Inspect the appearance of the fluid during the fluid level check. Fluid color should range from dark red to pink and be free of foreign material, or particles. If the fluid is dark brown or black in color and smells burnt, the fluid has been overheated and must be changed.
Transmission operation should also be checked if the fluid is severely discolored and contains quantities of foreign material, metal particles, or clutch disc friction material.
A small quantity of friction material or metal particles in the oil pan is normal. The particles are usually generated during the break-in period and indicate normal seating of the various transmission components.