Not honda but..
 

My gf drives a 96 dodge caravan, when I was checking fluids the other day i noticed a burnt plastic like smell when i pulled out the tranny dipstick. The fluid is charcoal black, no red tint to it at all. Suggestions?

How many mile on vehicle? If is black and smells, tranny is most likely fucked and flushing it is gonna cause it to fail shortly after. Only thing to do is drive it till it fails cause it will. Black stuff is clutch pack material.

it has 147k on it.

New trans coming soon. Same thing happened to my brothers van.

When I worked at a Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealer, we kept a minimum of 4 of those transmissions in stock at all times. Honestly, if it previously hadn't been replaced or overhauled I'm surprised.

Changing the fluid and filter will probably do more harm than good at this point. Just save for a rebuild or new transmission.

Rebuild is going to cost around 1200 installed, unfortunately our van is only worth 600... I'm trying to scrounge together the money to get her a car/suv thatll fit 3 car seats now :-/

sell it and buy a 94 accord wagon haha

Would LOVE an accord wagon, but cant find a decent one for a realistic price :-/

Yea they shouldnt be too pricey... and lots of room..