[Stratuscaster]

I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure there is no valid way to verify fluid type by sight.

On the Chrysler vehicles that I've bought used, one of the first orders of business is to change the trans fluid with ATF+4 regardless.

 

[Roy]

Ps. Apologies for the duplicated stuff - I guess I did not empty my 'browser cache' - I did try to edit it out on the Preview, bu it has not worked. It's another lesson - "Read the Makers instructions." Happy Monday to y'all.


Praise God for 'Supermen' - I shall be doin just that sir, if there is any shadow of doubt in the test driving and dipsticking. Thanks.

 

[ImperialCrown]

ATF+4 does have a unique odor when new, but odors can change over time so that wouldn't be a valid test. Any fluid that meets Chrysler's MS-9602 is ATF+4. (MS=material standard).
When in doubt, replace the fluid and filter, maybe even 2 fluid changes to get most of the old fluid out or a flush/transfusion to circulate it all out.

 

[djsamuel]

Certainly recommend changing the fluid as decsribed above. ATF+4 does have a really distinctive smell to it (it stinks). When you buy some ATF+4 to replace the fluid in your PT, compare the odor to that which is in the transmission. If they smell simlar, then it is PROBABLY ATF+4. I've found over time, the odor may change a bit as IC suggests, but the smell of ATF+4 is so distinct it may be close enough to give you some confidence of what was in there.

However, that being said, follow the advice above, and just change the fluid anyway. You certainly can't go wrong doing that.