Ok so my SES light is on and a scan came up with a slipping trans component (shifts HARD after being driven on the freeway or for a longer period of time, short trips are ok) anyway i checked my tranny fluid because i didnt want to freak out and go straight to a tranny rebuild and the dipstick is covered in what seems to be dry coolant (the engine overheated at one point in its life because almost everything in the engine bay is covered in orange dust.. and i live in washington.. far from orange dirt) along with that rusty looking dust on the dip stick the fluid seems to be darker than any ive seen before.

First my question, would old/sludgy Trans fluid cause a component to slip and the tranny shift hard only when warm from longer trips? (45 mins-1 hour long drives at an average of 65 mph) and 2nd would a trans fluid drain and change be a good remedy or just worsen the problem?

 

My dipstick was very rusty when I got it from the heavyEl Nino rains in 95-96, theday I boughtit I drove straightto the lube shop and had the fluid replaced, I would have the filter changed also, its worth a try. My tranny slipped once when the fluid got a little low, they seem to be very sensitive.
You could be getting water in the tranny through the radiator, I would check it out first.

 

ok thanks man.

 

when was last time changed trans. filter. does fluid smell burnt. take white paper towel wipe stick is there black on paper ?

 

I have a 2000 4x4 that was doing this.(scan came up with a slipping trans component (shifts HARD after being driven on the freeway or for a longer period of time) turned out to low fluid in the transfer case.