Transmission fluid black but not burnt

Tiny
JPATTON8
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 48,000 MILES
I change the fluid awhile back and it was solid black. There was no debris in it and it smelled like normal fluid. I have seen videos of people changing their transmission fluid on Malibu's and it seems like it is always black. I am wondering if it is normal. The guy at the dealership said something about a coating on the gears that causes it but he seemed like an idiot.
Monday, October 29th, 2018 AT 9:05 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning.

No, it is not normal. that is an indication of overheating of the fluid. That does cause damage to the clutches and seals.

You need to have it changed again and this time make sure they get all of it out of the torque converter as well.

If you leave this alone, it will fail to require a rebuild. Make sure you change the fluid when you are told to from your maintenance schedule.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission
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Tuesday, October 30th, 2018 AT 1:51 AM

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