Transmission fluid color

[alpha_1976]

I noticed the color of my corolla 04 is a bit unusual (?). I didn't
notice any unusual odor, but the color was more like purple grape juice. The car has been running fine. Anything to be concerned about? Thanks. Madhu

[tigerclaws1318]

It's a good idea for you to change out the fluid. You said the color was more of a purple when transmission fluid should be cherry red.
How many miles is on your car? When was the last time the fluid has been changed. The fluid might be contaminated in your case. Even if the fluid is burnt it turns into a brown-ish color.

[alpha_1976]

Originally Posted by tigerclaws1318

It's a good idea for you to change out the fluid. You said the color was more of a purple when transmission fluid should be cherry red.
How many miles is on your car? When was the last time the fluid has been changed. The fluid might be contaminated in your case. Even if the fluid is burnt it turns into a brown-ish color.

Car has just 37K miles. I bought it 2nd hand 2 years back. I don't know what was the color back then. My office is like 0.7mile and I make 3 trips to home everyday which is I guess pretty hard driving (conditions) considering oil stays mostly cold. Could this be the one of the reasons?

[tigerclaws1318]

Just do a simple drain and refill. You don't wanna risk anything that would cost you hundreds or thousands in the long run. A quart of ATF cost about 6 dollars at the dealer and you will need 3 quarts. Remember to only use Toyota Type T-IV.

As for the short trips it is considered very harsh driving condition on the car. I would switch over to synthetic oil if you didn't already. They will offer better protection for short trips. I always use Mobil 1 5W-30 on all my cars because I trust it.

[JasonA]

Someone may have put Royal Purple in it prior to you owning it (seriously).

[alpha_1976]

Originally Posted by JasonA

Someone may have put Royal Purple in it prior to you owning it (seriously).

It could be. I'll try to take a picture today. If it is Royal purple, should I change it as it may not be the best? If the fluid is clear and no issues should I change it?

Madhu

[JasonA]

Normally, you can't tell the condition of the fluid by color. It may be that it's just a deep red, which would be okay. If you're really concerned about the color of the fluid, just change it. It's not ALL that expensive to change fluid. I wouldn't flush it; just drain it and refill with fresh Toyota T-IV fluid. You'd be good for another 50-100k miles.

[JasonA]

By the way, your driving environment is likely harder on the engine oil than the transmission fluid. Your engine oil NEVER heats up. I'd be sure to change the engine oil every 2-3k miles or 3 months under those conditions. You likely have a lot of fluid dilution of the engine oil. You are correct that short-tripping is pretty hard on fluid. I'd consider an alternate means of transportation for such a short trip (like a bicycle).

[alpha_1976]

Originally Posted by JasonA

By the way, your driving environment is likely harder on the engine oil than the transmission fluid. Your engine oil NEVER heats up. I'd be sure to change the engine oil every 2-3k miles or 3 months under those conditions. You likely have a lot of fluid dilution of the engine oil. You are correct that short-tripping is pretty hard on fluid. I'd consider an alternate means of transportation for such a short trip (like a bicycle).

Thanks Jason. Yes I change the oil every 2K-3K. I have always been dreaming of riding bicycle one day but hasn't happened so far! I guess, I am damn too lazy!!

[20SilverStreakin07]

Originally Posted by alpha_1976

I noticed the color of my corolla 04 is a bit unusual (?). I didn't
notice any unusual odor, but the color was more like purple grape juice. The car has been running fine. Anything to be concerned about? Thanks. Madhu

I recently checked the trans fluid on my vehicle a few days ago and you know, it is a purpleish color too. I bought the vehicle used a few months ago with just under 40k miles on it. Can't be time to change the fluid already? I was thinking the same thing JasonA was saying. Maybe the person who had it before put some royal purple in it. Fluid doesn't smell burnt or anything like that. Aside from changing the fluid, should I also replace the filter as well? Since I have a read a few posts just to change the trans fluid and not mess with the filter. I was thinking of doing the whole trans/filter flush once my vehicle hit 50k miles.

[alpha_1976]

I went to the dealer because I didn't want to take any chances and got it flushed. Although, mechanic said he didn't smell anything either!