Leakage Inspection

Leakage Inspection









The transmission has the following parts to prevent external fluid leaks:

- Gaskets
- Lip-type seals
- O-ring seals
- Seal rings
- Seal grommets
- Seal washers
- Thread sealant

Leaks at the transmission fluid pan-to-case gasket can often be stopped by tightening the bolts to specification. Refer to Torque Specifications.

When transmission fluid is found to be leaking between the case and the cooler tube fitting, tighten the fitting to maximum specification.

If leakage is found at the manual control lever shaft, install a new seal.

Check for transmission fluid leaking from the output shaft seal. Leakage can result from a damaged seal, missing garter spring or worn bushing. Install a new seal assembly, bushing or both if necessary.


Fluid Leakage in Torque Converter Area

Transmission fluid leaks at the front of the transmission, as evidenced by transmission fluid around the torque converter housing part of the case, may have several sources. By careful observation it is possible, in many instances, to pinpoint the source of the transmission fluid leak before removing the transmission from the vehicle. The paths which the transmission fluid takes to reach the bottom of the torque converter housing are shown in the illustration. The 6 numbers in the illustration correspond with the 6 flow path steps.











Leak Check Test with A Black Light

NOTE: Use Dye-Lite(R) ATF/Power Steering Fluid Leak Detection Dye to detect a transmission fluid leak.

Add dye to the transmission fluid. Use one 30 ml (1 oz) of dye solution for every 3.8L (4 qt) of transmission fluid. Add additional transmission fluid until it is at the correct level. Such dyes are used to determine whether an engine fluid or transmission fluid leak is present. Use an ultraviolet light to detect the fluorescent dye solution.

1. Remove the transmission fluid level fill plug and note the color of the transmission fluid that drips out.

2. Clean any transmission fluid from the top and bottom of the torque converter housing, front of the case and rear face of the engine and oil pan. Clean the torque converter area by washing with a suitable non-flammable solvent and blow-dry with compressed air.

3. Wash the torque converter housing and the front of the flexplate using clean solvent and a squirt-type oil can. Blow-dry all washed areas with compressed air.

4. Using the scan tool, start and run the engine until the transmission reaches its normal operating temperature. Shift the transmission through all gear ranges to make sure the dye has circulated through the transmission. Using a suitable tool, observe the back of the cylinder block and top of the torque converter housing for evidence of transmission fluid leakage. Observe the front of the flexplate, back of the cylinder block (in as far as possible) and inside the torque converter housing and front of the case. Run the engine until transmission fluid leaks are evident and the probable source of leak can be determined. Repair as required.

External Transmission Fluid Leaks







Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube Replacement

For transmission fluid cooler tube installation, refer to Transaxle/Transmission Cooling Transmission Fluid Cooler Tubes.