Transmission Fluid
#21
First Instinct and Deciding Factor
First instinct is yes, leave it alone
BUT only after one simple test
Take the care out for a drive (light or heavy, fast or slow doesn't matter)
Get yourself some nice white copy/printer paper
Wipe the dipstick once then go in for a fresh fluid dip
Place that on the white paper and when it soaks in...
Check the color
Black and burnt smelling - leave alone, top off only when low on fluid
Brown and smells like the engine - it's on the edge, same as above
Reddish-brown and smells ok - maybe start swapping small amounts
(see above recommendations about 2.3 qt pan drain only)
Red lighter than burgundy and smells ok - do whatever you feel like
(but this is the point where if you do change all the fluid, where you will need to keep up on it every 30-40k)
PS, all this fluid discussion, I got a coupon one time from the dealer and the cost of the flush was less than if I got a discount from the parts department to buy the fluid and do myself so I got it for only $125
Good luck
BUT only after one simple test
Take the care out for a drive (light or heavy, fast or slow doesn't matter)
Get yourself some nice white copy/printer paper
Wipe the dipstick once then go in for a fresh fluid dip
Place that on the white paper and when it soaks in...
Check the color
Black and burnt smelling - leave alone, top off only when low on fluid
Brown and smells like the engine - it's on the edge, same as above
Reddish-brown and smells ok - maybe start swapping small amounts
(see above recommendations about 2.3 qt pan drain only)
Red lighter than burgundy and smells ok - do whatever you feel like
(but this is the point where if you do change all the fluid, where you will need to keep up on it every 30-40k)
PS, all this fluid discussion, I got a coupon one time from the dealer and the cost of the flush was less than if I got a discount from the parts department to buy the fluid and do myself so I got it for only $125
Good luck
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jcasaccio
Mitsubishi Montero & Montero Sport
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06-06-2006 06:14 PM