Question1998 Toyota Camry, LE, 2.2 4 cyl., automatic
Bought the car used with 63,000 mi., ATF on the stick looked pink.
Had trans service done at 65,000 w/filter changed, technician said fluid smelled a little oxidized.
Changed fluid (pan only, 3qts.) at at 75,000 mi., fluid looked like used motor oil (black).
Changed fluid (pan only) at 93,000 mi., fluid looked like used motor oil (black)
Had flush w/filter done at 94,000 mi.
Changed fluid (pan only) at 95,000 mi., fluid black again.
The fluid doesn't seem to have a burnt smell to it. I'm using Dextron III fluid for the (pan only) changes.
Car seems to be running fine and shifting fine, no noticeable noises or slips.
Why is the fluid getting blackish ?
Should I keep changing (if so, how often) the fluid, or just leave it alone ?
Obviously, I want to make this transmission last as long as possible. I appreciate any advice you might have.
AnswerI don't know what method was used to flush the trans but it seems like it didn't do a very good job.
My recommendation is to have it flushed with a machine specifically designed to do this task, it will remove all of the old fluid including the torque converter and replace it with new fluid, discolored atf is a death sentence for automatic transmissions and if not taken care of will cause it to fail soon.
To answer your question as to what makes the fluid look like motor oil:
Heat is any auto transmissions worst enemy, it turns dark because of heat, there is a transmission cooler built into the radiator which under normal conditions is enough to keep it cool, is the engine temperature normal?
