Greetings Gang,

Picked up a choice 1999 400GS last month. 79,000 miles orginal owner, an older guy who own a tow shop in Manhattan beach, but anywho I was doing or having done the usual stuff draining/changing fliuds, filters etc and the tranny fliud was dark and actually had BLACK sludge at the bottom of the pan, no shavings though. About a month later tranny fliud was still kinda dark,not nice pink/red so just had my tranny guys drain from a hose ,no pan drop this time, and refill. Am hoping it stays nice this time. Think I have a problem with the tranny overheating? Engine temp is always good, straight across and it shifts and drives nice but my tranny guy is worried. If the tranny was gunked up ,would it take one or two or more? changes before it stays pink/red? Appreciate any wisdom y'all can share. Love the car and the performance!!!!

 

The previous owner likely never changed the fluid... Do a few drain and refills, and im sure it'll clean up. Just keep paying attention to the shifting and fluid levels. You should be ok.

 

Thanks for the advice and also for the reassurance!

 

http://www.auto-rx.com/auto-rxnet/index.html I recommend this for your trans.

 

I agree with the drain and fill a few times to clear it up -- (A power flush) might not be a bad idea.

If you think your tranny is overheating,.. might be time to install a new tranny cooler. But first I'd do the fluid thing of course =)

 

Had the tranny fluid replaced again after 500 miles as it had turned pretty dark brown again(not black though), they said about 8 quarts worth and after another 500 miles it's nice and ruby red still so I think it was just really old/dirty after 9 years and 80,000 miles. So change yours out if it's been awhile 50,000 miles 5 years would be my advice/experience

For Earth Day I didn't floor it once today!!

 

i didnt do mines till about 97k , when i did my very first drain i thought i was draining my oil at first HAHA !!
i was like " oh shiet " . ....i did about 7 drain/refills and then it started turning really red