ATF Leaking

Howdy everyone,

I added transmission fluid fluid on Friday and Saturday, it was a around the cool mark when it was cool on Saturday. Today, there was almost no fluid on the dipstick after driving for about 20 minutes. How do I go about finding where the leak is? And are there common places for leaks?

 

Did you shut down and wait a moment? Most manuals give a specific amount of time to wait before checking usually like 1.5 - 2 minutes. Supposedly supposed to check within the time they say also means not randomly checking it an hour later.

 

I couldn't find a time in the manual. Its been about an hour and a half and it is reading in the cool range now.

However, I've been having issues with gear shifting. When I start the car the temperature gauge reads below C, and it takes longer than normal to shift from P to R, R to D, and shift gears while driving. After a few minutes, the temperature gauge reads about halfway between C and H and there aren't anymore gear shifting issues. Also, if I turn the car off for a few minutes (like running into the store) it will not have issues when I start it up.

 

Hmmm sorry not sure don't know how old it is or mileage but perhaps you are developing a dreaded transmission issue.

 

Its a 99 with 270,000 miles

 

Take the skid plates off and look under the car for leaks.

The o-rings around the transmission lines can go bad. One of mine needed replacing. It may or may not be the issue.

As to shifting...it can be because of the fluid level starting out too low or something else that is wrong.

I would check for leaks, replace the internal filter and do a fluid change (~16qts). My opinion is that changing the fluid on an old transmission is not going to do any more harm than if you don't. If it's on it's way over the edge, it's on its way. New fluid will provide more lubrication. Old fluid isn't going to stave off the inevitable. Transmission shop probably won't want to flush it as at that age, it's just only got so many miles left and they won't want to be blamed for it.

As an aside...my transmission sometimes won't do reverse first thing in the morning until I do P->R->D->R. It's been doing this for well over 100k miles lol. Car has 260k miles on her and never had the fluid changed. I recently dropped the transmission pan, and no metal shavings anywhere. I figured by now, she was a goner but I replaced the filter, put fresh fluid back in via the "drain and fill dance" till it was red again. Still shifts fine except for the morning ritual.

 

I think I have found the leak. I also found this thread: that had the same issue. I'm going to try replacing that o-ring.

 

If its low, fill it up. O-ring isn't usually going to be a fast leak.... if you can't even see a puddle on the ground, it's not critical.
Check your coolant, make sure tranny fluid isn't mixing with it, if it is, replace the radiator and flush both systems.

The o-ring thing is good for me to know though since I've been puzzled by wetness around that area on mine