Ok let’s say hypothetically a person started to add fluid to the transmission while the engine was running (in park) and then realized it was the wrong fluid. If they stopped and shut off the engine, would that fluid still be in the pan or would it have circulated into the transmission?

 

Asking for a friend?

 

"wrong fluid" may be harmful, maybe not. What "hypothetical" fluid are we talking about ?
Dawn dish soap ? KY liquid ? Diesel fuel ? Gasoline ? Olive Oil ? Bubble bath soap ? Water ?

 

The answer is the fluid would immediately be circulated through the system.

But as asked above, what is the “wrong fluid”?

 

What fluid did you add to it? Were you topping off or filling from a pan removal? It is for sure circulated through the transmission now but not likely damaged if that fluid was clean.

If you were just topping off and was not much fluid, what I would do in this situation is to use a suction pump with a hose down the fill tube and suck all you can out. Put in the proper fluid and run for about 5 minutes. Pull the pan and change filter and add more fluid. Maybe do it again after about 30 minutes of driving.

We really need more information to help. Hopefully it was just a type F fluid verses dexron... If so no big deal.

 

Sounds like you are asking for a "friend." If it was some Dexron VI and you added it to your Dexron III system, you're also fine, as VI is backwards compatible with Dexron III. There's a lot of fluid in the system and topping off with VI or even TYPE F likely won't cause issues. It shouldn't hurt anything. But IMO, you probably don't want to make a habit out of it.

I know you didn't do it, but do NOT go the other way if a newer car requires Dexron VI. (Dexron VI is not, however, recommended for power steering applications).

 

How much fluid in ounces did you put in?

What fluid did you put in?

 

This is a car that I’m trying to get moving, had no reading on the stick, put 2 quarts in and was just starting to show. Found another quart that was half full, noticed it was wrong color and some crap came out. Stopped right away and shut off engine. Don’t know what it was, or why it was on the shelf. could’ve been brake fluid for all I know. Was in a dexron bottle.

 

Ok thanks, well I pulled the pan, changed the filter while I was at it. Added new fluid. So I guess at this point all I can do is run it, maybe change it again and hope for the best.
Geez.

 

Crap hopefully got caught with the filter. How did the fluid look when you pulled the pan? Lots of metallic sludge? Fairly clean? Obviously the cleaner the better.

 

not really any sludge. Just a little less clear than normal

 

Really doubt you did any damage as it was less than half a quart, there is a filter for the debris, you shut it off quickly and you serviced it. If a problem develops its probably from something unrelated that was going to happen soon.

Drive on and look through the windshield!!!

Good luck!!!

 

You did all you can do, just keep an eye on the color for a while with the dipstick.

 

Any modern fluid is far better than anything a older car would have in the pan. The worst quality fluid today is better than the absolute best you could have 15 years ago. And if it’s something your just trying to get moving, don’t sweat it. If the trans works, change the fluid and filter once your ready to put the car on the road.

 

“The solution to pollution is dilution.” Run it. Change it again after running or driving it a bit if you’re worried.

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That’s the plan, thanks guys.