Chrysler PT Cruiser automobiles equipped with an automatic transmission use a fluid that is optimized for the vehicle. Owners should regularly check to ensure the automatic transmission fluid remains at the proper level. Operating the vehicle with insufficient automatic transmission fluid can lead to serious and costly damage to the transmission.
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.
