my 2000 Chrysler Cirrus tranny is leaking, and nearly empty.?

your car came from the factory with atf+3. +3 was not even available until 01. it is perfectly fine to leave in there. it would be a waste of money to flush it. +4 is a superior fluid, but your trans was designed for use with +3, 12 years before +4 hit the shelves. +4 is not synthetic, it is mineral based. +3 is still used in 41te transmissions(what you have) when replacing the torque convertor or on a rebuild because +4 will burn the new torque convertor clutch.

For when you get your leak localized (former poster was right on in suggesting the connections at the radiator, and also some models have ATF coolers)....

ATF+4 is of course available at the dealer, or Valvoline makes it specifically for Chrysler transmissions (says ATF+4 for Chrysler right on label).

The difference between +3 and +4 is that +4 is completely synthetic, and +3 is almost all synthetic. While +3 is not the best for your trans, it's not like Dexron (which will definately kill your Chrysler trans).

Once you get the leak fixed, you could get a flush to completely change the fluid.

You should use chrysler fluid which would be atf 3. if you put you put regular fluid in you wont notice the effects at first but overtime it will ruin the tranny. that leak needs to get fixed because that will ruin the tranny too. trust me I work at northeast transmission in Biddeford,ME

since it is all leaking out I guess the wrong transmission fluid

being put in will not harm it this time. But I would not do it again,,even though it is still leaking.

As for the leak. You should be able to localize it down to at least the general area.

Hopefully it will be something minor like a line going to the radiator cooler or something like that. Or maybe the gasket on the pan failed.