What should ATF smell like?

[01rangerxl]

I'm curious about what ATF should actually smell like in the transmission. I checked the ATF in my Explorer today and it was a nice light transparent red and at the right level. It didn't smell like ATF does fresh out of the bottle though. I don't know that I would call the smell burnt, but it isn't the same as ATF in the bottle. Would I be correct in assuming that burnt ATF would smell something like overheated brakes or a burnt clutch? It isn't a strong smell like that.

 

[paulo57509]

I think gauging ATF condition by smell would be very subjective.

I will say that I once serviced a transmission on a '60's Rambler Ambassador station wagon. The ATF was still nice and red, but it smelled so bad it made me gag.

 

[INDYMAC]

ATF's all seem to smell different to me.
Maxlife DEX/Merc smells like a really pungent mildew, while Schaeffers #204SAT smells like really strong dead fish.
I hope this helps!

 

[aquariuscsm]

Fresh ATF always had a rubbery smell to me and worn/old ATF always seemed to have a burnt oil smell.

 

[01rangerxl]

Well, thanks for the input everyone. I guess anything other than obviously burnt smelling fluid is probably okay if the color is good. This fluid does have a somewhat rubbery smell.

 

[Bluestream]

The only way to check the color is to get a quantity out and look at it in a container. There is not enough on a dipstick to really get a good feel for the true color. What looks red on the stick, can look dark in a pail.

FWIW, new ATF smells like rubarb to me.

 

[5cylinders]

another thing, well worn fluid usually smells quite strong.
One comment I'll make is, if it's been a while since the fluids have been checked, sometimes the dipstick will have a coating of gray stuff on it that will rub off onto a rag. Aluminum maybe?

 

[bruce381]

depending on age and WHO"S additive system is used to make it, IT WILL vary in smell NOT a good indicater of ANYTHING
bruce

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: bruce381
depending on age and WHO"S additive system is used to make it, IT WILL vary in smell NOT a good indicater of ANYTHING
bruce

What bruce said.

 

[psudaytona]

Castrol Mercon V - New (Smells like a stinky chemically rubber)
Supertech ATF+3 - New (Smells like valvoline motor oil to me)
Supertech ATF+3 - Used (Smells like the hydraulic fluid used in roller coasters! reminded me of kennywood constantly lol)
Mercon V - Used (Not like the bottle at all, just an oily chemical smell, not too bad actually)
Dexron II - New and Used ( Ick, dang this stuff stinks. I pulled a burnt tranny from a minivan full of BLACK dexron II and I have never smelled something so foul from a car)
ATF+4 (I have heard it smells like baby poo, idk about that as I can't quite remember that far back in my life. It stinks.)

I have become quite a smart nosed person, I can tell what type of tranny fluid it is by smell alone now!

 

[Donald]

Forget the SMELL, get a UOA.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Donald
Forget the SMELL, get a UOA.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

 

[5cylinders]

Hey, no need to jump on me..... I said USED fluid usually smells strong.
I didn't say you can tell the exact condition of a transmission by the smell.
Maybe I should have said OFTEN, instead of usually?
can't we all just get along???? lol

 

[Donald]

Smell the fluid from a Mercruiser oudrive that has not been changed for a few seasons, you will want to barf.