Trans Fluid Color/condition Options

[v8shadow]

Hi all. I checked my trans fluid today. It is a gray color but does not smell burnt. It is a 2005 Camry LE 4cyl with 80K on it. I have never changed the trans fluid. I need to know if this is my sign to trade this car in ASAP or just give it a good flush and fill on the trans.

[Littlebookworm]

Warning: 05 Toyota's use a special trans fluid, NOT type A or F. You probably need to get it at a Toyota dealer. I've heard there are after-market brands which can be used but haven't found any in local auto supply stores. I recommend using original trans fluid. Each type has different "slip" characteristics; you can't mix them. Your owner's manual and the trans dipstick will tell you which one to buy. My 05 trans has a drain plug, allowing 5 quarts to drain out. I did that at 80k miles. The color is still off at 88.5k miles. I'll redo it again at 90k when I change the timing belt. It's expensive, but replacing a ttransmission is even more expensive. Good luck. Hy