Transmission fluid Question

[NorDakexplorer]

Ok 1st I believe if in doubt change it but save a sample.

Yesterday I finally get the explorer to the glass shop for a new windshield it took me 3 YEARS awwww.
Here’s why
We have the 2000 delivered from George and the transporter brought the top deck down on the thing, what a dummy…

I told the guy he should have just bypassed me after dropping a check in the mail for the cost of the 2000 Explorer.

So he gives me a check for the damage drops the ford and off he goes,

Dummy me I go and buy tools and stuff to fix it myself

its fixed now but no new photo my sons took my monty and my explorer it must be friday

anyway heres the question

the tranny fluid has no color, its clear it smells like mercon v but has no color
I guess is its very old light brown and in need of a changed.
Is this right? or why could the fluid be clear?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Transmission fluid is bright red, and never clear. Maybe you have water in there? Check your radiator to see what the color of the coolant looks like. It might have an internal leak.

 

[jlsparky7]

Good call with the rad leak^

I agree. It definitely shouldnt be clear.

 

[aldive]

Change that fluid asap.

 

[NorDakexplorer]

Did a pressure test on the radiator

both cold and warm it holds the pressure the coolent is a nice clean green no sign of oil on the cap, in the neck or over flow,

So I lowered the pan a bit and drained about a quart
Dark dark red almost no smell to it compared to the new mercon V

But when I dip my finger into the oil the oil on my finger looks clear with a hint of red

But,,, in the glass jar it looks dark red almost brown….

Time for a change many many miles ago


So what is this I read about explorer trannys dieing after a fluid change?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It could die if it doesn't get changed, so don't worry about the myth of it going on you after you change the fluid.

 

[aldive]

So what is this I read about explorer trannys dieing after a fluid change?

Old wives tale. Change youyr fluid.

 

[NorDakexplorer]

188500 or so miles

sure don’t want the Ford to feel neglected

First thing tomorrow the Ford gets a filter and fluid change.
I called Napa, the parts guy asked if it was slipping or surging? Noop I said,,, he said do you want it to, again Noop,,, he said change the fluid and filter .. What Trans do you have? I said the pan has 18 bolts
He said Filter and Mircon in stock come on down..