ATF color question - Matrix/Corolla

I drained and refilled the ATF on my Matrix this weekend at 48K miles.
It was the second such procedure, I did the first at 16K. I didn't
notice any unusual odor, but the color was more like purple grape juice
than the normal "Hawaiian punch" red of new ATF. The car has been
running and shifting fine. Anything to be concerned about?

If I were you I would take it to a dealer right away and have it checked, it
should not be purple grape juice


mike


"Mark" <bogusmailmark@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1130105773.080715.221490@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
>I drained and refilled the ATF on my Matrix this weekend at 48K miles.
> It was the second such procedure, I did the first at 16K. I didn't
> notice any unusual odor, but the color was more like purple grape juice
> than the normal "Hawaiian punch" red of new ATF. The car has been
> running and shifting fine. Anything to be concerned about?
>[/color]

If it smells fine, then you have nothing to worry about. That is the normal
color for used Type T-IV transmission fluid. It's not the same color or
smell as the bright red Dexron II you are used to. Just make sure you fill
it back with the right kind of fluid.

DO NOT use Dextron III --- the red stuff! New Toyota's use a different
fluid. If you did use Dextron --- get it power flushed immediately by the
dealer! This could be a costly mistake down the road.

"Mark" <bogusmailmark@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1130105773.080715.221490@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
>I drained and refilled the ATF on my Matrix this weekend at 48K miles.
> It was the second such procedure, I did the first at 16K. I didn't
> notice any unusual odor, but the color was more like purple grape juice
> than the normal "Hawaiian punch" red of new ATF. The car has been
> running and shifting fine. Anything to be concerned about?
>[/color]

No worries, it's Toyota Type T-IV. $4.23 a quart at the dealer...
ouch. But a lot cheaper than getting them to do it.

Kudos to you then for handling your own stuff...