What was in my transmission?

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Thanks to this forum I performed trans flush this weekend and as soon as the drain plug fell I was like what the?!?! Initially I thought I had some how pulled a crazy bonehead move and dropped my transfer case fluid as there was no indication of red in the fluid and I could see through it. If I had to compare it to anything I'd say it was motor oil or slightly used gear oil/hydraulic fluid.

Next I filled with 3 quarts of AMSOIL, pulled my return trans cooler line and let it pump out. This time the fluid was definitely a very dirty brownish red compared to what came out of the pan.

Now I should be clear this is the first time I have seen what is "supposed" to be Toyota WS fluid that to my knowledge has 130k on it. So for all I know this is what used WS looks like... What do you guys think?

 

[IanB]

I think it was due for a change!

 

[fourwd1]

Worn out ATF turns brown.

 

[Loyal Toyota]

I concur. My fluid looked exactly the same way, probably darker, when I did a drain and refill at 77k. Just means it's overdue for a change or has been through a lot. Nothing to worry about now since you've changed it.

 

[fourwd1]

To be a little clearer, if it doesn't also smell burned, there's probably nothing to worry about.