ATF Condition Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

One way of determining whether the transmission should be disassembled is by noting:
- If the ATF is muddy or varnished.
- If the ATF smells strange or unusual.
- If ATF condition is poor, repair as follows.
  1. Dark color condition
    - Overhaul transmission and repair or replace parts if necessary.
  2. Light pink and/or reddish-brown condition.
    - Replace ATF.

ATF condition

ATF CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE

Condition			Possible cause
Clear red		Normal	-
Light red (pink)		Contaminated with water	Broken oil cooler inside of radiator Poor breather hose installation: By water contamination, problem could be occurring to parts inside of transmission. It is necessary to overhaul transmission and detect defective parts. If necessary, repair or replace transmission.
Reddish brown	Has burnt smell and metal pieces are found	Deteriorated ATF	Defective powertrain components inside of transmission: Specks cause wide range of problems by plugging up in oil pipe, control valve body, and oil cooler in radiator. When large amount of specks are found. Overhaul transmission and detect defective parts. If necessary, repair or replace transmission. Implement flushing operation as there is a possibility of having specks plugged up oil pipe and/or oil cooler inside of radiator.
Reddish brown	Has no burnt smell	Normal	Discoloration by oxidation.