ATF has a definate burnt smell,fluid still seens to be red, still has the prolonged 3-4 shift and a prolonged two stage ? converter lockup or combined gear converter lockup giving the impression of a large polonged engagement with a smaller quick thump that happens with or very close to give the impression it was one in the same this will happens more frequently than a smooth normal shift.I first thought the fluid had burnt electrical smell but I now believe the clutchs somewhere are burning any thoughts before I bring this into the dealer.I know the they will blame the fluid and new fluid will cure everything but with only 5100 mostly highway miles,less than 500 were hauling the 5er there must be a electrial/mechanical reason. I would appeciate some professional imput thanks Doug

well i had the burnt smell from my tranny fluid about 10k after changing the first filter. used a napa filter. it was a very dark red ( burnt looking ) the magnet was loaded with foamy metal shavings, enought to restrict flow. ( my opion ) the rest of the diesel mechs at work seem to agree with the burnt fluid conclusion.
I did two flushes a month or so apart and went back to gm filter. the tranny has never run or worked better..
the napa filter holes did not compare to the factory filter. adding the magnet on top of it covered the hole some what..
my truck is almost never used for towing and i never hot rod it.(well almost never ) so abuse is out of the question.

i would take it back to the dealer or have the filter changed and the tranny flushed soon!!

GL
arm

changed filter with a baldwin that matched allison, same holes location and size of holes thats how i first noticed the burnt smell. the allison filer had 3 holes where the the welded tabs were very SLIGHTLY over three holes and should have no effect on flow thanks Doug