Brown trans fluid

[Masterd]

So I went ahead and checked my trans fluid and found that its brown. This is on an A4ld with ~271,000 miles on it. My question is, it shifts fine, maybe it likes to hang on to OD a little much while on the freeway, but all the gears are working. I dont notice a readily apparent burnt smell, so my question is change it or leave it? It used to be a nice red color a few months ago (say 8 months).

Thanks!

Masted

 

[biggs92EB]

flip a coin. My 1rst A4ld was the same way, i changed it and it went out within the month. How many miles are on the tranny? my bad didnt read it. That is a ton of miles for the tranny! Its done its job in life, damn its on its way out

 

[Masterd]

So your saying I shouldn't expect this tranny to see 300,000 miles? Awww....so you'd suggest leaving the fluid as is?

 

[EMG7895]

I would leave it as is and run it till it dies, as long as its not burnt. The detergents in new fluid might "clean" the tranny internals and cause some problems. You could make it 300k but who knows when it will go out, usaully sooner rather than later.

 

[Masterd]

And when it does die, do you recommend rebuilding the A4ld or going to a different trans?

 

[biggs92EB]

well you could get a rebuilt one, which might have been worse off then the one you have, so assuming the hard parts are all good, id rebuild the one you have. Its a miracle it has lasted as long as it has, 300K on 1 A4LD is the longest ive heard one lasting. im goin on ruining my 2nd in 205K. Next is either a c4 or a manual. Havnt decided yet. Id go with EMG on this and just run her till she starts to act up, then rebuild. good luck!

 

[stang99x]

What they are trying to tell you is, that as the tranny fluid breaks down so far, it begins to "gel" on the internals, and after a while thats all thats left holding them together. If you change the fluid, that'll all come apart and you'll most likely have a dead tranny very soon. Leave it like it is and drive it till it dies.

 

[Masterd]

OK will do. Hope it makes 300,000, or at least till I can afford the 1400 dollar rebuild.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Glacier991 is selling a 94 A4LD that he just rebuilt. Send him a PM to find out how much he is asking. You could buy it, and install it when the one you have now dies.