2009 with Dark Clutch Fluid?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 7
From: Bristol raceway area
2009 with Dark Clutch Fluid?
Hi Everyone, maybe you can educate me. We have a 2009 Coupe with 3,900 miles of city/highway driving with no racing. I checked Clutch Fluid today and it is very dark, almost black. The car is 1.5 years old. I checked the fluid about 10 months ago and it looked good. Is this normal and what to do? Thanks for help! 
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Pembroke Pines Fl
this problem is normal with all c6's. some say the dark color is from clutch dust, some say a dye from a seal, and some say heat. search for "ranger method" for info on a easy way to refresh ur resevoir with clean fluid.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 170
From: Austin, TX, U.S.A.
I recently had a new clutch installed because I do not like the stock clutch. With out going into details about dealership experience etc. I will say that I was desperate to get the clutch feeling proper and bought a new clutch, slave, and master cylinder. The new master already had dark fluid in it. I am thinking that the quest for maintaining clear fluid is a lost cause.
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
It's not a lost cause. Do the Ranger method and keep changing the fluid until it stays clear (usually five or six times). Then periodically check it and when it starts darkening change it again. It's so easy to change it that you can do it in five minutes or less. Mine stays clear for several months at a time, and I check it each time I pop the hood. Since I got rid of the black fluid I find the clutch operates much smoother without the jerky engagement problem. 
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Just did the ranger method-- at first the idea of pumping the clutch a total of 75 times (25 reps in 3 sets) was disconcerting. I went for it though.
Wait till you feel the difference in the clutch feel. bought my 08 used with 9,000 and the fluid was almost black. For me I just flush it out every now and then(twice a month), but I assume if you drive really hard keeping it amber or clear would be the best bet.
Wait till you feel the difference in the clutch feel. bought my 08 used with 9,000 and the fluid was almost black. For me I just flush it out every now and then(twice a month), but I assume if you drive really hard keeping it amber or clear would be the best bet.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 7
From: Bristol raceway area
Thanks for all the help friends. I used the "ranger method" today and it took almost a can of Dot 4 to get clear fluid. I really appreciate getting the answer to the remedy. You wouldn't think something like this wouldn't happen at so few years/miles, but oh well.....
