[Ivan]

About a months ago I checked my power steering fluid and discovered it below the dipstick level. What was there was dark brown (like old coffee) and had a strong 'burnt oil' smell.

Filled to the cold level with an after market fluid and a week later sucked out all the oil in the reservoir and refilled w/Mopar power steering fluid (it has a clear color).

Now 3 weeks later and the oil is light brown (tea colored) and has a slight 'burnt oil' smell.

Have good steering so know the 'power' is there, but don't understand the quickly darkening fluid color and 'burnt' smell. Any ideas????? Is this 'normal'?

There are no leaks from the pump. reservoir, lines or steering box. Fluid level stays to the mark - Just baffled by the rapid discoloration and smell 3 weeks after changing the fluid in the reservoir.

[bobbert350]

well id say the reason its light brown is that it mixed with the other fluid that was in there since you didnt flush the power steering fluid out b4 you added new stuff it just mixed with the old and changed colors