How is it possible to have tranny fluid that is the color of oil at 25k? Just picked it up from the dealer and am baffled! WTF?

 

do you have any shifting issues with it? if its just dark fluid it wouldnt hurt to have a flush and filter with some new fluid. i think the interval is 30K anyways isnt it? does it smell burnt?

 

They flushed it out but were confused as to why it was so dark with low miles and 3 yrs old.

 

Did they come walking out with two containers and saying "This is what your tranny fluid should look like (red in the container) and this is what your tranny fluid does look like (black in the container)"?

Or did you see it with your own eyes?

 

Well I wasn't there to actually see it. I saw what they said was mine, after the fact. Kinda sucks cause I don't know if it truly is an issue or they just wanted to make a few bucks. Pisses me off! Then again, after the brake issue I've had at almost every 7k, makes me wonder if its a lemon or not!

 

Sounds like a typical ranger: ****ty tranny, ****ty brakes, ****ty 4wd, etc...

 

I'd argue that statement!

I've had other Rangers are no problems. Sometimes we just get a lemon.

 

It's a good sales pitch. Just another way to sell you a service.

I will agree with the ****ty tranny comment. My 98 has 115k miles on it and i'm replacing the transmission. Not only am I replacing the transmission, but this will be atleast the 3rd transmission in it. The one i'm pulling out was either rebuilt, reman, or pulled and installed from another truck.

 

Sometimes it is normal for the fluid to change colors. It is just what happens to it with the material that is used in the clutches. Does it smell burnt? Does it shift ok? If these two are ok, it is probably just what I mentioned above.

 

No it didn't smell burnt and I haven't noticed any abnormal shifting patterns or slipping or anything. I'm gonna keep my eye on it though.