How can I read the fluid level on the resevoir of my chevy HHR? The plastic is darkened by soot deposits from a broken manifold.

The first thing I'd check is the level of the transmission fluid. Make sure the vehicle is level, and is up to normal operating temperature. Check It while it is running. If it's low, there's your problem. If it's okay, then you may need to change the transmission fluid and filter. The transmission filter is similar to a filter on an A/C unit. Like a screen to catch the junk in the fluid. It's located inside the transmission pan on the bottom of the vehicle. If you do it yourself, make sure you use the right type of transmission fluid. Filters and fluid are relatively inexpensive to replace.
With all of that being said, all of that information was for an automatic transmission. Not for a standard transmission. If your transmission fluid level is okay, and doesn't need changing. Take heart, that doesn't mean you're looking at a complete transmission replacement either.

Your 2008 Chevy HHR does take brake fluid. The fluid type is DOT-3 Brake Fluid. The brake fluid reservoir is a small white plastic container. The cap will read DOT-3 or brake fluid, on it. This reservoir will be found against the drivers side firewall. I hope this helps you. Your owners manual has this information inside, if it is available.

Chevrolet recommends that the transmission fluid be changed every 50,000 miles, but Chevy intended the transmission to be serviced only by authorized repair shops. For this reason, the HHR does not feature a transmission fluid dipstick. However, the HHR's transmission fluid can still be checked without exotic tools.

It is important to check the fluid level only after the fluid has circulated throughout the transmission by shifting through the gears. Failing to allow the fluid to circulate will result in a false fluid level reading. Turn the engine on and shift through each of the transmission's gears with the brake pedal depressed and the parking brake applied. The car should be allowed to idle in each gear position for approximately five seconds. Turn the engine off, then climb underneath the passenger's side of the vehicle. A small plug is located on the passenger's side of the transmission. Remove this plug with a wrench. Turn the engine on and observe whether any fluid drips out of the transmission plug's opening. If fluid does begin to drip from the plug opening, the transmission does not require additional fluid. Turn the engine off and install the transmission plug.

If fluid did not begin to drip out of the transmission's plug, transmission fluid must be added. Turn the engine off, then remove the black breather cap from the top of the transmission. The circular breather cap twists into the transmission. Twist the cap in a counterclockwise direction until it detaches from the transmission. Because of the lack of clearance between the breather cap's opening and the bottom of the vehicle, transmission fluid cannot be poured into the breather cap opening. Attach a fluid pump to a quart-sized container of new transmission fluid. Insert the pump's hose into the transmission through the breather cap's opening. Turn the engine on, then actuate the pump until fluid just begins to drip out of the plug's opening on the side of the transmission. Screw the breather cap onto the top of the transmission, then install the plug with a wrench.

check your brake fluid if low have replaced

you need to put the car up in the air, it has to be level or you will get an improper reading to the front of the trany, by the inner courner, you will see a bolt, i think it is 7mm start the car, take out the bolt, and if nothing comes out you need to add oil, when it is just dripping put back in the screw to add oil, there is a plastic crew thing on the top of tranny, look good because you can mix it up with other things take the plastic screw thing out and get a funnel with a very long extension and add the oil

I'M JUST HAVING PROBLEMS LOCATING THE AREA WHRER TO PUT THE FLUID

Check your brake fluid level in the engine compartment. Its located on the rear RH side of the engine compartment, its a white/clear resevoir connecting to a large black circular object. If the fluid is low, fill to proper level, also I would recommend having your brake system checked as there may be a leak. If the fluid is fine and at the proper level, you may have a damaged/broken brake fluid level sensor or damaged/broken Emergency brake switch. Hopefully this helps....please rate thanks!!

could have been expansion. chk fluid level and keep on trucking.. Good Luck -Ned-

the power steering fluid resevoir is located on the passenger side of the engine compartment near the fire wall. mostimes in order to fill it you have to remove the altenator to remove the fill cap to add the fluid.

Check that the filter at the bottom of the reservoir isn't blocked and restricting fluid to the power steering pump.