Auto Transmission Fluid - Colour ?

[sumogogg]

Hi, 

 

I have a 2006 3.0L MS which I have been driving for around 3/4 months now. I was considering getting a service/engine oil change but the current oil seems fairly clear and looks recent so I thought I would hold off for now. I then realised there is also a dipstick for the auto transmission and it got me looking into that. 

 

So, upon checking up on this, the level of fluid seems to be ok after doing a hot and cold test (as per this thread) but I read on the internet that transmission fluid should be a dark red colour - mine seems to be pinky with a hint of brown ? (I have attached a photo - transmission fliud is on the right of the paper towel, on the left is the engine oil)

 

I wondered what other peoples auto fluid is like (and if this even matters ?)

 

I imported this car from Japan myself and there is no service history, but it does seem to have been cared after well so I assuming it has been regularly serviced. 

 

Thanks in advance

[BigNev]

Hi Andy!

Me, I'd do an oil and filter change anyway, but I do that myself, regularly, for our Subaru outback, Vellfire, and my van.

 

The transmission fluid colour looks good to me, nice and light pink on the tissue. Sweet!

[Lou]

Hi,

 

Congrats on new purchase.

Transmission oil looks ok.

I would change the engine oil and air filter element asap. No point in delaying service. As you don't have any history. Pick some good oil and filter.

 

(I use Motul and Knecht but that's my pick).

 

 

 

[PaulE]

The colour looks the same as mine. If you look under the bonnet lip there may be a sticker showing when the Gear box was last serviced.

See image below (translated from Japanese with Google translate).

 

[John Harrison]

Does anybody know if there is a lipstick on the 2.4 gearbox???

John Harrison. Wallasey.