What Color Is Transmission Fluid
The transmission is one of a vehicle’s most vital components. With almost 1000 finely engineered, precision parts, it is one of the most complex and expensive units to repair or replace. The automatic transmission combines electrical & mechanical systems, hydraulics and computer processors to smoothly shift through the gears and transfer engine power to the drive wheels.
The one component that is critical to all the parts in a transmission working properly together is the Automatic Transmission Fluid, or ATF. Every ATF is a precise blend of different chemicals in oil because it has to do a lot of different jobs. An ATF:
- Acts as a hydraulic fluid, to engage clutch packs & shift the gears.
- Acts as a gear and bearing lubricant but also provides and maintains correct frictional properties for smooth clutch engagement as well as efficient power transfer.
- Acts as a corrosion inhibitor and wear protection for the Planetary Gear sets.
- Has to flow easily from minus 40 degrees Celsius to over 200, even in fine valve assemblies.
- Must have low conductivity, and be compatible with all electronic components.
Using the right ATF is critical to the performance and long life of your transmission and that’s why maintaining it is so important. The color of a transmission fluid can also provide a quick and easy insight to the health of your transmission.