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Transmission Fluid as with engine oil has a suspension property. Engine oil more so than transmission fluid though. The oil is designed to hold the little fragments of metal and debris generated in the engine and whats introduced from outside sources. If all those little pieces of metal and dust got into the engine and on the pistons what would happen? Friction, and as we all know friction = death to engines with moving parts. Its the same basic principle inside a transmission but also a total opposite procedure inside. The fluid inside a transmission is pumped through the housing and used in hydraulic applications. Its an oil base because that fluid will suspend the particulates and not let them mesh with the surfaces inside the device.

Now to answer your question. The fluid is black because its doing its job. If you could show me an engine or transmission that would go 3000 miles and not be different color i would show you a dead motor. It starts to change color the second you put it in your vehicle. All hydraulic/lubricating fluids have a shelf life inside the components they were designed for. That's why its recommended to change fluids every 3000 miles or so.

But with the advent of newer oils and synthetics available its not unheard of to go upwards of 10k to 15k miles without a fluid change.


I hope that answers your question

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