Jump to content


I Changed Transmission Fluid But It's Still Brown!


Recommended Posts

I used Mobil 1 ATF on my 96 ES300 to change the transmission fluid, 3.7 quarts as specified in the manual. I could not replace the transmission filter because of the frame bent in a way that blocks some of the bolts so I can't fit any tools up there to loosen them! (It looks like that bar is usually right in front of both oil and transmission pans)

Anyway, after driving it a week, checking the transmission fluid it still looks brown (like before I changed it)! Not nice and red like the fresh synthetic ATF I put in it! Also, it reads a quart high.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I assume you did a drain and refill. The A541E transmission holds 7.1 quarts of ATF (specification from 97 ES300 manual). Due to the transmissions design, on a drain and refill, only a portion of the transmission fluid drains out. In your case 3.7 quarts. So now you have about 50% new and 50% old ATF. That's why it's brown. Do a drain and refill two or three more times over a period of several weeks and as the percentage of new to old rises your fluid will become red.

There is a technique for replacing all the fluid. It's pretty easy. Search the Toyota site for instruction.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



×
×
  • Create New...

Forums


News


Membership