Dark brown or black transmission fluid is a sign of old or burnt transmission fluid. If your fluid is dark brown or black, it needs to be changed, and your transmission should be checked for problems to make sure it is not overheating and burning the fluid. Your transmission fluid should be translucent.
How does transmission fluid turn brown?
Old transmission fluid is dark brown opaque. This color is an indicator that you need to replace the transmission fluid with a new one or do a fluid flush. The fluid turns brown due to the contamination of dirt or oxidation. When it is very old, it becomes black.
What causes dirty transmission fluid?
Just like the oil in a cars engine, automatic transmission fluid {ATF) suffers from heat, friction, oxidation and electrochemical degradation. Once this process starts, a transmission's vital parts begin to clog with sludge and varnish deposits.
Can you fix burnt transmission fluid?
When that smell turns burnt, your transmission fluid has broken down and the system is burning too hot, leading to an increase in friction and corrosive activity in the engine. This type of issue may be easily fixed with a transmission fluid flush and change, or leak repair.
Related Question why is my transmission fluid brown
What happens if your transmission fluid is dirty?
Excess dirt and contaminants in the transmission can cause a loss of hydraulic power, therefore keeping the transmission from staying in the appropriate gear. A dirty transmission can quickly start to interfere with transmission fluid flow, resulting in the lack of pressure needed for the transmission to stay in gear.
What does it mean when your transmission fluid looks like oil?
If your transmission fluid looks like the picture on the right, it's time for a Power Flush™ If your fluid is above the full mark, you may have too much transmission fluid in your transmission. If the fluid is below the add mark, your transmission is low on fluid. Low fluid in your transmission can cause low pressures.
Is driving with dirty transmission fluid bad?
When transmission fluid has become clogged with a large amount of dirt and debris the drivers could experience an unexplainable surging while driving. It may be because a dirty transmission is impeding proper fluid flow. This can cause the vehicle to leap or surge back and forth without warning.
How often should transmission fluid be changed?
Manual transmissions generally need transmission fluid changes more frequently than automatic transmissions. The average recommended interval for manual transmissions is around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. For automatic transmissions, the recommended interval is around 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
What color should your transmission fluid be?
Transmission fluid is dyed a translucent, dark red shade to make it easier for you to identify contaminants.
Should I change my transmission fluid if it's never been changed?
If it's bright pink-the fluid is new. No need to change it. If it's light brown with a hint of pink-It needs to be replaced. If it hasn't been changed in a long time-it will be very dark brown.
Should I have my transmission flushed?
Much like oil changes, transmission flushes should be performed every so often to maintain the transmission system, which you cannot drive without. If you bring your car in so our technicians can complete this service, your vehicle can stay running at its best.
When should transmission fluid be flushed?
Where a transmission fluid change will only replace some of the existing fluid for new, clean fluid, a transmission fluid flush completely removes all old fluid and replaces it with new. Mechanics recommend a complete flush approximately every 60,000 miles.
What does worn transmission fluid look like?
How do I check my transmission fluid color?
Color: Wipe the dipstick on white tissue to reveal the color. If the color appears red after wiping it, then consider your automatic transmission safe. However, if the fluid color appears brown or black, you should consider refilling with new, fresh fluid.