Leakage Inspection

Leakage Inspection









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

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

Leakage at the transmission pan-to-case gasket often can 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 end of the extension housing. Leakage can result from a damaged seal, missing garter spring or worn extension bushing. Install a new seal assembly, bushing or both, as necessary.


Fluid Leakage in Torque Converter Area

Transmission fluid leakage 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: Dye-Lite(R) ATF/Power Steering Fluid Leak Detection Dye 164-R3701 is used 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 can be used to determine whether an engine fluid or transmission fluid leak is present, or if the fluid in the transmission fluid cooler leaks into the engine coolant system. An ultraviolet light must be used 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. Original factory fill transmission fluid is clear and red if the transmission fluid has been exchanged.

2. Clean off 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 out the torque converter housing and the front of the flexplate. The torque converter housing may be washed out 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 the gear ranges to make sure that the dye has circulated through the transmission. Using the 110W/12 Volt DC UV Lamp, 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 leakage is evident and the probable source of leakage can be determined. Repair as required.

External Transmission Fluid Leaks








Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube Replacement

For transmission fluid cooler tube installation, refer to Transmission Cooler, A/T.