Trans fluid leak

[RJS91RGTP]

Hello to everyone from Batavia Illinois. Over the last few days, I have noticed a few drops of red fluid under my car after it has sat overnight. I suspect the fluid is trans fluid, red in color and I was wondering if anyone might be able to point me to the source of the leak? Could it be a gasket on the tranny fluid pan under the car? The car is a 96 Coupe with about 60,000 miles on it. Any help or insight would be appreciated. Thanks

RJ

Chicago Western Suburbs.

 

[tnovot]

You have not provided enough information for anyone to make an accurate assessment.
Is the leak coming from the rear of the trans? Then maybe a rear seal.
From the middle/center? maybe a pan gasket.
Could be other things too, like one of the trans fluid line connections or ---
Slide a piece of cardboard or old carpet under the car and let it sit overnight. Then you can get a better idea of the location of the leak in relation to the trans. Even with this info, a long distance diagnosis would be a guess at best.
Better idea yet, put it up on a set of ramps or take it to a trusted shop so they can put it on a rack. Then you can eyeball the leak - use a light to get a good look.
If the trans fluid and filter have not been changed in the 60K miles, it's time to do it. That will restore a good pan seal.

 

[Vettefan87]

Depending on how many miles are on the car, I would suggest a full system flush, which what they do is they hook up a machine and power flush it through 1,2,D, and OD. In this flush they get all the fluid out of the converter, instead of just whats in the pan. When I got mine done it was around 150. It is not to bad considering the system holds like 12 or 13 quarts. Other then that I am not sure without more details. My brother had a bad yoke that was causing a leak but that would drip on the exhaust and burn off and you could smell it at stop lights and what not. Keep us informed.



Justin

 

[RJS91RGTP]

Trans Fluid Leak

Thanks to all for the input on the leak. The location is up front and about the middle of the engine etc while parked in the garage. I am going to try to get underneath today and see if I can spot anything. I think it is a good idea to now get the fluid changed and filter etc replaced. More later. Thanks for the hlep.


RJ

 

[RedRagTop]

Check your dipstick grommet. Easy, cheap fix and what my problem was. Located front right side at top...

 

[RJS91RGTP]

Hey, RJSROCKET, thanks for the help but I am not sure I understand what and where the dip stick grommet is that you are referring to? Can you give me a little more direction? Is it up top where I can get to it with the hood open or is it under the car?

Thanks

RJ

 

[RedRagTop]

I got at mine while on a lift. It is the gasket/guide that goes at the bottom end of your filler tube where it goes into the top front of the tranny. We changed mine from the bottom, pop out/in...

 

[ljbest]

Hi RJ,

I have a '96 Red Coupe with the same symptoms that come and go. Mine was more prevalent when I discovered that the trans had been over-filled during a dealer fluid and filter change. When I got it back down, it pretty much stopped. If the car sits for a week, I'll get a spot or two - which I think may be due to drainback. I'm inclined to go after the dipstick grommet too - since it seems like all cars of this vintage and mileage seem to develp this problem. Removing the dipstick looks to be a chore unless you have hands like Gumby. I'm in Hampshire, IL, not far from Batavia.
-Larry

 

[tnovot]

Thanks to all for the input on the leak. The location is up front and about the middle of the engine etc while parked in the garage. I am going to try to get underneath today and see if I can spot anything. I think it is a good idea to now get the fluid changed and filter etc replaced. More later. Thanks for the hlep.RJ

Up front? Do you mean near the front of the car or the front of the trans?
The newer Dexcool antifreeze is red (as compared to the older ethelyne glyocol which is green) and has a slippery feel to it. If the leak is under the front of the car or front of the engine, that could be antifreeze caused by a bad seal in the water pump or a leaking fitting or hose.

 

[Magnus]

Dipstick tube bolt

Check your dipstick grommet. Easy, cheap fix and what my problem was. Located front right side at top...

I was trying to change the dipstick grommet. But couldn't reach the bolt that holds the dipstick tube. Did you have to remove the cross under the car to reach it?

Best regards
Magnus

 

[Bonnell]

I've got the same problem but it is leaking from the shift arm (or whatever you call the shift linkage going into the transmission).

 

[RedRagTop]

I was trying to change the dipstick grommet. But couldn't reach the bolt that holds the dipstick tube. Did you have to remove the cross under the car to reach it?

Best regards
Magnus

No. My buddy has all manner of flex tools and such though...