View Full Version : Rust And dirt on Trans Dipstick...
nujackk
09-27-2008, 06:10 PM
I took my envoy in for an oil change and of course they do their courtesy check. Found my transmission dipstick has rust (very high on dipstick) and a lot of dirt.
I haven't noticed any problems with tranny or anything really. But concerned as to how this happened:confused:. No burned smell fluid looks ok. Had fluid and filter replaced about 2 years ago.
question 1 should I be worried? question 2 Should I have a flush done or just filter and fluid replace? Flush would be $140+:( and truck has 78k on it. Im worried flush will cause problems.
Any suggestions?
tblazed
09-27-2008, 08:51 PM
Could be just residue from condensation that collects up in the tube and on the dipstick. Wipe it off clean and keep an eye on it. The trans breathes thru a vent every time it heats up and cools down, so maybe over time it collected enough moisture to condense and cause rust on the dipstick. If there was much water in the fluid it would turn milky. When you check the fluid level, wipe some of the trans oil up to the top of the dipstick to keep it lubricated and from rusting. My 3¢.
Do you do any offroading or live in a dusty place? Maybe the dipstick wasn't locked in place. A flush shouldn't hurt anything on a vehicle with 75k, but you should definately do it now. If you let mileage get really high, a flush could potentially cause problems that aren't worth the risk. If you're concerned about debris in the trans, have them do a trans service first and check the pan and have a new filter put then, and then flush it. The dealer would be the best place to get it done, they would actually know what they're looking at.
RayVoy
09-28-2008, 09:22 AM
Could be just residue from condensation that collects up in the tube and on the dipstick. Wipe it off clean and keep an eye on it. The trans breathes thru a vent every time it heats up and cools down, so maybe over time it collected enough moisture to condense and cause rust on the dipstick. If there was much water in the fluid it would turn milky. When you check the fluid level, wipe some of the trans oil up to the top of the dipstick to keep it lubricated and from rusting. My 3¢.:iagree:, the way the stick is attached/latched into the tube causes this problem and a lot of short trips lets the water collect.
brendanpower
09-28-2008, 10:03 AM
Could be just residue from condensation that collects up in the tube and on the dipstick. Wipe it off clean and keep an eye on it. The trans breathes thru a vent every time it heats up and cools down, so maybe over time it collected enough moisture to condense and cause rust on the dipstick. If there was much water in the fluid it would turn milky. When you check the fluid level, wipe some of the trans oil up to the top of the dipstick to keep it lubricated and from rusting. My 3¢.
:iagree:, the way the stick is attached/latched into the tube causes this problem and a lot of short trips lets the water collect.
:iagree:
nujackk
09-30-2008, 10:17 PM
No off-roading at all, the dirt and rust was really thick at the top. I'm thinking it had to come in through the tube. Guess I will get the flush. And have to remember to check it more often.
Now just wondering since there seems to still be some dirt in the tube, how do i get that cleaned out since the flush doesn't really involve it ?
brendanpower
09-30-2008, 11:40 PM
If it were me, I would be hunting down a long pipe cleaner/bottle brush. Another option is a barrel brush from a gun cleaning kit. Obviously scrub it pre-flush but be careful driving after if you have to. If your paying a shop to do the flush, do it there or have them do it.
Check the rubber at the top of the tranny dipstick. May not be getting a good seal.
RayVoy
10-01-2008, 08:44 PM
I'd look at removing the tube.
I haven't had one out in a while, but the older one come out very easily. The old ones were held in with one screw, remove screw, give tube a twist and it's out.
Clean it, re-install.
Cheftim
11-01-2009, 06:38 AM
I just had my oil changed and when the tech tried to remove the tranny dipstick to check the fluid the lid came off but the stick had rusted off and must be down in the tranny tube?
I just had my oil changed and when the tech tried to remove the tranny dipstick to check the fluid the lid came off but the stick had rusted off and must be down in the tranny tube?
I would get a transmission service done then. Get any debris from the dipstick in the pan and what's left of the dipstick out of the tube. Then buy a new dipstick ($10 at the dealer).
Cheftim
11-01-2009, 07:49 AM
Thanks
bluenvoyerob
11-01-2009, 08:17 PM
When I went to check the fluid on my 05 a while back, I found that my trans dipstick was rusted in two also. The dipstick itself rusted apart at the handle but I was able to pull it up with my pinky. Fluid looked good but end of dipstick was "gunky" from touching bottom of pan.
Mom's 2004 TrailBlazer had the same problem. There must have been a problem with them because the new ones are redesigned.
Loverotties
11-01-2009, 08:43 PM
How long has it been since you checked it last time?Hope not 2 yrs(when you had it changed?)
dag48066
11-01-2009, 09:14 PM
When I got my first oil change in March after buying the car, the fellow working under the hood pointed out rust on the trans dipstick and suggested some additional services. I thought it may have come from the in between time the car was moved around from New York to Michigan where I bought it. I will have to look into this closer.
DAG