ATF Color? Milkshake?

K

Kanger328

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What color is the auto transmission fluid? Is it supposed to be reddish/pink? I'm afraid I have the pink milkshake, but not sure if I do.

When I bought my 4Runner I noticed the radiator coolant reservoir was empty...so I added some water. When I checked the reservoir today...it was again empty. I don't notice any leaks in the radiator so I'm wondering if it went to the tranny?

Here's a pick of the transmission fluid from the dipstick. It's hard to tell since I'm wearing white gloves, but give me your best guesses please. Thanks in advance!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22443523@N08/8330184103/" title="photo copy by Kanger328, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8360/8330184103_df70cbb60f.jpg" width="373" height="500" alt="photo copy"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22443523@N08/8330184029/" title="photo by Kanger328, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8330184029_900f9db5fe.jpg" width="373" height="500" alt="photo"></a>
 
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It should be bright red. Looks like it leaked right into your trans cooler lines. I hate the design for that reason.

It doesn't smell like sour milk as well does it? that would be burnt fluid that turns brown.
 
Usually you will notice the pink milkshake in the radiator and the overflow bottle. The loos of coolant is probably another issue. Also check your motor oil.
 
Looks like normal used ATF to me, but its hard to tell....

Get some in a clear container and then take a picture, the white gloves and thin film of ATF don't give us an accurate representation of the color
 
I think I got a little too anxious. I don't think I have the milkshake. Here are some better pics:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22443523@N08/8330400479/" title="photo (5) by Kanger328, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8498/8330400479_f242b824b7.jpg" width="373" height="500" alt="photo (5)"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22443523@N08/8331455550/" title="photo (6) by Kanger328, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8331455550_0acc07102c.jpg" width="373" height="500" alt="photo (6)"></a>

I already bought the trans cooler. Just want to wait until I get some services done by my mechanic this week before adding it. Considering replacing the radiator also. Thanks for your replies, guys.
 
Had the same thing when I got my 4runner, the color was dark wine color and it had a sour smell. I promptly changed it.
Based on the pics.. that's no milkshake sir :hungry:
 
ya, no milkshake. Also, if your radiator is low, it's going to suck all the fluid from the overflow bottle. You might not have any issues other than somebody who didn't quite fill it up all the way last time it was serviced.
 
Easy way to tell what milkshake looks like if you question it. Take some clean trans fluid and some clean coolant mix together, wha laa pink milkshake :wink2:
 
To echo what everyone else has said: that fluid looks fine, just old and somewhat burnt up. I've seen much worse, but that fluid definitely isn't great. A complete fluid change/flush will fix ya right up.
 
Now that you know your atf is still OK, you have time to do the radiator bypass before it's too late.
 
You should fill up the cooling system and check it regularly for the next several weeks. If you are in fact losing coolant, you'll need to find the leak. Could be a pin hole in the radiator, a leaky hose, leaky water pump/thermo (or their gaskets), or worse.. A head gasket leak/cracked head. It's definitely possible that the cooling system wasn't full to begin with, but i would make sure. You don't want to overheat!
 
Also, never add straight water to the cooling system. If you mess up the water to coolant ratio too much and get mostly water in there, it will rust inside the radiator and the coolant passages and that will ruin the gaskets (including the HGs).
 
Straight water makes for excellent cooling... BUT as you mentioned, it can create rust trouble AND coolant is a lubricant for the water pump :)

not to mention, of course, the freezing point advantage offered by a coolant mix
 
Thanks for all the responses everyone! Definitely useful info for a noob. I dropped off the Runner at the shop to get the driveline fixed to stop the vibrations at speed. This will at least make it drivable while I do my mods. B&M cooler is sitting in my garage just waiting to be put on. Thanks again!
 
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