I bought a repairable (smashed) 2012 Sonic LT 1.8 automatic with 38,000 miles. I goofed and started it up with the radiator removed (including the transmission fluid cooler), and blew tranny fluid all over the ground.

The fluid is not red. It is a very dark color, brown, almost black. It does not smell burnt, however. According to what I've read it should have Dexron VI in it, and it should be red.

Does anyone know if cars delivered from GM use a fluid that is not red?I assume the tranny was working, because the car was in an accident, but I can't test it until I top up the fluid and finish putting the front end back together.

 

the fluid will be dark. I believe there is a tsb about it. IIRC the colour is from the seals in the transmission. It is not a concern.

 

Thank you so much, that makes me fell better. I can't find the TSB for it, however. You don't happen to know the TSB number?

Thanks,
Keen

 

#PI0075A: Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Appears Dark


it says the dark colour is due to rust inhibitors used on parts during assembly.

 

Excellent! I can't believe thee isn't more discussion about this on the web. GM must have made millions of cars with that 6T40 transmission, and searches for that TSB or "Dark fluid" bring up almost nothing.

Thanks again for your help.
Keen