ATF Fluid And Gearbox Oil Colours and replacement

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j4gz
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Post Sun Feb 01, 2015 2:41 pm

i was getting a slight noise and tight steering i checked levels and upon looking at the ATF fluid it was on the minimum level on the dipstick and a grey colour not dark black, was going to top it up but the ATF Fluid is pink in colour is it ok to top it up with that or does it need a change ?

I also checked the dipstick for the gearbox oil which was a slight brown in colour but was ok with the level of it. Is it worth while changing anything or just a top up is ok .
maxfield
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Post Sun Feb 01, 2015 2:54 pm

It's always worth doing a fluids change if you don't know when they were last done.
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Brianmoooore
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Post Sun Feb 01, 2015 2:58 pm

ATF is cherry red, not grey! Needs changing urgently, and will need more than one change.
Before you do, it may be worth finding out why the level is low. Shouldn't go down at all if all is well.
If your gearbox has a dipstick, then I presume it's an auto. Level should be checked with the engine running, and again, shouldn't drop in use, so if it has, find out why.
Gearbox oil only needs changing every 50,000 miles or so.
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j4gz
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Post Sun Feb 01, 2015 3:00 pm

Ok Thanks for the rapid response guys i will defo get this done ASAP.
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j4gz
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Post Sun Feb 01, 2015 3:52 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:ATF is cherry red, not grey! Needs changing urgently, and will need more than one change.
Before you do, it may be worth finding out why the level is low. Shouldn't go down at all if all is well.
If your gearbox has a dipstick, then I presume it's an auto. Level should be checked with the engine running, and again, shouldn't drop in use, so if it has, find out why.
Gearbox oil only needs changing every 50,000 miles or so.
How big of a job is it to do ? Could a novice attempt it or is it a 4 poster job with hours needed could any mechanic do it ?