Transmission fluid black but not burnt

2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU

48,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

JPATTON8

MEMBER
12 POSTS
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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.

Oct 29, 2018 at 9:05 PM

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ASEMASTER6371

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
52,796 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

Oct 30, 2018 at 1:51 AM