proper way to check trans fluid...

[deltas69]

Still sorting out the codes on my 2004 gt turbo concerning the transmission..apparently I have been checking then trans fluid wrong...can someone tell me the proper way to check ?? been told by several techs..several different ways..some said engine running ..put it in each gear...then park...ebrake..wait one minute..and see where the fluid falls on the dipstick on a cold trans...i did that...and it showed no fluid on the stick at all...i appreciate all the help so far...what's the correct way ?? thanks

[NitroPT]

Engine running all temperatures at normal indication (drive about 15 minutes or more) before checking fluid gear selector in neutral.

[deltas69]

Thank you !!! So checking it by just pulling the dipstick as I was doing is not the correct way..I may have just found the problem of it not want to engage ...but if it is low...and I won't know that until I drive it..then check..do I run a chance of damaging the trans ??? It will engage if you rev it a bit...it will then operate properly...but I don't want to blow it it the fluid is way too low...Thanks again !!

[NitroPT]

If you are to low the transmission will not engage immediately.

If you want to be cautious then let the engine idle until the temperature gauge indicates your normal operating position which on most stock PT Cruiser is about the middle of the gauge.

You should be able to check the transmission fluid and get a pretty good indication about the level.

Honestly the funny thing is I have been working on American automatic transmission for about 30+ years and in ambient temperatures ranging form 30F -120f and a transmission completely cold or hot and have never found a various once the transmission has been engaged at least once in any gear and the pump and torque converter are in working order.
But I did post the best and proper way to check the fluid level for your A604/41TE Transmission in my previous response.

[deltas69]

thanks...will check per your directions and post results..

[deltas69]

update...checked the fluid with engine at operating temp in neutral...did not show any fluid on dipstick..added fluid until it read full on the hot mark...drove car around for about 20 minutes...it shifted fine no noise or apparent problems..rechecked trans in neutral..still didn't show any fluid..added fluid until full on the dipstick "hot' mark...all told i put in about 3/4 of a quart of trans fluid...i'm guessing it was low enough to keep the trans from engaging...how ever..the temp here today is 65 at the time of the test...no way to know if the car will engage when the temp drops back below 40 til about Wednesday...we'll see then....hopefully low fluid was the problem..thanks for all the help..I'll clear the codes tomorrow and see if the cel comes back on...

[deltas69]

for the record..i didn't notice...but the instructions are on the dipstick to check the trans fluid...in very small letters..."check in park with engine idling"...

[NitroPT]

Originally Posted by deltas69

for the record..i didn't notice...but the instructions are on the dipstick to check the trans fluid...in very small letters..."check in park with engine idling"...

This is a safety precaution because some idiot will think he is in neutral and get out of the car with it in gear.

The point to working the gear is to actuate all the valves in the transmission valve body at least once. Park closes valves while neutral many automatics lets one or 2 remain open. You want all the working parts with fluid under pressure to measure the remaining fluid in the sump/transmission pan.

[thecabinguy]

As far as checking the transmission fluid, I haven't noticed anyone mentioning the car being on level ground, like what needs to be done while checking engine oil. Too many times I have seen people check their fluids while on a slight incline either way. On my PT, if I check the engine oil even on just a slight downgrade, the dipstick can show up to 1/2 quart over. I did do this once then rechecked it later on total level ground and the level was right on the full mark. Just wondered if the transmission would be the same way.

[NitroPT]

thecabinguy.....

Its a good point you make but I guess I still think that some have a little common sence when they DIY on vehicles? Some of us do things as a matter of habit without thinking about mentation jing the simple things.
If you review many pictures I have posted you will actually see that I often part on the curb and street for exactly the reason you talk about.