Fluid should be bright red to deep red, I would suggest changing the fluid and filter. While the pan is off, look for an excess of clutch material on the magnet and bottom of pan. Also might want to cut open the old filter and look for heavy deposits, metal shavings, anything that shouldn't belong. If you still have the factory ribbed pan gasket, check both sides for any cuts or damage to the rubber, that's usually where the leak is. Pay special attention to the bolt holes.
There are a number of things that can cause hard shifting, low fluid is one of them.
