Reading the Transmission Fluid

Posted August 17, 2011

There’s a lot you can learn about the condition of your transmission just by examining the fluid.

New transmission fluid is usually transparent, and relatively odorless. A few years ago, virtually every transmission fluid was red; technicians would aptly describe a transmission with exceptionally clean fluid as being “cherry.”

Today, many manufacturers have begun to stray from the traditional red color. Transmission fluids may be green, yellow, some may even have a bluish tint. But in virtually every case, clean fluid will look clean, and smell clean. So checking the fluid’s color and giving it a little sniff is a great way to determine whether your transmission is in good shape, or in need of service.

Here are the basic conditions you should be looking for:

CLEAN, CLEAR FLUID, WITH VIRTUALLY NO ODOR — the fluid’s like new. Chances are the transmission’s working fine. Use the vehicle mileage or time since it was last serviced to determine whether you should have the transmission serviced.

SLIGHT BROWNISH TINT, WITH A LIGHTLY BURNT ODOR — the fluid’s beginning to burn, and is probably due for a service. If you didn’t have the fluid exchanged completely the last time you had the transmission serviced, you may just be looking at the old oil that was left in the transmission. As long as the transmission seems to be working okay, consider a complete fluid exchange service in the not-too-distant future.

BROWN COLOR, WITH A DISTINCTLY BURNT OR VARNISHED ODOR — the fluid’s burnt, and you may already be experiencing transmission operating problems. If the trans seems to be operating okay, you might still get away with a complete fluid exchange service and filter replacement. But there’s little doubt that the transmission is beginning to wear, so the best you can expect from a service is to buy you some time. Eventually you’ll be facing a transmission job.

BLACK COLOR, WITH A STENCH THAT WILL MAKE YOUR TOES CURL — the fluid’s severely burnt, and the transmission probably is, too. You’re probably experiencing a serious transmission operating failure. A service at this point will usually be a complete waste of money; the trans is going to need a rebuild. And there’s the possibility of related problems, such as a clogged trans cooler or a cooling system problem. Make sure you have these systems checked at the same time, to avoid a second transmission failure.

Of course, fluid condition isn’t the only thing technicians check when examining a transmission’s condition. They also look at operating condition, computer system codes, and any loose material in the pan, to name just a few. Oil condition is just one of a series of clues they use to diagnose transmission condition.

Categories: Car Repair