Fluid Leak Diagnosis

1. Check for source of leakage.

Notes: Since fluid leakage at or around the torque converter area may originate from an engine oil leak, the area should be examined closely.

Factory fill fluid is dyed red and, therefore, can be distinguished from engine oil.

2. Prior to removing the transaxle, perform the following checks:

- When leakage is determined to originate from the transaxle, check fluid level prior to removal of the transaxle and torque converter.

- High oil level can result in oil leakage out the vent in the manual shaft. If the fluid level is high, adjust to proper level.

- After performing this operation, inspect for leakage. If a leak persists, perform the following operation on the vehicle to determine if it is the torque converter or transaxle that is leaking.

Leakage Test Probe

1. Remove torque converter housing dust shield.

2. Clean the inside of torque converter housing (lower area) as dry as possible. A solvent spray followed by compressed air drying is preferable.

3. Fabricate and fasten test probe (Fig. 4) securely to convenient dust shield bolt hole. Make certain torque converter is cleared by test probe. Tool must be clean and dry.

4. Run engine at approximately 2,500 rpm with transaxle in neutral, for about 2 minutes. Transaxle must be at operating temperature.

5. Stop engine and carefully remove tool.

6. If upper surface of test probe is dry, there is no torque converter leak A path of fluid across probe indicates a torque converter leak. Oil leaking under the probe is coming from the transaxle torque converter area.

7. Remove transaxle and torque converter assembly from vehicle for further investigation. The fluid should be drained from the transaxle. Install oil pan (with MOPAR Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent) at specified torque.

Possible Sources Of Transaxle Torque Converter Area Fluid Leakage Are:

Torque converter hub seal.

1. Seal lip cut, check torque converter hub finish.

- Bushing moved and/or worn.

- Oil return hole in pump housing plugged or omitted.

- Seal worn out (high-mileage vehicles).

2. Fluid leakage at the outside diameter from pump housing O-ring.

3. Fluid leakage at the front pump to case bolts. Check condition of washers on bolts and use new bolts, if necessary.

4. Fluid leakage due to case or front pump housing porosity.


Possible Sources Of Torque Converter Leakage Are:

Torque converter weld leaks at the out side (peripheral) weld.

Torque converter hub weld.

- Hub weld is inside and not visible. Do not attempt to repair. Replace torque converter.