[SolidSnake84]

looking at transmission fluid, before a change, is a VERY good indicator of what is going on. Fluid that is almost black is a sure sign of heat buildup. Gritty particles in the fluid also are telltale signs of problems. Most tranny fluid that is nearing the end of its service life will be light brown in color.

When we got my wifes car, a mitsubishi mirage that had 155,000 miles on it, the first thing i checked was the transmission fluid. It was light brown and needed changed. We changed it 2 times to get all the old fluid out, and now, 5,000 miles later, it is still brand new red. Fine shifts and all that. Had the fluid been black, i would have never got the car...