Transmission Fluid Diagnosis

By Mister Transmission

If you’ve recently started experiencing a transmission problem and wanted to check your transmission fluid level and condition, then this article could help you.

 

Transmission fluid is typically a clear reddish pink colour when new, and over the course of its life that colour can change quite a bit, meaning different things are occurring.

The first step is to make sure you’re actually checking your transmission fluid properly in order to get an accurate reading. When checking your vehicle’s transmission fluid, first consult your owner’s manual and follow their procedure for fluid level checking. Many different manufacturers require differing methods (ie – engine running, in park, etc). It’s best to use a white paper towel when checking and do at least 2-3 dips of the stick (wiping it down between dips) to ensure an accurate reading.

 
 

  • Good level and good condition: If your transmission fluid is to the full mark and a clean reddish pink colour, then the fluid is in good condition. You could still have a problem with your transmission, but it has not yet affected the fluid condition.
  • Low level and good condition: If your transmission fluid is low, there is a leak. Unlike your engine which can “consume” oil due to normal use, a transmission is a sealed unit. Have your transmission inspected as soon as possible to avoid internal damage.
  • Good level but brown colour: If your transmission fluid has a brownish tinge and a slightly burnt smell to it, then there is a problem. It could be just that the fluid is very old and no longer protecting the transmission’s internal components properly, or there are worn components causing excess friction and heat. Have your transmission inspected as soon as possible to avoid internal damage.
  • Good level but black colour: If your transmission fluid has a black colour and a burnt smell to it, there is an internal problem. This would be caused by excessive heat due to internal friction. Have your transmission inspected as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
  • High level and pink foamy appearance: If your transmission fluid is high and has a “strawberry milkshake” look to it, then there is a problem. This is usually caused by a failure in your radiator. The transmission fluid is cooled by a cooler built into your radiator. Sometimes when the radiator fails, engine coolant is allowed to cross-over into the transmission cooling tubes and contaminates the transmission fluid. Have your transmission inspected as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

It’s important to remember that due to the complexity of today’s computerized transmissions, that just because the transmission appears to be malfunctioning doesn’t mean the actual problem is in the transmission. Your vehicle’s computer gets signals from up to 32 separate sensors throughout the vehicle’s other systems and any one of these could be sending inaccurate or no information.

If you’re experiencing any sort of transmission problem, please contact your local Mister Transmission and book an appointment for our FREE 21-Point Multi-Check Inspection.

Visit your nearest Mister Transmission location today!

10827km away
  • 15903 Stony Plain Rd. NW
  • Edmonton, AB
  • T5P 3Z7
  • 587-786-6465

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Customer Reviews
Hi I had my 1966...
Craig
Hi I had my 1966 Chevelle Malibu SS in at Mister Transmission Sarnia to have the transmission worked on last year. Mike in the back shop worked on my car (pride and joy). He did the repairs that was needed done and a few extra things done without request. The car ran like a dream when I got it back. The cost was lower then they said it would be. I'm very fussy on who works on my car. The owner (manager) was awesome to deal with. Then this week 04 July 2025 I needed a shift cable repaired as I was headed out with my car . I went to the shop and they were over loaded with work. Mike made time to get my car fixed so I could use it on the weekend. They went the extra mile to get my car fixed and again I could not complain about the cost to repair the cable. I fully recommend them and the people that work there are outstanding. A special thanks to Mike who worked on my baby(my car) thanks so much guys. They are my go to shop with my Classic car and all my vehicles.
Date: July 5, 2025
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I had a fantastic experience...
Xavier Montenegro
I had a fantastic experience with the whole Mr. Transmission team. Jordan and Jason are fantastic at their jobs, and they are truly willing to be honest and completely transparent with you. I took my 2018 Sierra to them for some transmission work (shocker), and they were quick, and the transmission now works fantastically. There were some small hiccups, the transmission initially acted a little weird, but they were quick to correct that. I had my spark plugs and a few coils swapped over here. One of the coils they got from GM blew up and took a couple of fuses with it. They comped the tow and had it fixed quickly, and were incredibly apologetic about the whole thing. Overall, if you are looking for quality service from a tried and true team, this is the place you want to go.
Date: July 5, 2025
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Mandy was extremely helpful in...
Don Brindle
Mandy was extremely helpful in getting out 2009 VW beetle back on the road, we are from out of town and he was very compassionate to our situation and helped at every level, if you are in Cambridge and need help, Mandy is your man!
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
These guys do good work....
Hunter Frederick
These guys do good work. And a fair price. 👍👍
Date: July 3, 2025
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Excellent service, and fantastic staff....
KoiLady
Excellent service, and fantastic staff. We’re from BC and travel full-time. Our GMC diesel truck needed a ATF and filter change, and these awesome guys got us in next day. The cost was what they quoted, and we waited while they did the work. We’d absolutely go there again, and recommend them to others.
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
Excellent service, and fantastic staff....
KoiLady
Excellent service, and fantastic staff. We’re from BC and travel full-time. Our GMC diesel truck needed a ATF and filter change, and these awesome guys got us in next day. The cost was what they quoted, and we waited while they did the work. We’d absolutely go there again, and recommend them to others.
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
Amazing customer service from Dan...
Justine Butka
Amazing customer service from Dan and the crew. Took my 2018 Tuscon there with acceleration problems and Dan took the time to investigate and solve the issues even without my vehicle showing any codes. I had previously had 4 visits to other shops without any results to solve this issue and was told because there was no engine code they couldn’t do anything. But, Dan was able to diagnose and solve the problem and in 2 days had my car back on the road. It was a clogged catalytic converter. Thank you for your professionalism and experience.
Date: July 1, 2025
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They assisted me with a...
Omid Bashiri
They assisted me with a test drive without any appointment to figure out the problem of my transmission. No other place could identify but this location. Great place to service your vehicle that you can trust
Date: June 29, 2025
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Had my truck in for...
Isaac Fitz
Had my truck in for a transmission fluid, filter, diffs fluid and t case and had it back same day running smooth. Even showed up late accidentally and they were still able to complete everything
Date: June 28, 2025
Website: Google
Took my Nissan Rogue in...
Shaina Crawford
Took my Nissan Rogue in for some much needed TLC and I was very pleased with my experience. Very friendly staff, quick and efficient with their work. Would definitely recommend to anyone in need.
Date: June 28, 2025
Website: Google
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