Common questions

Where do I find the transmission fluid color chart?

Where do I find the transmission fluid color chart?

To use the information and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) color chart provided below you must first determine the color of the transmission fluid that is in your transmission or transaxle. To do this, follow these instructions: Open your vehicle’s hood and locate the transmission dipstick.

What should I do if my transmission fluid is pink?

You should immediately change the filter and fluid or do complete flushing. Given the condition, you may need to rebuild the transmission, which is quite an expensive repair. Pink is a sweet, bubbly color but it’s an ominous sign when transmission fluid turns pink.

When to know if transmission fluid is oxidized?

You can be sure of the oxidized condition if there is a burnt odor. When the transmission fluid color reaches this stage, it means that some internal parts might have already been damaged. You should immediately change the filter and fluid or do complete flushing.

How often should you change the transmission fluid?

The general rule is changing it every two years or every 30,000–50,000 miles, which one comes first. Heavy-duty vehicles may need more frequent servicing because the transmission generates much heat due to hauling cargo. Overall, you should change it depending on the transmission fluid color.

To use the information and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) color chart provided below you must first determine the color of the transmission fluid that is in your transmission or transaxle. To do this, follow these instructions: Open your vehicle’s hood and locate the transmission dipstick.

Do you need to change your transmission fluid?

BMW advertises lifetime automatic transmission fluid – supposedly never requiring changing. Just like your engine, your transmission relies on its oil fill for cooling and lubrication.

Can a dark brown transmission fluid cause transmission failure?

Dark brown transmission fluid also increases heat inside the transmission, which can quickly lead to transmission failure. Recommended Action: Take action now before this fluid condition causes serious problems or even transmission failure. Perform a transmission fluid and filter change or a complete flush of the transmission.

How can I tell if my transmission fluid is overflowing?

To determine if your car is properly up to temperature, use an OBDII scan tool that outputs this data. Using safe jacking practices, get your car up in the air once again. Just like before, continue adding more transmission fluid until it begins to overflow.

Author Image
Ruth Doyle