transmission fluid is a brownish color?

2005 TOYOTA SIENNA
119,000 MILES • 3.3L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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IMAGING
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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.
Apr 20, 2021 at 5:40 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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.
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Apr 20, 2021 at 8:58 PM