Transmission fluid leak, power loss, extremely high fuel usage.
The transmission started shifting really hard, the fuel indicator registered using 3 gals of fuel in the 500ft I drove. Transmission fluid was low so put some in, still using lot of fuel and sluggish power, transmission has a burnt smell, the wrench indicator light is on. Get home and open hood there is transmission fluid sprayed on top of the motor. Used 60 miles of fuel to travel 40 miles. 2008 Ford Edge 3.5 SEL front wheel drive. approx. 123000 miles on.
My car has 123312 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello – I would focus on the transmission issue first. If you have the transmission fluid back to its proper level, check for problem codes, whether the Check Engine light is lit or not. An auto parts store will read these codes for you for free. Low fluid level can easily result in poor performance and burned clutches, and can cause foaming out of the filler dipstick and onto the engine. If after refilling transmission fluid, there are no problem codes, I would recommend having a Transmission Fluid Service completed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose this problem, get an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. If there are transmission codes, and/or the "Wrench" symbol is still illuminated, I would recommend taking your vehicle to a reputable transmission repair facility for a thorough diagnostic analysis. The "high fuel consumption" indicated in the instrument cluster is likely a secondary indicator of the transmission issue. Resolve the transmission performance problem first, then check fuel mileage.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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If you have a leaking transmission, you might notice transmission performance problems because the fluid is low. These problems can include refusing to shift into gear or grinding between gears. The leaking fluid will drip more toward the center of your automobile; the transmission is not in the front.
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.
One tiny fluid leak can lead to complete transmission failure if left ignored. If there is not enough fluid running through the system, parts will lose vital lubrication and bad things will happen inside the transmission. Transmission fluid is usually red in color and is fairly easy to identify.
When the transmission fluid is dirty, it can cause a lack of hydraulic power. When the vehicle lacks hydraulic power, the gears can slip. This happens because the transmission does not get enough pressure to stay in gear.
Transmission Fluid Low or Poor Condition – Vehicles low on transmission fluid or that are operating with worn out or contaminated fluid are likely to experience hard shift conditions. Lack of adequate lubrication within the transmission can cause several problems, including hard shifting.
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. It also helps with other functions, like: Torque convertor operation.
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.
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.
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.
Grinding noises, transmission leaks, burning smells, noisy idling, and shifting delays are all common symptoms of a clogged filter.
But a blown fuse No. 38 becomes a likely candidate causing a loss of power to the transmission solenoids.
Though changing transmission fluid can`t fix mechanical problems, it does make for smoother shifts and can extend the life of your transmission. And even when manufacturers recommend fluid change intervals of 150,000 miles under normal conditions, it may be a good idea to change it more frequently.
The cause may be low engine oil or a faulty Intake CMP actuator causing a performance problem with the actuator. Both of these codes cause a computer strategy to raise line pressure causing the shifts to be harsh.
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.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Transmission fluid leak, power loss, extremely high fuel usage.
ANSWER : Hello – I would focus on the transmission issue first. If you have the transmission fluid back to its proper level, check for problem codes, whether the Check Engine light is lit or not. An auto parts store will read these codes for you for free. Low fluid level can easily result in poor performance and burned clutches, and can cause foaming out of the filler dipstick and onto the engine. If after refilling transmission fluid, there are no problem codes, I would recommend having a Transmission Fluid Service completed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose this problem, get an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. If there are transmission codes, and/or the "Wrench" symbol is still illuminated, I would recommend taking your vehicle to a reputable transmission repair facility for a thorough diagnostic analysis. The "high fuel consumption" indicated in the instrument cluster is likely a secondary indicator of the transmission issue. Resolve the transmission performance problem first, then check fuel mileage.
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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.
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Just replaced my fuel pump but its not getting any power tested fuel pump relay and fuel fuse both good tested the wires all good.
ANSWER : You need to look at the theft light on dash to make sure it comes on and goes off when you turn the key to the on position. If light comes on and stays on then your theft system is causing the fuel pump to not be engaged. I recommend you check the theft system and then scan the computer for theft system codes. You may need to reprogram the keys to work or you have an bad sensor for the ignition key in the steering column.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission fluid leak, power loss, extremely high fuel usage.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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had power steering pump replaced but power steering fluid is leaking
ANSWER : This suggests that you may have a leak somewhere else in your power steering system such as one of the hoses or the rack and pinion system. As you may know, the power steering system is a highly pressurized system that can have as much as 300+psi of pressure in the system at times, so it is not uncommon for these types of leaks to happen. If you’d like to get this fixed, I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose the leak in your power steering system and make the the necessary repairs to fix it.
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