How do you know when to change the transmission fluid?

[hosslake]

Recently I have just changed the oil and had a flush too due to moisture buildup.

I am wondering when i should change my tranny fluid?

Currently i have about 65k on the car and its a 99 elantra

My dad just had a new transmission put on the car about a year ago.

I checked the fluid and its a transparent/light pinkish color.

I heard you only change it when its 1. low 2. burnt or dark colored 3. smells burnt.


Is this true? and got any ideas on how to prevent moisture buildup in my oil pan?

The guy at the place said to take it on long drives atleast once or twice a month and to let the car warm up on cold mornings

[Bear]

Unless the owners manual states lifetime fluid (I would still change at 100,000 miles) every 30,000 miles (fluid and filter) is a good idea. On many of our cars, the filter is remote, like a spin on oil filter, and the transmission pan has a drain plug.

[hosslake]

Originally Posted by Bear

Unless the owners manual states lifetime fluid (I would still change at 100,000 miles) every 30,000 miles (fluid and filter) is a good idea. On many of our cars, the filter is remote, like a spin on oil filter, and the transmission pan has a drain plug.

So since the transmission was put in about a year ago and the car currently has about 60,000 miles on it, i shouldn't have to worry about it until its like 85k-90k miles?

[Bear]

If you have a rebuilt transmission with less than 30,000 miles on it I would not worry about the fluid/filter until she hits 30,000 miles.