Transmission fluid is a brownish color?

IMAGING

MEMBER
2005 TOYOTA SIENNA
3.3L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
119,000 MILES

I have checked my transmission fluid through the dipstick underneath the hood. It's not pinkish like it should be and it's not black either. It's like a brownish color. Should I do a flush (through a shop using a machine) out or a change (drain out the fluid then refill)? Also, where is the transmission fluid pan and does it have a petcock knob to drain the oil out.

Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 5:40 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

When it comes to transmission services, I'm still old school. I like removing the pan, draining the fluid, replacing the filter, and then reinstalling the pan with a new gasket.

As far as a drain and fill, since the fluid isn't too dirty, that will help. I always do it at least twice to get more of the dirty fluid out. Basically, I drain it, refill it, drive about a mile, and then do it again.

Now for the flush, that is the one sure way to get all the old fluid out and new fluid in the transmission. I like that idea. The one thing I don't like (and it's likely due to my age) is the filter isn't replaced.

Below, I attached two pics. The first shows the drain location on the transmission oil pan. I included pic 2, which shows the filter, in the event you want to do it that way.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)