Is there any reason that a transmission fluid leak issue has to do with needing a a/c compressor replacement? 2008 Jeep Liberty

I just discovered I have a leak of transmission fluid that was causing the trans to slip. I had the fluid topped off, but was told the leak is being caused because I need to replace the a/c compressor.

My car has 85600 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there – these 2 faults are NOT connected. A transmission fluid leak will not cause AC compressor failure. You are not getting good advice from whoever told you this – not to be trusted. A transmission fluid leak can cause slipping the transmission, and should be repaired ASAP. I recommend a transmission leak inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. Failure of the AC compressor will cause a loss of passenger cooling.

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There could be a bad connection or a hole/crack in one of the transmission lines that is causing the leak. The transmission system has valves and solenoids that keep the flow of the fluid controlled when the vehicle is running. A damaged part or faulty valve/solenoid can result in a transmission fluid leak.
Potential Causes of Transmission Fluid Leaks

So, if you frequently go off-roading with your Jeep, any debris that you drive over might dent or crack the transmission pan, causing a transmission fluid leak. Additionally, a break in the transmission gasket may also cause the transmission pan to leak fluid.

Faulty Transmission Pan or Gasket

The fuel pan gasket is the number one culprit if your vehicle`s transmission fluid leaks when your car is parked. Cars with automatic transmissions have a pan gasket designed to catch most fluids leaking from the engine.

One of the main causes of transmission leaks is a cracked pan gasket. When there is some kind of fray in the gasket, you`ll need to replace it, as the fluid inside will continue to seep out. This cause is easy to fix. All you`ll need to do is purchase a new gasket (which is relatively inexpensive).
In case the problem is a transmission leak, a simple reseal service, and transmission fluid flush is all you need to fix the problem. However, if your transmission is severely damaged, you`ll probably need a replacement transmission for your car.
Take a look beneath your car, or on the ground where you typically park. Transmission fluid will leave dark spots on your driveway or garage. If you notice spots on the ground, check all of your fluid levels to make sure everything looks good.
A transmission leak will not get better on its own. If it goes unchecked, vehicle operation will eventually be affected, and you may find yourself with an expensive repair. So, while it may be safe to drive with a leaking transmission, it`s not advisable, and you shouldn`t put off fixing the problem.
When the torque converter starts malfunctioning, you may feel shuddering and even slipping in overdrive. You usually notice your car shuddering because it feels like it`s vibrating. Your car will vibrate even when you`re not going very fast. The shuddering makes the car lag and is very noticeable.
A transmission leak will not get better on its own. If it goes unchecked, vehicle operation will eventually be affected, and you may find yourself with an expensive repair. So, while it may be safe to drive with a leaking transmission, it`s not advisable, and you shouldn`t put off fixing the problem.
How Much do Transmission Leaks Cost to Repair? The cost to fix a transmission fluid leak in a vehicle can be as little as $150 to replace a seal and around $1,000 to for a new torque converter.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Is there any reason that a transmission fluid leak issue has to do with needing a a/c compressor replacement? 2008 Jeep Liberty
ANSWER : Hi there – these 2 faults are NOT connected. A transmission fluid leak will not cause AC compressor failure. You are not getting good advice from whoever told you this – not to be trusted. A transmission fluid leak can cause slipping the transmission, and should be repaired ASAP. I recommend a transmission leak inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. Failure of the AC compressor will cause a loss of passenger cooling.

There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.

My 1993 Ford f-150 is leaking transmission fluid from the rear end of the pan. ive already replaced the gasket as well as the pan
ANSWER : There are two different places it may be leaking if not from a cracked housing at one of the pan bolt holes. The rear tail shaft housing or the shift linkage shaft seal could be leaking. Have the areas cleaned and vehicle run on a lift to isolate where it is coming from.

My car is leaking transmission fluid – I can’t diagnose the leak
ANSWER : Based on the NHTSA database covering consumer complaints, as well as government mandated recalls and factory service bulletins, for your specific year, make and model, I do not see evidence of widespread complaints about transmission fluid leaks. Such leaks are, in fact, common in transmissions made by any car company, particularly if the transmission is older than say 10 years. There is a manual shaft seal, oil pan gasket, output shaft seals, case seals, torque converter seal (inaccessible) and so forth all of which are potential leak points on your transmission.

If you want to identify and resolve these leaks, certainly a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could come out and perform a transmission leak inspection and let you know where the leak points are and what it will cost to resolve them.

2013 Ford Focus Transmission Issue. Is it worth keeping the car?
ANSWER : Hi There,
This is a known issue in this generation Ford Focus and some Fiestas with the "Power Shift" transmission and there have been numerous recalls and lawsuits. Although, it is would be difficult to determine how much longer your transmission will last given the fact that you have many new parts, I would not recommend junking the car as it may still provide some valuable life left for you. I would recommend taking it to the dealer to see if these parts may be covered under the recall.

okay I’m replacing the water pump to my jeep liberty 2005 do i need to replace the timing belt also?
ANSWER : Hi there. Anytime you replace a water pump, it is always a good idea to replace the timing belt at the same time, especially if your vehicle has at least 100,000 miles or more. Replacing the timing cover gaskets and main seal will also be a good idea as those are the primary sources of oil leaks.

Transmission fluid leaked while pulling a car out of mud
ANSWER : From the description you’re giving me, I’m not sure. I know many Fords, including my F150, have a circular seal type bell housing inspection cover near the transmission. Fluid pooled in this area generally indicates an engine oil leak from the rear main seal or a transmission leak from the front pump seal. The only way to know for sure is to have your truck’s transmission leak inspected firsthand by a professional. The team at YourMechanic is an excellent option since we make house calls.

Do i need to replace the receiver drier and/or the expansion valve when replacing the condenser assembly?
ANSWER : Replacing the system drier is absolutely essential. If the system has been open to the atmosphere (due to the leak in the condenser), the desiccant in the drier has been fully saturated with moisture. As far as the expansion valve, replacement is not normally implicated in a leak repair, in your case a leak in the condenser. To justify replacing the expansion valve, there would have to have been a diagnostic performed which proved a fault. If no diagnostic was performed, and there is no evidence of a fault, then it is pointless to replace the valve. But, again, drier replacement is absolutely essential. To add the drier to your order, you can simply add a note to the mechanic in your order and/or add it as a service (you will see a link that you can click on to "add services" or write in specific services). If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.