Dirty Fluid from 4L80E

[Clarkbug]

Question for those who have done a lot more with transmission work than me.

I have a 2002 Express 3500 van with a 5.7 and the 4L80E. It only has 68k on it, and was owned by a family member who used it occasionally for road trips. It sat for several years, and we only put about 1000 miles a year or so on it.

When we first got it about two years ago, I had my local garage drop the pan and change th le transmission fluid. I did another drain and fill last year, and did another today with about 4.5 quarts of Valvoline synthetic Dex 6 fluid. I would expect that the fluid would be cleaning up after this many drains and fills, but it seems to be pretty dirty still. When I drain it I cannot tell it's red at all. It doesn't smell burnt, but it looks pretty filthy. When I cleaned.the dipstick, there was a little bit of goo on it.

Should I be worried? The van drives and shifts fine, nothing seems to be out of sorts with it at all. This is definitely not a primary vehicle, but I don't want to get stuck somewhere if I should be doing something proactively to help my transmission out...

 

[heavy260]

Goo?

 

[MrkofXcellence]

Goo?

My question exactly!

 

[clinebarger]

Make sure the unit isn't running hot, You can access transmission fluid temp through scan data.

Spill & fills can take a lot more ATF than just the exchange capacity to clear up the fluid.

 

[Clarkbug]

Goo?

Sorry, gray stuff that wipes off on a towel like you would see on a magnetic drain plug.

Make sure the unit isn't running hot, You can access transmission fluid temp through scan data.

Spill & fills can take a lot more ATF than just the exchange capacity to clear up the fluid.

How hot is too hot? I'll see what I can find.

Good to know it might take a while to get it there. My plan is to spill and fill annually given the mileage, but mostly wanted to make sure I wasn't ignoring a problem that was brewing.

 

[ClutchDisc]

I would do at least 3 drain and fills in short succession. Why wait until next year to drain it again? It will take a long time to get cleaned up that way.

 

[clinebarger]

Sorry, gray stuff that wipes off on a towel like you would see on a magnetic drain plug.

How hot is too hot? I'll see what I can find.

Good to know it might take a while to get it there. My plan is to spill and fill annually given the mileage, but mostly wanted to make sure I wasn't ignoring a problem that was brewing.

Don't like to see above 220°F

 

[Clarkbug]

Don't like to see above 220°F

Thank you!

Wish you were closer to NY.... Would have you take a look.

I would do at least 3 drain and fills in short succession. Why wait until next year to drain it again? It will take a long time to get cleaned up that way.

I put so few miles on it that it fits with the other servicing I usually do once a year.

 

[ClutchDisc]

My priority would be multiple drain and fills now to get more fresh fluid in it. But you do you…

 

[martinq]

I would plan to drop the pan within the year to clean and inspect. If the magnets are clean then you're probably on your way to getting the system cleaned up.

Check again in another year. The fluid should be clearing up as the magnets do most of the work, keep them clean, they loose effectiveness as they load up

 

[Lubener]

Many fluids hold contaminants in suspension giving the fluid a darker appearance. If it doesn't smell burned and there is no junk on the pan's bottom, I doubt there is an issue with your transmission. You can do more drain and fills if it makes you feel better but I believe the fluid will still have a darker appearance.