ATF Turning Tan

[jackrea]

Need a bit of guidence, check my ATF level this morning and instead of red it is a light tan color, I know this is not a good sign, I have 12k on the Castrol Syntec and don't have a clue what happened. Will Call Bill K in the morning to see what he thinks, anyone else I would welcome some advise. Thank You.

Jack

 

[WyoJim]

Smell?

Smell it Jack, to tell if it has been too hot.

Also it has to be ATF+4

 

[trning]

ATF

Normally ATF will turn from red to a tan color. the red is just a dye. If the ATF smells like ATF your ok. If it smells burnet you need to change it. Also I have a 2001 Auto and my manual says to use ATF 3. I called Dodge to make sure and they said that as of the production date of my truck it was filled with ATF 3. They said if I changed to ATF 4 it would be ok but I'd have to use it from then on and couldn't change back.

 

[Cryppie]

I agree with trning, transparent tan is OK, but if you start to see milky fluid, then you have a big problem. Just like engine oil, water and transmission fluid don't mix, well they do, but it does some nasty things to your transmission. I'd get in touch with Bill K. just to be sure. Sounds like a good time for a transmision service too.