Tranny fluid discolored is not a sign of failure... change it and the filter...If the transmission seems to be slipping between gear changes ... then you have a problem... If it shifts down very hard .... you have a problem...if when you put in gear it clunks loud and hits hard .... you have a problem ..but if all seems ok and it goes thru the changes good... just do the oil change..keep the money in your pocket and whatever you do if it is working properly do not ask a mechanic if something is wrong because of the fluid color....... just change it or they might tell you it needs some repairs and believe me it does not.. just read what i have written you and go from there

 

Yes, I mentioned, "I have already had the fluid flushed and replaced once." That was only about 5 months ago and it has already turned darker than normal. I will have it replaced again for good measure. Can you say what that discoloration is a sign of? I suspected the fluid was getting overly hot (burnt) or bits of metallic dust from worn parts. That is an amateur guess but the fluid generally stays a nice blood red at all times so what is this current discoloration indicative of?

 

@Dave_Hounddriver .
//www.google.com.ph/search?q=my+auto+trasmission+fluid+has+gone+a+dark+colour&rlz=1C1GIWA_enPH638PH638&oq=my+auto+trasmission+fluid+has+gone+a+dark+colour&aqs=chrome..69i57.20223j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8_Hounddriver ,

Dave i thought you might find this page of Interest

 

Vehicles & Servicing - Automotive Services/ Car & Bike Places around Dumaguete
Mr. Pig consolidated a list of auto shops here.

 

Yes, and Google has a list too. But rather useless in Philippines don't ya think? No substitute for a referral from someone who has been there. Take Roberts Auto for example. "Yes we do Auto Transmission work" but you get there and ask them and "No we just change fluid. Want your fluid changed?"

 

Yes. And the comments on your link say: "Better check your car immediately before it’s too late and too expensive to repair it." Which is exactly why I am here in this thread.

Thanks all for the help.

 

Draining the oil pan and replacing the filter on an automatic trans is only about half the fluid. You were correct to flush which also replaces the oil in the torque converter and any external cooler and lines. I would question if they actually flushed it or just said they did. Some transmissions have two filters, one inside the pan and one outside.

The correct fluid in an automatic is crucial to prevent wear. They don't all run on Dexron. Yes the dealers overprice fluids.

If you have an external cooler, check for proper air flow. Bugs, dirt, birds nests, fan belt, fan shroud, fan clutch ect. If your cooler is built into the radiator, make sure it has good air flow and the rest of the cooling system is good.

 

THANK YOU. You may have solved my problem for me. I did have a cooling problem a while back and it has since been fixed but that may be why the transmission fluid was overheating. If so then another change and flush should fix the problem. I hope it is really that simple

 

Many automatics have a built in temperature sensor that can be seen through the OBD port with an inexpensive code scanner or data monitor. Normal temp varies but 175f is about average with up to 200f when loaded heavy, long up hills or towing. The temp sensor wont code until the temperature gets extreme like around 250f and by that time it's usually too late.

If you have rubber lines between the trans and cooler they should be rated for transmission fluid. Shade tree repaired hoses that fit have been known to swell on the inside, unseen and restricting flow.

If you did a lot of towing an additional cooler would be a good idea to prolong the life. It's not a good idea to add an additional cooler if the temp is high during normal loading as the underlying problem that is generating the heat is still there.

Here is to hopping that was your cooling system repair fixed the underlying problem.