I recently traded my car for a 1992 Cherokee and decided to check the trans fluid today. It was below level, but my main concern was that it was pink/clear. Is this something I should worry about? I'm a newbie and don't know much about this stuff yet...

 

It's supposed be pinkish/red. The AW4 transmission was designed to take Dex/Merc III fluid, but at some point Chrysler started suggesting ATF+4 fluid. Most people on this forum will suggest you stick with the Dex/Merc fluid.

 

I would worry. Dexron/Mercon should be dark RED, not pink/clear. It's time for some badly needed maintenance, in my opinion.

 

You need to have the car running in neutral to properly check the transmission fluid. You might of already known that just trying to help.

 

I considered this too, but then I tried to think of something that would make the ATF pink/clear? Did you check the fluids after it had been sitting for a while, or soon after running it? I am imagining a water/ ATF mixture would have a strawberry milkshake-type look if it had been recently driven, but perhaps it would separate out if the Jeep had been sitting, thus the pink/clear. In any case, probably best to replace fluid.

Alternatively, both Jesse and I could just be misinterpreting what you mean by pink/clear. Some people might call a dark red crimson/magenta, or pinkish hue.... And clear as opposed to translucent or opaque. A picture of the fluid could be helpful in this case.

 

I've never seen trans fluid get lighter with age. I believe the pink vs red debate is just 2 different people's perceptions.

 

I'm color blind and had my gf check the color. Initially she said purple, I asked if it could be pink and she said yes. Its translucent.

 

My theory was correct then. I'll bet it was recently changed.

 

I've seen Dex III nearly clear with a pinkish tinge. I think it depends on who made it. Of course I'm partially color blind too, particularly with reds.
There really isn't actual dexron II/III fluid made anymore as GM stopped licensing it in 2006. It's either "dex/merc" or "dex III compatible". Since it isn't licensed anymore it could be made blue if the manufacturer wished.

 

In that case, it was low. What kind do you think was in it? Do I just add it in? Any special instructions.
I really appreciate y'all helping. I never wanted to work on my car. But I want to work on my jeep. I guess the phrase "its a jeep thing" must be correct.

 

Dex/Merc. Follow the instructions on teh dipstick for checking the level. You may be just fine.

 

Dark smelly bad. Pink clean good.