Trans fluid smell test

[MojaveJoe]

Approximately 3000 miles ago (at 15000 miles) I had my factory trans fluid flushed with 100% new fluid by dealer. This was before a cross country tow of my 10K trailer in hot-hot-hot July and August.



A couple times towing this summer in very low speed uphill mountain construction zones my oil hit 280F for 3 minutes or so. Now that sweet smell of fresh fluid is gone, with just a faint odor of fresh fluid, and the oil is a lighter pink than when new.



Im getting ready for another cross country pull, and wondering if I should do another 100% flush, or just drain and fill as much as she takes, or fa-get-a-bout-it?



Also wondering how much lubricating capacity the less than fresh smelling fluid has left?



How much fluid would I need for a simple drain and fill?



All experiences and advice appreciated.



Joe

 

[sag2]

The ATF+4 does not smell "fresh" like we are used to. It already smells a bit on the "burned" side when new. It is hard to describe, you just need to smell it out of the bottle to make the comparison. In fact, I want to say there was a TSB a couple of years ago that said you can not judge +4 by look or smell.



A drain and refill should take about 6 quarts, give or take one qt. Depends on how long you drain, and if you loosten the valve body bolts.

 

[BRuppel]

i think they still smell like burnt bacon when they are done.