T&T: Transmission oil

[Chuck and Susan]

Mark's information is good but be aware that just color may not always tell
you the type and getting it wrong can damage your transmission. There is ATF,
Dexron, Dexron III and others that can be the same color but the wrong fluids.
You really need to go with the manufacturers recommendation. A good mechanic
should be able to determine what transmission you have. Chuck 
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--- On Fri, 7/3/09, Mark Richter
<richter-pooh at rocketmail.com> wrote:

 
> Bryan,
> Most transmissions should
have their fluid checked
> immediately after shutdown, when hot and before the
oil can
> drain back from any coolers. There should certainly be some
> fluid
showing on the bottom of the dipstick, no matter when
> you check it.
> 
> To
find out what fluid is in your transmission, get a
> longer stick.  Put it in
all the way down and
> withdraw.  Put the fluid on a white paper and check the
> color.  If red, you probably have Dexron transmission
> fluid, about $3 a
quart at any auto parts store or
> Wal-mart..  If brownish, it's probably
motor oil. 
> Add fluid until it shows on the stick, then warm up the
>
engine, shut down and check the level.
> 
> Once you know what the fluid is,
I'd go ahead and change
> it.  It's cheap, and pretty easy.  There should be
>
a drain plug near the bottom of the transmission.  I do
> mine once a year.
>
> Mark Richter,