transmission fluid type

[shokclue]

got a used matrix 03 with 30,000 and the fluid is kinda clear with a charcoal color to it. i called the dealer ship and they told me that it was supposed to be red hummm. well i looked at the stick and it says type T IV or something like that i have read that it is synthetic and has gold color if so do ya think i should change the fluid out or is it normal to have the charcoal color and is their any body that knows what color the fluid is.thanks

[zionzr2]

from what I can tell... the fluid in our trannys is reddish in color and sveral people report that their fluid gets pretty dark early and that dosent neccessarly mean its bad. If it has a burnt smell then I'd get it serviced right away. Being that in your case it is used with 30K miles It may not be a bad idea to get it flushed anyway.Check your adds. I often will see coupons for tranny flushes between $80 and $100

[the1stacekiller]

I'm going to do it myself and use Universal Amsoil ATF (T-TIV) compatible.. for manual cars its actually even easier.. I think you can use Amsoil as well for that..cheers

[ToolGuy]

When I did a fluid change on mine the local auto store carried the Toyota T IV fluid. I believe Valvoline brand...Do a search there are posts on changing the trans fluid...