Transmission questions

[Ldub]

I read this thread, he had a different problem - that was a bent skid plate.

I still have my questions on how to check the fluid level and color. Is there a way to check the color of fluid to see if it needs to be replaced? It would sound very stupid to drain it all just so that I could see the color of it. Is there a way to check the level or there is not one? Should I just try to add till it starts coming out? (but before adding some I do need to see if all fluid needs to be changed and I need to find out a way to do that).

Had you looked at page two of said thread, you would have seen this...
There are two plugs in the tranny pan, the upper one is fill/level check, the lower one is drain.