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![]() Even if it looks small now and you think you can keep up with it, the problem could quickly get much worse. You should never drive your car with a transmission fluid leak. Learn more: Car Leaking Fluid: Causes and How to Identify The Liquid Can You Continue Driving With A Transmission Fluid Leak? Remember to check the dipstick levels and add more transmission fluid if needed. If you are noticing trouble with the transmission, such as issues with gear shifts and sluggish responses, you may have a transmission leak. ![]() In addition to these tips, you should also pay attention to how the car is running. Most likely, if the red fluid is pooling near the front or middle of the vehicle, it’s transmission fluid. You can place cardboard under the car to pinpoint where the leak is coming from. Look at where the fluid is dripping from.If it has a burnt smell, it’s time to change the fluid. It’s similar to the consistency of brake fluid or oil. It’s going to be slick, almost oily to the touch. Just be careful because some other fluids can also be red, such as windshield washer fluid and antifreeze. If the fluid is old, it could also be a brownish color. You don’t even need to be a mechanic to identify the leak. There are several ways to identify transmission fluid leaks. How to Identify a Transmission Fluid Leak If the housing cracks or any of the seals fail, the fluid from the converter will start to leak out. The torque converter holds a decent amount of transmission fluid. It’s responsible for disconnecting the transmission from the engine. ![]() The automatic transmission has a torque converter installed. The lines can break and degrade over time, leading to a transmission fluid leak. However, time is the enemy to these parts too. Special lines take the hot fluid to and from the transmission cooler as needed. It’s meant to lower the transmission fluid temperatures when they get too hot. Transmissions have a cooler that operates like a radiator. While these seals are durable, they can dry out and harden after many years of use. One of the most important seals is the output shaft seal. These are just as important as the gasket, with a similar purpose. The transmission also contains several seals designed to keep the fluid in its place. If the damage is severe, the transmission can lose all of its fluid within seconds, leaving you in a vulnerable position. Either way, fluid can start to leak out of the pan. As you drive, rocks can fly up and hit the pan, leaving cracks and damage behind.Īdditionally, the transmission pan can rust over time. It can hold up to a lot of abuse, considering it is located underneath the car. The transmission plan is another component that’s normally durable. For this reason, it’s important to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic that understands how tight to secure the plug. The plug also fails if it has been over-tightened or gets stripped. Over time, this plug can also fail, allowing fluid to seep through. Then, the plug is put back in before you refill the system with fresh transmission fluid. The plug is pulled out to drain the old fluid. It’s removed when performing a transmission fluid change or flush. The transmission pan also contains a drain plug on most car models. However, the leak can get bad quickly, without warning. If the gasket is mildly worn, the fluid may leak out in tiny bits, often known as seepage. Over time, this gasket can deteriorate, especially when it’s exposed to a lot of heat. Transmission Pan GasketĪt the pan, there’s a gasket that keeps the fluid from leaking out. Only a visual inspection will determine where it’s coming from. However, it can also come from a cracked or rusty transmission pan, hardened seals, damaged cooling lines or a failing torque converter. ![]() Most often, the fluid is leaking from the transmission pan gasket or the drain plug. Conclusion Common Causes of Transmission Fluid Leaks
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