightly toward the front of the vehicle.

Touch the dipstick to determine the fluid's temperature. If you can comfortably touch the dipstick for only a few seconds, consider the fluid hot. Otherwise, consider it cold.

Clean the dipstick and return it to its tube. Remove the dipstick again.

Observe the fluid level on the dipstick. You will see markings for "Hot" and "Cold", with two small dots next to each mark. The fluid is at the proper level if it falls between these two dots, according to the car's respective temperature. Replace the dipstick.

Items you will need

  • Rags

 How to Check the Transmission Fluid on a Chrysler 300C

Log onto MillerSpecialTools.com and purchase Tool Model Number 9336A. This tool retails for $51.72 as of October 2010.

Measure the fluid level by inserting the Miller dipstick into the ATF pipe located in the engine compartment. Read the fluid level indicated on the dipstick, noting the temperature variances when the transmission is cold (30 mm), warm (50 mm) or hot (80 mm).

Add 7 quarts of ATF if the transmission has been removed, then warm up the car and check the level with the 9336 dipstick and top off with fluid as needed. If the transmission was completely overhauled or the torque converter was drained or replaced, add 8.5 quarts.

Items you will need

  • Miller SPX Tool Model Number 9336A

  • Shop rag

More Articles

article divider
×