How can you tell what color transmission fluid?
Blotter Test Place a couple of drops of the ATF on a paper towel and wait about 30-seconds or so. If the fluid has spread out and is red or light brown in color, the fluid is good – No action is needed. If the fluid does not spread out and is dark in color, the fluid is oxidized.
What color should new transmission fluid be?
Healthy transmission fluid should be relatively clear or pink in color. If your transmission fluid is deep red or brown, your transmission fluid is old and most likely causing extra damage within your transmission. If it is dark brown, that is a sign you have burnt transmission fluid from overheating.
What should transmission fluid look like after a change?
Amber or Light Red If you check your transmission fluid and it has a light red or amber color, this is ideal. It’s fresh transmission fluid, and this is precisely what it’ll look like after a fluid change. Not only will the transmission fluid have a bright red color, but it will also be semi-translucent.
What is the color of the transmission oil?
Most of the transmission oils are red, but you can get some in blue or yellow. Manufacturers dye them red to distinguish them from other vehicle fluids. As the fluid ages, it changes to light brown, dark brown, and then to black. You should consider changing the transmission oil when you note a dark brown color.
What does it mean when transmission fluid is brown?
In most instances, burnt smelling transmission fluid means some internal damage has already occurred. Place a couple of drops of the ATF on a paper towel and wait about 30-seconds or so. If the fluid has spread out and is red or light brown in color, the fluid is good – No action is needed.
When do you need to change the transmission dipstick?
One of the main reasons for transmission failures is overheating. This means, if you tow a trailer or drive in a mountainous area, change the fluid more often. Today, many cars don’t have a transmission dipstick. How do you know if the transmission fluid needs changing? A quick look into the maintenance schedule may help.