What colour is the Auto Transmission oil in an E86?

NZ00Z3

Member
 Timaru New Zealand
I've had the E86 up on front jack stand only, while doing a front suspension replacement for the past week.

There is now a pool of oil/fluid under the car. Dripped off the 4 rear bolts of the auto transmission sump/pan. The oil/fluid is clearish/yellow and reasonably viscous.

Not sure it it's auto transmission fluid or engine oil?

What colour is the auto transmission fluid in an E86 auto transmission?
 
Almost certainly transmission oil…engine oil most likely dirty in colour…unless very recently changed
 
Auto transmission fluid is usually a bright colour, often red or green. This is to differentiate it from engine oil.
So sounds like you have engine oil, or possibly brake fluid but that is waxy rather than oily.
 
Brake fluid smells quite different to engine oil and feels different if you rub it between your fingers, it kind of feels like it’s drying your skin out.
I’ve only ever seen red trans fluid.
 
FWIW the ZF official oil and Fuchs DCT oil both look like normal oils..

Red is associated with ATF that was in old slush boxes
 
FWIW the ZF official oil and Fuchs DCT oil both look like normal oils..

Red is associated with ATF that was in old slush boxes

Thank you. This is what I was thinking may be the case for the modern auto transmission.
 
I got under the car to inspect and it's definitely auto transmission fluid. Leaking from the electrical connector at the rear of the transmission and dripping down over the sump/pan bolts.

Thank you everyone for your help.
 
  • Like
Reactions: B21
Back
Top Bottom