tranny fluid color

[afpj]

Hi all,

I've seen posts about tranny fluid color changes and burnt smells as indicators of a needed fluid change. Being a noob's noob, I haven't got a clue what burnt tranny fluid smells like...is it like burning brakes?
As far as color, I included pic of fluid off the dipstick on the left, and a dab of fresh fluid from a Dexron VI bottle on the right. I at least can tell the difference between the two, but does the color on the left suggest time to change? It doesn't look "darker" to me, if anything it's lighter pink than the darker red of the fresh stuff. 2002 Yukon, 120k miles, last tranny fluid change at 90k. THanks for any insight.

 

[WICKEDOWESIX]

Yep its about that time. Every 30K dump the trans fluid.

 

[afpj]

Every 30k miles for fluid change? Wow, I thought it was 50k but still learning. Does the color change suggest the fluid dump or just based on mileage?

 

[vwbeaner]

I heard that if the color is not red it is time to change it. And maroon, and pink are not red so if it is, it is time to change it. Speeking of which I need to get mine done too.

 

[Slyonic]

I let my fluid get almost blood red. Needless to say, I needed a new transmission. One day it was fine, next day it wouldn't shift correctly.

Learn from my mistakes. Keep fluid changed.