Leaking transmission fluid
I have a 2004 crown Victoria police interceptor. I'm losing about 1/2 a quart of fluid a week and cant find leak externally. My question is where all can I check other then the pan, at the front an back of the transmission. Also the fluid is a light brown color and doesn't smell burnt. Suggestions other then taking it to a shop. I am capable of dropping it myself.
My car has 139000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. There are 3 places for transmission leaks to go – externally to the ground, through the module vacuum tube, and into the coolant system through you transmission cooling lines.
Since there is no evidence of an external leak, check for oil residue in the tube going to you module. Also, check and see if there is any evidence of transmission oil in your coolant system simply by checking the color of your coolant. If it is a brownish color and/or you see oil floating at the top of your reservoir, that is a good indication this is where your transmission fluid is leaking to.
If you decide you’d like to have another expert take a look, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the leaking transmission fluid and proceed with repairs.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
A transmission leak is a common occurrence that happens through excessive wear over time. The plugs could be loose or the pan could be punctured. Either way, the moment you notice transmission fluid, contact your local mechanic and have them inspect and repair your transmission fluid leak.
In many cases, leaking transmission fluid is simply a worn transmission pan gasket. This is the seal between the transmission pan (which is the reservoir for the transmission fluid) and the main transmission housing. The gasket will wear out over time and can start to leak.
The most common source of a transmission leak due to faulty installation is from the transmission pan. The pan is not mounted correctly or incorrect bolts are used to secure it. Something as simple as these bolts will make transmission fluid leak from the pan.
If you find puddles of red, slick liquid on your driveway where the front and middle of your car sit, you most likely have a transmission fluid leak. Pay attention to signs from your car. If the transmission is slow to start, your transmission fluid levels are low and there may be a leak.
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).
Transmission fluid leaks will usually be reddish brown in color with a thin viscosity (new fluid) or brown with a thicker viscosity (old fluid). These leaks will typically be found near your car`s middle section.
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.
Although there are multiple places on a vehicle where transmission fluid can leak, the 3 most common include: Pan gasket. Cooler lines. Output, tail, or torque converter seal.
Engine oil is the most common type of fluid leak. If the puddle of liquid is towards the front of your vehicle, its source is probable the engine. Dip your finger or a piece of paper towel into the liquid. If it is engine oil, the fluid will be brown or black, slick to the touch, and have a slightly burnt odor.
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.
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
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.
New cars don’t have transmission fluid dipsticks Transmission fluid changing
ANSWER : That’s a very good question. The reason they have gone with no dipsticks is because they don’t want people messing with transmissions other there at the dealership. Some cars went through that a couple of decades ago. They make it a very involved, convoluted process all through, in order to change the fluid on these modern cars. They have special adapters you have to put. Some of them have to have scan computers in order to read the data and what’s in there, and then be able to change it. A lot of these companies claim that this new fluid is the "lifetime" fluid.
Most new use synthetic fluid can last a long time but any fluid is going to get dirty and wear out over time. I would change it at least every 80,000 – 100,000 miles but if you’ve got one that is really hard to change, you are better off hiring a mechanic to do it.
On some of the cars, it would be too hard for the do-it-yourself because of all that equipment you need. The professional mechanics already have that. Just call any good mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, and they will be able to perform a transmission fluid service for you.
Leaking transmission fluid – 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
ANSWER : Hi and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. There are 3 places for transmission leaks to go – externally to the ground, through the module vacuum tube, and into the coolant system through you transmission cooling lines.
Since there is no evidence of an external leak, check for oil residue in the tube going to you module. Also, check and see if there is any evidence of transmission oil in your coolant system simply by checking the color of your coolant. If it is a brownish color and/or you see oil floating at the top of your reservoir, that is a good indication this is where your transmission fluid is leaking to.
If you decide you’d like to have another expert take a look, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the leaking transmission fluid and proceed with repairs.
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.
1998 mercedes benz c280 transmission fluid leak from top
ANSWER : Hi there. Unfortunately, we are not able to receive pictures or video to pinpoint damage or identify parts for vehicles through this platform. The best way to identify this item is to search online for a detailed schematic of your C280 Mercedes-Benz or contact a local MB specialist mechanic or the dealership service department to determine the parts name and function. You might also want to have a MB specialist mechanic install and inspect your vehicle for further transmission fluid leaks to ensure the repairs are correctly completed.
Will adding Transmission Fluid with Stop Leak to a transmission with over 230,000 miles hurt it?
ANSWER : Both of these additives are designed to block small leaks or seepage from a gasket or rubber seal an not to fix major leaks or leaks where there will be excessive pressures, such as coolant leaks into the combustion chamber of the cooling system or leaks in high pressure areas of the transmission.
I would not recommend the use of these products unless a manufacturer specified to use them, like how GM did on their earlier models of the modular motors that had coolant leaking through the pores of the engine block from defective castings.
Before adding any of these additives I would recommend having a mechanic check the transmission fluid leak to see what the proper repair should be. These additives can sometimes clog systems and make matters worse in the long run.
