Transmission fluid coming up into water overflow
My car’s transmission fluid is coming up in the water overflow. I installed a new radiator, but the fluid is still getting into the water overflow. My car will drive for a while, but when it gets hot, it won’t go into gear. What should I do?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. The transmission cooler tank may be leaking, causing water to get into the overflow. It is possible that the radiator you just replaced as a leak may need to be replaced again. If the transmission fluid is low, this could prevent the transmission from shifting gears. If this is the case, you may need a new transmission. Have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, come and properly inspect your transmission fluid leaks and make any needed repairs.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
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.
If you have a broken or damaged head gasket, you can expect your oil and coolant to start mixing. Oil and coolant can also end up mixing if your engine overheats and either destroys the gasket or cracks the cylinder head.
The unfamiliar fluid that gets into the transmission is usually water or the coolant of the vehicle`s engine. Water enters the transmission through a crack in the housing, a poor gasket, or a vent.
Transmission fluid will become foamy if there is too much fluid. Excessive fluid prohibits proper lubrication and cooling and slows the rotating crankshaft, similar to the effect of running through water.
The oil and water become mixed, leading to increased viscosity, loss of film strength, additive washout and lubricant failure. Viscosity is the most important physical characteristic of an oil.
Signs Your Transmission Cooling Lines are Failing
Leaks where the cooling lines connect to the radiator are common. Look for red fluid when checking for leaks. Low fluid levels – If you suspect a problem with your transmission lines, check the fluid levels using the dipstick. If the levels are low, it indicates a leak.
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.
A puddle on the ground: The most obvious sign of a transmission leak is discovering a pool of transmission fluid under your vehicle. Most leaks start small, so check your regular parking spot often. A few drops aren`t necessarily a major problem, but it will be the sign that you have the start of a leak.
If your transmission fluid looks like a strawberry milkshake, you`ve got water in the transmission. Once water gets into the transmission enough to affect operation, a rebuild is required. It doesn`t take much–less than an ounce of water can cause problems.
No there is no overflow valve to remove fluid if you`ve over filled the transmission. Some have drain plugs where you can remove fluid. All transmissions do have a vent located on or near the top of the transmission and if overfilled enough fluid can and will come out of it.
Foaming: Excess transmission oil can cause foaming, which can reduce the oil`s lubricating properties and increase the temperature inside the transmission. Overheating: The excess oil can cause the transmission to overheat, leading to damage to internal components such as the clutches and bands.
Finally, ATF can alter the viscosity of the oil, reducing wear protection. Viscosity is the oil`s most important property, influencing wear protection and fuel efficiency. Increasing or decreasing viscosity by adding a little transmission fluid in oil to clean sludge can lead to increased engine wear.
To test the torque converter, you must step on the pedal to the floor and accelerate your engine for up to five seconds. The reading for the revolutions per minute (RPM) will max out at the stall speed.
Rattling is one sound you want to be aware of. If you hear odd rattling sounds when you accelerate, this might be a symptom of a bad torque converter. The same can be true of whirring noises.
Transmission fluid helps make the act of shifting gears less strenuous on your vehicle by lubricating the bearings and moving metal parts within the transmission.
Should the cooler be installed before or after the radiator? Answer: We recommend installing the auxiliary cooler after the radiator to return the coolest fluid directly to the transmission.
But if the engine coolant level is low, the coolant won`t immerse the transmission cooler properly. So the cooler won`t release the heat necessary for the transmission to cool off. The heat continues to increase in the transmission, causing parts to expand and pressures to build.
The transmission fluid does go through the radiator and yes if you`re positive the shop that did the radiator replacement didn`t top off the transmission fluid you need to get it done. You lose enough to make a difference and to make it worthwhile as far as I`m concerned.
Transmission fluid leaking from the bell housing can have a few potential causes. One possibility is a damaged gasket or seal, which can lead to fluid leakage. Another potential cause could be a crack or hole in the bell housing itself, allowing fluid to escape.
To be sure, you`ll need to pinpoint where it`s coming from using your eyes and your nose. Amber, dark brown or even black fluid is probably motor oil, but it could also be brake fluid. Reddish fluid is usually from the transmission, though it could also be power-steering fluid.
Red or brown: Transmission fluid
Sometimes transmission fluid looks similar to engine oil. However, manufacturers add a red dye to transmission fluid so you can identify it, says Eric the Car Guy. As it ages, though, it can turn a darker red or brown.
When driving your car through a flash flood, water can easily flow over the transmission and into the vent. Once water gets in, it dissolves the transmission`s linings and the lubricant begins to fail, resulting in total failure of the transmission.
Many people think that using stop leak products can save money by stopping a transmission fluid leak. Unfortunately after affects of using leakage stopping products come at a significant cost. Stop leak products can cause irreparable damage to your vehicle.
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission fluid coming up into water overflow
Transmission fluid coming up into water overflow
ANSWER : Hello. The transmission cooler tank may be leaking, causing water to get into the overflow. It is possible that the radiator you just replaced as a leak may need to be replaced again. If the transmission fluid is low, this could prevent the transmission from shifting gears. If this is the case, you may need a new transmission. Have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, come and properly inspect your transmission fluid leaks and make any needed repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission fluid coming up into water overflow
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission fluid coming up into water overflow
Transmission fluid comes up out of the transmission vent tube attached to the transmission dipstick tube
ANSWER : Hi there. Fluid seepage out of the vent tube can sometimes be normal, but can also be caused by overfilling. Has a service been performed recently? Perform a fluid level and condition inspection by having the engine at idle, on a level surface, warmed up engine, and remove the dipstick and cleaning it with a shop towel. Reinsert the dipstick and fully remove to a horizontal position for inspection. Make sure the fluid is not milky, very dark, or has contamination. The level should be in the safe zone marked on the stick.
Have an inspection by a qualified technician determine if any problems truly do exist and provide you with some assurance. YourMechanic has several technicians available that can assist you with a transmission leak inspection and can perform a transmission fluid service if needed.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission fluid coming up into water overflow
Can I use alternative Transmission fluid to the quotes recommended fluid if i’m bringing my own parts?
ANSWER : I would recommend buying the correct fluid. The reason is because I want to make sure your car is taken care of and is running as long as possible. You wouldn’t want to put something foreign in your car that it may not accept unless you’re willing to accept risks. Different fluids have different chemicals in it. It may cost more right now, but you won’t have to spend money buying a new transmission or having one rebuilt.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission fluid coming up into water overflow
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission fluid coming up into water overflow
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission fluid coming up into water overflow
Can too much transmission fluid cause speedometer malfunctions?
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases when you overfill the transmission fluid it can cause excessive foaming of the fluid or possible internal component failure due to excessive pressure inside the hydraulic lines. Sensors like the speed sensors however are rarely impacted by this situation. However, in regards to the possibility of probability of this; I would say perhaps a 10% chance.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission fluid coming up into water overflow
