Leak Check Test

Determine the cause of the leakage before repair.
1. Remove the fluid level indicator and note the color of the fluid. Original factory fill fluid is dyed red to aid in determining if leakage is from the engine or transmission. The red color should assist in pinpointing the leak.
2. Remove the torque converter housing cover. Clean off any 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, the front of the flexplate and the converter drain plug. 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. Start and run the engine until the transmission reaches its normal operating temperature. Observe the back of the cylinder block and top of the torque converter housing for evidence of fluid leakage. Raise the vehicle on a hoist and run the engine at fast idle, then at engine idle, occasionally shifting to the Overdrive and Reverse ranges to increase pressure within the transmission. 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 fluid leakage is evident and the probable source of leakage can be determined. When a converter drain plug leaks, remove drain plug and discard. Install a new drain plug and tighten plug to 26 Nm (19 ft. lbs.).