Is this as bad i as it looks? Trans fluid queston

[purecountry]

I checked my trans fluid today and it didnt look good. Its not black but light brown. Truck is a 98 chevy with 250,000 miles. The trans shifts smooth, doesnt slip, so should it be ok to just drain the pan and change the filter and refill. This pic makes it look just a tad darker also.

[lilred]

looks normal.... as long as its not low or over filled I'd leave it. Never heard of anyone having luck changing fluid and filter in a high mileage trans... usually leads to it burning up in a month or two.

[Bowtie972]

Looks a little brown to me, but with that many miles if its still working i wouldnt touch it..

[purecountry]

ya i just wanted to make sure. I figured i would just spend the extra money and replace all the fluids. oil, coolant, diff, and trans.

[purecountry]

Looks a little brown to me, but with that many miles if its still working i wouldnt touch it..

so filter and fluid would be a bad idea? I just wanna get this truck up to spec

[Tex]

dnt change my company made me do it ta 2 work trucks a month later both had new trans

[Tex]

both had high milage 4l80e trans

[purecountry]

well ill just leave it and keep an eye on it.

[marshall]

LEAVE IT

[jaysgirl]

we did a filter change in a sunfire with 190 k and teh same color fliud and it shifts better now than it did, been a few months...

[Eroq]

looks good to me, fluid will darken over time and it is normal. the dye doesnt last. 

[ToughBowtieTruck]

Here's the deal:

IF new fluid causes the trans to fail, then the trans has a problem to address anyway! The "leave the old fluid in it" makes no sense, even if it may prolong the trans. The problem will only get worse!

Now, my trans guy has taught me how to flush the trans. Get a 5/8" heater hose and shove it up where the filter goes in. Have someone start the truck in park while you dip the hose in fresh fluid for 5 or so seconds then let it draw air for 5 or so seconds. A few times of this will cycle the old fluid out of the trans and torque converter without the negatives of commercial trans flushing techniques.

Then add new fluid and go. I always update my transmissions to Dexron VI as well. Lot better fluid than Dexron III dreamed of.

[Orangecrush]

Looks a little brown to me, but with that many miles if its still working i wouldnt touch it..

x2

[lilred]

I downgraded from Syncromesh to 80w90 gear lube in my trans. Sounds alot better lol except the smell of burning gear lube when I get off of the expressway.