Hello

The subject is an 85 300D with 468K. Trans was shifting extremely soft and
somewhat sloppy, so I immeidately check the ATF level, it is about 1qt. low.
I also notice that it is like a honey gold or yellow in color.. it smells
OK. I added 1qt. of Mercon/Dextron ATF (red), and it shifts better but still
very soft and a little sloppy from 2-3.

Questions

What does honey color ATF mean, if anything?

Can someone give me a quick run down on chaning the fluid and filter, how
many qts ATF is needed?

How do I adjust the vacuum settings for transmission shifting? I think its way too soft.

Thank you,

John
83 300D 210K
85 300D 468K
87 300SDL 245K

John,

Glad to hear from you. We were wondering if you are okay in NJ. Here was the link:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=23513

For the adjustment, check out these links:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=3834&highlight=Transmission+Modulator

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=7249&highlight=Snatchy

The following link applies to a later model. Check it out anyway.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=23391

David

Color could be an indication of water in ATF. Try pouring some ATF in a cup and add water and see what color it turns. This could be an indication of a leak in the ATF cooler (radiator).

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Jim

I had always thought that gold coloring was indicative of burnt ATF

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

that golden color is usually a sign of the fluid having gotten to hot, very common when pulling a trailer up a long grade in hot weather. I think the back flush is the way to go at 80 or 90 bucks you sure save a messy job (sit in a nice lounge at the lube shop and read the latest car rags) .But I do like the idea of a back flush then a filter change,a hundred buck spent for precautionary maintence sure beats the high cost of a rebuild.....