What color is transmission fluid?

New, clean transmission fluid has a translucent, bright red color. This color is achieved by adding the dye to the fluid for identification purposes.

As transmission fluid ages, it turns darker in color. Over time, it deepens to a dark brown color. Heat also turns transmission fluid darker in color, as does dirt and debris. Hot or burned transmission fluid can turn black in color. Pink or lighter red colors can indicate that the fluid has water mixed in with it. Water in a vehicle's transmission fluid can cause major problems, so a mechanic should check the vehicle.