Leakage Inspection
Leakage Inspection
The transmission has the following parts to prevent external transmission fluid leakage:
^ Gaskets
^ Lip-type seals
^ O-ring seals
^ Seal rings
^ Seal grommets
^ Seal washers
^ Thread sealant
Leakage at the transmission fluid pan 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 transmission case and the transmission fluid cooler tube fitting, tighten the fitting to maximum specification.
If transmission fluid 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
Leakage at the front of the transmission, as evidenced by 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 leak before removing the transmission from the vehicle. The paths which the 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.
Transmission Leak Check Test Procedure
Add dye to the transmission fluid. Use 30.0 ml (1 oz) of dye for every 3.8L (4 qt) of transmission fluid. Add any additional transmission fluid to bring it to 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 hose 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. 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. Observe the back of the cylinder block and top of the torque converter housing for evidence of 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 fluid leakage is evident and the probable source of leakage can be determined. Repair as required.
External Fluid Leaks:
Leak Check Test With A Black Light
Dye-Lite(R) ATF/Power Steering Fluid Leak Detection Dye 164-R3701 or equivalent (specifically formulated for ATF) is used to detect a transmission fluid leak.
1. Add dye to the transmission fluid. Use one 30.0 ml (1 oz) of dye solution for every 3.8L (4 qt) of transmission fluid.
2. 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 transmission fluid leakage. Raise the vehicle on a hoist and run the engine at fast idle, then at engine idle, occasionally shifting to the DRIVE 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), inside the torque converter housing and the entire case until transmission fluid leakage is evident and the probable source of leakage can be determined.