What does Gray transmission fluid mean?

Your transmission fluid is constantly hard at work. Over time, the parts in your transmission wear down and “shed” metal into your transmission fluid. This turns the fluid from a clear bright red color to gray, brown or even black.

What color is transmission fluid when its bad?

The reason why transmission fluid changes from bright red to brown to black as it ages is that is it oxidizing. Oxidation is bad for transmission fluid. Dark brown or black transmission fluid is dirty and incapable of lubricating the hundreds of transmission parts. It will cause damage if you don't have it changed.

Does transmission fluid color matter?

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 does cloudy transmission fluid mean?

The milky substance you are seeing on the transmission dipstick is a result of cross-contaminated coolant and transmission fluid. More than likely, your radiator has failed which has allowed coolant to enter the transmission system.

What does oxidized transmission fluid look like?

Brown/Dark Brown

The brown transmission fluid will become opaque, which means you can't see through it anymore. Brown and dark brown hues indicate that the transmission fluid is no longer viscous and it is oxidizing. Oxidizing means the fluid is filling with air bubbles and is unable to do its job.

Transmission Trouble Signs: Checking Fluid Level, Color

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 causes burnt transmission fluid?

The burnt fluid typically means the transmission has overheated, and this requires the attention of a professional mechanic. When you start to feel some jerking, shaking, or grinding while driving down the road, it's likely that you're experiencing issues with your transmission gears.

What does transmission fluid look like when it needs to be changed?

Good transmission fluid is clear or pink-tinted. If it's a deep red or brown color, then it is old and dirty. You need to replace the transmission fluid to avoid any damage to your transmission. Look to see if there are any visible particles as well, as this can also mean you need to change the fluid.

What does water in transmission fluid look like?

If your transmission fluid looks like a strawberry milkshake, you've got water in the transmission. Once water gets into the transmission enough to affect operation, a rebuild is required. It doesn't take much–less than an ounce of water can cause problems.

How often should transmission fluid be changed?

If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There's no harm in changing your fluid early.

How do I know when my transmission is bad?

Does changing transmission fluid help shifting?

Though changing transmission fluid can't fix mechanical problems, it does make for smoother shifts and can extend the life of your transmission. And even when manufacturers recommend fluid change intervals of 150,000 miles under normal conditions, it may be a good idea to change it more frequently.

How much does transmission flush cost?

Your transmission flush cost can range anywhere from $150-$400, depending on vehicle size and whether you visit an independent mechanic or the dealership. Plus, every so often you see mechanics offering a transmission flush for around $100 to get you in the door, so keep your eyes open for deals.

What color is all transmission fluid?

Many vehicle fluids have been dyed for easy identification, and transmission fluid is no exception. Newer transmission fluid is a translucent dark red color, but over time, it will become even darker through use.

How do I remove water from my transmission?

Does coolant affect transmission?

The transmission or engine misfires could be from the coolant leak if the coolant is getting onto the wiring of the engine. You may also be going into failure mode if the engine is running hot.

Can dirty transmission fluid cause shifting problems?

3. Shifting Issues. When the transmission fluid isn't clean or is blocked by a clogged filter, the internal components won't have the lubrication they require to function properly. This could lead to shifting issues, grinding gears, slipping transmission or other common symptoms of transmission problems.

What happens if you never change your transmission fluid?

Transmission Overheats.

Changing your transmission fluid periodically will increase the lifespan of your transmission. On the other hand, if you never change it, you will have dirty and grimy fluid that will fail to lubricate and disperse heat very well.

How do you fix a burnt transmission?

For low fluid levels, you'll need to add more fluid to repair the problem. For burnt or damaged fluid, you'll need to drain the exhausted fluid and replace it with new fluid. For a leak, however, at least part of your transmission will need to be resealed to prevent further slipping and transmission problems.

How do you know if your transmission is overheating?

Will burnt transmission fluid cause slipping?

The older and more burnt your transmission fluid, the less able it is to keep the parts in your transmission lubricated and functioning properly. This can cause overheating as well as slipping and extra wear.

How do I know if my transmission filter is clogged?

Should I flush or change transmission fluid?

A transmission fluid change will help to restore your system to good working order and is the cheaper option. It is also a relatively simple task that can be undertaken by vehicle owners. A transmission fluid flush is more costly, but will replace all of the fluid and any contaminants that have built up in the system.

Why You Should Never flush your transmission fluid?

Almost every car manufacturer recommends against using transmission flushing chemicals, and most will void your transmission warranty if they can prove these chemicals are being used. These chemicals can damage your transmission, which is why most automakers recommend against them.