how to tell if ATF is in need of change?

[cantspell]

Hi there, I bought my X with about 100K on it, and i'm not sure if it's been changed recently, is there anyway to tell. I'm not even really sure what the shifts are supposed to feel like - does the colour of the fluid change or anything like that?

Any help would be appreciated. THanks!

 

[aldive]

Without a chemical analysis there is no definitive way to te,,. Color and smell can provide guidelines, however, if I were you, I would immediately drop the pan and change the filter then have the tranny flushed and new ATF added.

Good luck.

 

[espnfreak]

You wanat the fluid to be bright red, if its brownish or a murkey red, you def should get it changed, but if its real bright red, then i would just leave it

 

[stretch]

Unless you're 100% sure that the previous owner or dealership performed the service, I would just have it done for my own peace of mind. Better safe than sorry.

 

[aldive]

When in doubt, change it out...

That goes for all of the trucks fluids too.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

I just purchased a 100K mile 1997 V8. All the fluids looked pretty clean - the ATF looked like it had just been changed, but rather than worry I've replaced:

Oil: Havoline 5w30 with Purolator PureOne filter
Fuel Filter
Transmission: Castrol Mercon V fluid and OEM filter
Transfer case: Mercon ATF fluid
Brake System: Castrol LMA Dot 3 brake fluid

Still to do:
Power Steering flush with Mercon
Flush cooling system
Change front and rear differentail lube

 

[cantspell]

Well, i did the flush, only cost me 140can. It runs a ton better, I've seeminly gained some hp (explain this to me if you can) and it shifts down A LOT quicker (no need for that B&M now) and generally the TC seems to work better....would that explain the increase in hp feel???? Less driveline loss?