I changed transmission fluid on the 2000 Forester I recently purchased w/
88,000 miles. The old fluid was brown, like a good Jamaican rum. Should I worry and are there additional steps I should take to ensure the well-being of my transmission? I only drained 4 quarts with the change and I see it holds over 9. I'm thinking maybe I should do the same in another week and maybe a third time after that. Thanks! -- Ken
thinking maybe I should do the same in another week and maybe a > third time after that. Thanks! -- Ken
Hi,
Brown ATF is NOT a good sign--it means the old stuff was in there way too long, and possibly overheated as well. Sounds like the fluid may never have been changed?
When you drained the trans, you just got the bit of fluid that lives in the trans itself--most of it is in the torque converter. While some would probably suggest a complete trans flush which involves putting fresh fluid in until all the old stuff's gone, I think that's wasteful and overkill for most situations. I've done the "series" of drains you suggest and it seems to work well enough for me.
I don't think I'd do it weekly, though, based on something a transmission shop owner told me once: "you should either drain the fluid at regular intervals, or not at all." Reasoning was the fresh fluid was likely to clean and break loose crud left by the old stuff, causing more problems than it cured. Since you've already started the process, maybe a drain at each regular oil change for a while would be an easy regimen to remember.
Good luck,
Rick
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