Dear Tom,
I own a 2000 Volkswagen Passat 2.2 Turbo, with 140,000 miles. The transmission fluid is dark brown, but it has no burnt odor or visible particles. Can I change it? I was told that changing the fluid on a high mileage transmission might cause it to fail. Is this true, and if so, why?
Ed from Santa Barbara, CA
Ed,
Dark brown trans fluid is an indicator that the fluid has been burnt. This is not good. I recommend that you change the filter and refill the pan, rather than perform a complete flush of the system. When a transmission overheats, the glue on the back of the internal clutches crystallizes. When a complete flush is performed, the high detergency property of the new fluid removes the hardened glue from the back of the clutches and renders the trans useless. I have seen this time after time. The filter change and pan refill will not affect the transmission in this way. Success to you.
Tom
With over 27 years in the automotive industry and nearly a decade in automotive talk radio, Tom Torbjornsen makes learning about cars easy with his personal manner, his expert advice, and his high energy and entertaining style. Tom has the unique gift of simplifying the complex and tearing down the technical, meeting you at your level of understanding. You will be encouraged as you gain the confidence to deal with problems related to the second most expensive purchase you will make in a lifetime - your automobile.
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My Transmission Fluid is Brown: Should I Change It?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1. can't find the location of the transmission filter for a 2003 santa fe 2.7 it's a spin on type.
Posted at 9:53PM on Mar 21st 2009 by jim
2. 2000 Honda CRV with 207K Miles.... Runs great but occaissionally slips gear. I was told it doesn't have a filter... Is this true? I believe all my mechanic does is drain fluid and replace it. What's the story?
Posted at 9:51AM on Mar 28th 2009 by JM-NJ
3. Code PO0733 for transmission on 96 Ford Windstar.
Third gear ration incorrect.
What is the chance that rebuilding transmission will only make it last a little while longer. So far, most reasonable quote is $1,500. I love the car, and don't want to get rid of it.
Engine still sounds great. Other problems are just like dings, but paint is starting to peel.
Do I just have to give it up, or is it worth it to rebuild? It has a sound between a grind or scrape and a little squeal from 24-34 mph, so I'm sure that the third gear is right. It also kind of jolts (just a little) as it kicks in into first gear.
Thanks!
Posted at 2:03PM on Mar 28th 2009 by LR
4. Own a 2004 Land Rover SE. Motor failed @ 73K miles. LR claims catastrophic failure of oil pump with debris ruining the Cam & Crank shafts!
Babied vehicle, no off road, towing or heavy use.
No after market parts applied. Serviced well within regular service intervals by reputable local machanic. No LR service within 65 miles of my home.
LR no help to want around $10,000.00 to fix.
Car broke and lost my job in the same week!
Suggestions??
Steve email: stpcanfield@aol.com
Posted at 12:14PM on Jun 2nd 2009 by Steve Canfield
5. First of all...most German cars...like your VW have Trans fluid you cannot see...or change,tho, the dealership or a shop that specializes in german autos. They call it Lifetime trans fluid...and as we all know...nothin lasts a lifetime.
Once any cars fluid becomes that dark brown and "burnt" you are taking a real big chance changing it. a trans flush is great, but all those particles that are suspended in the fluid will end up most likely seizing the trans. Changing the filter and whats in the pan is a jokem since it's only a smal portion of whats in your system
Posted at 3:43PM on May 31st 2009 by katie bet
6. I think generally you would have to change your transmission fluid like every 50,000 miles or something. It doesn't matter what color it turns into, once it hits to the service mileage amount, you would have to change it anyway because those contamination and metal flakes can harm your transmission gears. Check your service manual for better recommendation.
http://www.factory-servicemanual.com
Posted at 2:22AM on Jun 4th 2009 by yrre7