Gray stuff on trans dipstick.

[MuzzleFlash40]

It's been probably 5k since I checked the trans level in the wifes impala. When I wiped the dipstick off the fist time there was a little gray on the rag along with the fluid which is nice and red and doesn't smell burnt or anything. The trans was replaced about 10k ago. Is this normal?

Thanks!

 

[sunfire]

Did you get gray stuff on the rag the second time you checked?

 

[4D-56]

Sounds to me like you are seeing the wear metals from a new trans, its wearing "in" so to speak
Others will chime in and give more detail than I but this is typical of most ATs I believe....hopefully someone will be able to advise at what point you should change that fluid to get the "grey" out...

 

[demarpaint]

Probably wear from internal friction materials breaking in. Hard to tell if it's normal or not w/o actually seeing it. I'd suggest a visit to the re-builder just to be sure. I'd bet it's probably nothing to be concerned about but certainly worth looking into.

 

[RF Overlord]

Was it rebuilt or was it replaced with a new/reman unit?

Most wear in an automatic transmission occurs in the first 10k or so from new. Catching this initial wear is the primary function of the filter. I would at minimum do a drain & fill, clean the pan & magnet, and replace the filter. After that, periodic drain & fills should be all that's required.

 

[MuzzleFlash40]

Thanks guys, It was a remaned unit. When I pulled it out the second time there was no more gray on the stick. Guess I should play it safe and have the shop check it out since it is under their 12k warranty for another 2k.

 

[Trav]

Go check other cars, i bet you find the answer.
What you describe it its normal, nothing to worry about.

 

[NHGUY]

Wear metals should get trapped on the in pan magnet.Grey might be clutch pack material as well.Sounds somewhat normal on a new/reman trans.

 

[sunfire]

Originally Posted By: MuzzleFlash40
Thanks guys, It was a remaned unit. When I pulled it out the second time there was no more gray on the stick. Guess I should play it safe and have the shop check it out since it is under their 12k warranty for another 2k.


It's normal in my car. A bit of dust gets past the ATF dip stick and down the hole. Especially if I haven't checked the level in a while. The first time you pull the dip stick the level and color shouldn't count.

 

[MolaKule]

I would recommend a pan drop and refill with Dexron and a filter change.

 

[01rangerxl]

I've never pulled an AT dipstick that didn't have a little bit of "stuff" on it. ATs have friction material inside that wears and will get deposited in the fluid. A lot of it would be cause for concern, but a little bit isn't.

My reference point was when my dad's old Taurus grenaded transmission #2. I remember when he pulled the dipstick it was covered in large chunks of metal and clutch material. It had clearly had an internal catastrophe.

 

[Trav]

Quote:
A bit of dust gets past the ATF dip stick and down the hole

I hope that's not the case, the grey material is from the clutch plates.
Change the oil and start the engine, check it and will be exactly the same, the stuff is everywhere inside, the second the new fluid hits it it picks some up.
20K Fluid change on a rebuilt is fine.

The filter on the left has about 60K on it, the one on the far right has exactly one start after a line off change, notice it already has some dark discolouration.
The one in the middle is new. This is exactly what happens to the dipstick.

I took this pic for another reason, both filters have the same part# but are clearly different.
The manufacturer told me via email that one superseded the other.
Not trusting them i started the engine with a line off and low and behold no fluid through the line. Shut down and remove the pan.
Check the stock at the store and every box was a different filter from the other.
The pic is dark, the black looking filter was not that black but it sure does highlight what we are talking about here.