Major problem, Radiator leak?

[MrAl]

I wonder if we could test for that kind of thing periodically by looking at the trans fluid.

You can. Generally the atf level may rise, and the fluid consistency will be similar to when coolant mixes with motor oil. Since your radiator is being replaced with a new unit, you shouldn't have to deal with that.

Hi again,

I'll have to start looking for that. Previously i was just checking the level periodically.
Hopefully this never happens since the rad is new now, but good to keep in mind for the years to come.

[PS78]

The other thing to consider with the dark fluid is that if the cooling system hasn't been operating at normal efficiency it may have allowed the atf fluid to overheat. That issue along with the very affordable and readily available atf your car uses, makes it a win win to do the drain and fill. Be thankful you don't have a 2000 s70 because you'd have to "creatively" seek out the atf fluid for the 5speed auto, either by mail or strolling into a Toyota dealer. You can walk in any auto parts store or Walmart to obtain the fluid you need. Hahaha

[MrAl]

Hi,

Oh that's good to know. Now i wonder if this trans actually has a drain plug.
Why do you suppose he said not to replace it then? Could it be that it is just dirty or something?
I'll also check it again today.
I cant believe this car has something 'standard' on it. If i made a list it would be easier to make a list of the non-quirky things on this car rather than the quirky, because the quirky list would be wayyyyy too long

[PS78]

The thoughts about ATV changing vary. Often times when owners have a higher mileage vehicle and never did any maintenance or fluid changes, the theory was and is still occasionally that the metal particles and clutch material was the glue that held a trans together and allowed it to keep functioning. The flip side is that this same material debris can block the internals of the trans and accelerate wear in other components. You still have to consider that your fluid may have overheated from insufficient cooling resulting in the dark fluid. If you decide to do the drain and fill, its fairly straight forward. Yes there is a drain bolt on the trans case, just use a container that will give you an idea how much fluid drains out. If you are at the full line when you drain and 3.5 QTS drain out, refill with about about 3 to 3 and a quarter and pull the stick to check and carefully add in increments until full. I just recommend this so there is no overfilling. But again whether you drain and fill is ultimately your final decision. Just whatever you do, don't have it machine or power flushed.

And yes, just a good quality dexron 3 that you can pick almost anywhere. How's that for quirky?

Here's a good diy video covering the procedure in detail.

[MrAl]

Hi,

That's very interesting, but why no power flush, is that bad for the trans?

[PS78]

My understanding is that a machine flush, while profitable as an add on service, doesn't clean an internal trans filter. In fact several manufactures warn against using a machine on their transmissions stating the process could damage internal components. I'd rather err on the side of caution. A gradual fluid change is a smoother transition, very affordable and an easy diy. There are write ups on this site for full home flush methods from the trans cooler lines, but you may want to repost and see what the consensus from other members is on performing that procedure, because I haven't performed it.

[beigg]

I have the trans, coolant, and engine oil all segregated. Going strong multiple years later. Just be sure to use properly rated high psi oil hose.

Hi,

That sounds good. I was misquoted here though, it wasnt me who did that custom cooler.

Was not intentional to the inaccurate quote. Now should be correct.