Transmission Fluid Color (1 Viewer)

[fooldall1]

Quick question:


How many people out there see LONG service life from their transmission fluid? I have records showing the fluid was drain/filled over 1.5 yrs ago, but every time I check the transmission fluid level, the fluid is bright red and healthy looking- even with the "White paper" test (no debris rings when dried). IS it possible that this tranny is THAT healthy? Since that service was done then, about 45k miles has elapsed.

Should I still do another drain and fill? The fluid looks fine- better than fine, actually.

 

[Spike555]

Time won't tell you anything, it's miles.
A drain and fill every 50k is a good rule of thumb, even if the fluid is still nice and bright red and no burnt smell.
When it gets hot is when it starts to change odor and color and break down.

With full synthetic trans fluid and a healthy not overworked transmission the fluid will last 100k or more, but I like to do 50k drain and fills because it's cheap insurance.

 

[BullElk]

You don't want to know how many miles I have on the same clean unburned tranny fluid. OCD maintenance guys always get there feelings hurt. Put it this way.....I never change it and I have never had any tranny issues.

 

[flintknapper]

Quick question:


How many people out there see LONG service life from their transmission fluid? I have records showing the fluid was drain/filled over 1.5 yrs ago, but every time I check the transmission fluid level, the fluid is bright red and healthy looking- even with the "White paper" test (no debris rings when dried). IS it possible that this tranny is THAT healthy? Since that service was done then, about 45k miles has elapsed.

Should I still do another drain and fill? The fluid looks fine- better than fine, actually.

Fluid 'color' CAN be used to point to certain aspects of the health of your transmission, but understand it should NOT be used as the 'sole' diagnostic tool. It is quite possible to have fluid that has significantly degraded and it NOT be dark red/brown or burned smelling.

Age, mileage and usage are better factors to use when considering service intervals.

At 45K....I'd be doing a drain and fill. I do mine more often than that actually (drain and fill, not a fluid exchange). It isn't expensive, it doesn't take long and then you KNOW you've got good, healthy fluid in the transmission that way.

Transmission LIFE depends heavily upon three things:

1. Not letting the transmission/fluid get too HOT!
2. Keeping the fluid reasonably fresh.
3. Using the transmission within the design confines the engineers intended. (It's not a 1350 Allison).

Only YOU can decide what maintenance interval is appropriate for your situation.

You will get 'argument' for both positions (change reasonably often, never change unless you have a problem).

Not surprising...since Land Cruiser owners (at least here on MUD) run the gamut from being wastefully OCD to those who could author a book titled 'The Complete Cheapskate'.

Each of us has different needs and different ideas with respect to maintenance and how we use our vehicles.

 

[fooldall1]

Ok- thanks for the replies, Guys!