Suburban 2500 transmission fluid clear

[DRayson]

Purchased a 2013 2500 suburban and although the transmission fluid doesn’t appear “dirty” or “burnt” it is an almost clear “pale” green color. I can not find anything on this, and the dealer claims they didn’t have the transmission fluid flushed.

I already have it scheduled to get another flush to get dex 6 back in there, not that I like the idea of flushing the transmission AGAIN.. let alone “flushing” it at all with 124k.. but I’m afraid if I leave this clear fluid in that I will start to get transmission shifting issues. It shifts fine now though.

has anyone seen fluid other than dex 6 in a 6L90 trans?

 

[HD_LS]

The Red color in transmission fluid is just a dye. It does fade away with time and temperature. Some fluid manufacturers may use dyes that are less permanent than others.

 

[Big Mama]

Could it be some type of additive changing the color? Does it have the look of water in it like when your oil has water? Good call on the flush if it’s shifting well. I had it done at 110k no issues.

 

[OR VietVet]

Flush it and get the Dex back in it and party on. Make sure to do the filter at the same time.

 

[DRayson]

The Red color in transmission fluid is just a dye. It does fade away with time and temperature. Some fluid manufacturers may use dyes that are less permanent than others.

I work as an automotive mechanic for the past 9 years, and have never seen gm transmission fluid be anything but red -> dark red/ brown depending on condition. Just find it odd that it is so clear, almost fresh motor oil colored on the dipstick. But has a green tint when put on a paper towel, with a faint gear oil like smell.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I work as an automotive mechanic for the past 9 years, and have never seen gm transmission fluid be anything but red -> dark red/ brown depending on condition. Just find it odd that it is so clear, almost fresh motor oil colored on the dipstick. But has a green tint when put on a paper towel, with a faint gear oil like smell.

Think maybe someone added gear oil to cover up a shifting issue--since it's thicker then trans fluid.

 

[wsteele]

Purchased a 2013 2500 suburban and although the transmission fluid doesn’t appear “dirty” or “burnt” it is an almost clear “pale” green color. I can not find anything on this, and the dealer claims they didn’t have the transmission fluid flushed.

I already have it scheduled to get another flush to get dex 6 back in there, not that I like the idea of flushing the transmission AGAIN.. let alone “flushing” it at all with 124k.. but I’m afraid if I leave this clear fluid in that I will start to get transmission shifting issues. It shifts fine now though.

has anyone seen fluid other than dex 6 in a 6L90 trans?

Well congratulations on the 2500, maybe the only truck I would swap out to at this point. I hope the flush goes well and you have endless trouble free miles ahead.

 

[DRayson]

Flush it and get the Dex back in it and party on. Make sure to do the filter at the same time.

Think maybe someone added gear oil to cover up a shifting issue--since it's thicker then trans fluid.

hopefully not, the fluid doesn’t seem “thicker”. We’ll see

 

[DRayson]

Well congratulations on the 2500, maybe the only truck I would swap out to at this point. I hope the flush goes well and you have endless trouble free miles ahead.

it’s replacing my 08 2 door 2500 Silverado to keep from running two vehicles when we take the boat out. Loving it so far, fingers crossed I don’t regret the flush.

 

[OR VietVet]

I am going with @Big Mama on this. Sounds like an additive. The additive could be green in color or even blue. Red and Blue make Green.

 

[wsteele]

I am going with @Big Mama on this. Sounds like an additive. The additive could be green in color or even blue. Red and Blue make Green.

I think it is yellow and blue makes green.

There are green transmission fluids on the market, some premium brands, so maybe the previous owner just flushed and went to something like that Castrol stuff.

Some people use things in their trucks thinking it is better than stock.

 

[OR VietVet]

I think it is yellow and blue makes green.

There are green transmission fluids on the market, some premium brands, so maybe the previous owner just flushed and went to something like that Castrol stuff.

Some people use things in their trucks thinking it is better than stock.

Yep, had my color wheel mixed up. Thanks.

 

[intheburbs]

I've also never seen the fluid get lighter. It starts off red/pink, then gets darker as it ages.

Whatever it is, I'd get it the hell out ASAP, and do a full flush. I flush mine regularly, at 207k and the trans still shifts/operates perfectly.

Transmission flush is actually the only time my trucks cast a shadow in dealerships. Cheap insurance. Last one I did was $250.

 

[wsteele]

I've also never seen the fluid get lighter. It starts off red/pink, then gets darker as it ages.

Whatever it is, I'd get it the hell out ASAP, and do a full flush. I flush mine regularly, at 207k and the trans still shifts/operates perfectly.

Transmission flush is actually the only time my trucks cast a shadow in dealerships. Cheap insurance. Last one I did was $250.

I was under the impression, for a long time, GM didn't recommend transmission flushes, saying drain and filter change only. Did that change recently?

 

[Doubeleive]

my dealer was checking for a transmission leak and a added a dye to the fluid and it made the fluid look pale green, could be a similar situation

 

[DRayson]

I've also never seen the fluid get lighter. It starts off red/pink, then gets darker as it ages.

Whatever it is, I'd get it the hell out ASAP, and do a full flush. I flush mine regularly, at 207k and the trans still shifts/operates perfectly.

Transmission flush is actually the only time my trucks cast a shadow in dealerships. Cheap insurance. Last one I did was $250.

It’s already scheduled, hoping I don’t have issues afterwards. Father in-law is a dealer tech, he better not charge me full price

we don’t have a flushing machine at my work or I’d do it

 

[OR VietVet]

It’s already scheduled, hoping I don’t have issues afterwards. Father in-law is a dealer tech, he better not charge me full price

we don’t have a flushing machine at my work or I’d do it

That father in-law tech may not have anything to do with the pricing but he likely can help out. Has he helped with that before?

 

[DRayson]

That father in-law tech may not have anything to do with the pricing but he likely can help out. Has he helped with that before?

I put a laughing emoji but it didn’t go through, we are very close. I’ll get the fluid and he will do it after customer work is done. Then I’ll get him a gift card as a thank you.

 

[OR VietVet]

Gift card should be taped to a case of beer or a bottle.

 

[thompsoj22]

It’s already scheduled, hoping I don’t have issues afterwards. Father in-law is a dealer tech, he better not charge me full price

we don’t have a flushing machine at my work or I’d do it

Your vehicle comes from the factory with a "flushing machine", Remove upper trans line to radiator, insert 3/8 plastic tubing into the radiator fitting and place in bucket, Start vehicle ie' "flushing machine" and run until bubbles are seen in tubing, Ign off and add 4qts, Start flushing machine again and run until you see bubbles, Ign off and add 4qts, Start flushing machine again and run until you see bubbles , Ign off and add 4qts, Start eng and run until clean red fluid is dispensed from tube. Ign off, Reconnect upper trans line to radiator and top off fluid level, "dont overfill" the trans should be at op temp on level ground to accurately "top off" fluid. As to the "PITA" trans filter, Based upon your description of "clear fluid" i would guess that someone has allready changed the filter when they replaced the factory fluid? Do the fasteners on the trans pan show evidence of recent removal? if your conscience will allow the filter to be "assumed replaced" you are done. If the trans responds well to the new fluid than in 30k miles drop the pan and see how things look. You just bought the vehicle, If you drop the pan now and find debris are you ready to rework the trans? If not the above method will give you piece of mind that the fluid is OEM, Clean and give the trans its best shot of longevity. Just my 02 cents.