Ok guys, I checked my trans oil level lastnight and it was brown! What now? It still shifts and drives great, is there a major problem here? I smelled it and it doesn't smell burnt, just brownish red. Will a flush and a heavy duty trans cooler do me? I am planning on fixing this ths weekend, so no more driving her until then.

Thanks,
Chris

Depends on when you last changed your trans oil, how often you romp on it etc.

Go ahead and change out your oil. Yep, trans cooler couldn't hurt.

Just got the car about 2 months ago, but I have been repairing things on it for over a month so I only drove it maybe 3 weeks. The previous owner never changed the oil and it has 120K on it.

Don't be worried yet. Change the fluid and filter, then see how it looks. 120K on trans fluid will make it brown looking.

So, if it still drives good, then that probably a good sign? :?

Your changing the fluid and filter is a great sign. Brown after 120K is normal.

Trans is fine...just do a normal filter and fluid change, and keep enjoying your trans

A trans cooler could always help...I put one in my 95 SSEi and dropped my WOT trans temps 30-40*!!

Ok I am sorry to ask because I know this will spark a huge debate, but flush or change? I have never owned a car long enough to do this so I REALLY have no idea what to have the shop do...............

Edit: also is there somekind of friction additive they are supposed to use? I have no idea as mentioned before about transmisions...........

The flushing thing is a myth....I've asked my trans shop, Willwren'* asked his guy....But do what you feel comfortable.

what Nato is trying to say is there is a myth that flushing kills a transmission.

It doesn't kill a trans, typically the flush is being done to try and save the trans...meanwhile the damage is already there.

Think of changing the trans fluid and filter like changing the engine oil. It needs to be done a little less frequently. It still is an oil with additives and periodic changes or flushes are good.

If you do have a flush or total replacement of fluid, ensure the filter is also changed.