The new manuals say that color isn't a reflection of fluid condition.

I'm not so sure what I think about their statement on color and smell
though.

The following is an excerpt from the '02 WJ manual:

DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FLUID

NOTE: Refer to Service Procedures in this group for

fluid level checking procedures.

Mopar ATF +4, type 9602, Automatic Transmission

Fluid is the recommended fluid for

DaimlerChrysler automatic transmissions.

Dexron II fluid IS NOT recommended. Clutch

chatter can result from the use of improper

fluid.

Mopar ATF +4, type 9602, Automatic Transmission

Fluid when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed

red so it can be identified from other fluids used in

the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red

color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid

condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin

to look darker in color and may eventually become

brown. This is normal. ATF+4 also has a unique

odor that may change with age. Consequently, odor

and color cannot be used to indicate the fluid condition

or the need for a fluid change.






"Earle Horton" > wrote in message
om...
>
> "Lee Ayrton" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
> ---snippy---
>>
>> Here's one, though: The guy at the lube shop claimed that the red dye
>> in ATF fluid is designed to give up and turn brown about the same time
>> as the additives in the fluid give up. Anyone know if that's true?
>>
> One thing you always want to keep in mind, is how much education and
> ambition it takes, to work in a lube shop. Now with a dealer technician,
> maybe they send him to a service school once in a while, and maybe he
> actually studies the material instead of using it as a chance to party
> every
> night on the boss' dime, but how much in-service training do you think
> lube
> shop guys get?
>
> He's got one thing right though. If the fluid is any color but red, you
> do
> want to change it.
>
> Earle
>
>
>