General Method

1. Verify that the leak is transmission fluid.
2. Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area.
3. Operate the vehicle for about 24 km (15 miles) or until normal operating temperatures are reached.
4. Park the vehicle over clean paper or cardboard.
5. Turn OFF the engine.
6. Check for fluid spots on the paper or cardboard.
7. Use the leak spots on the paper or cardboard to trace the source of the leak.
8. Perform the necessary repairs.

Powder Method

1. Throughly clean the suspected leak area with solvent.
2. Apply an aerosol type powder (foot powder) to the suspected leak area.
3. Operate the vehicle for about 24 km (15 miles) or until normal operating temperatures are reached.
4. Turn OFF the engine.
5. Inspect the suspected leak area and trace the leak path though the powder to find the source of the leak.
6. Perform the necessary repairs.

Dye and Black Light Method

A fluid dye and black light kit is available from various tool manufacturers.

1. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the proper amount of dye to use.
2. Add the dye to the transmission fluid using the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Operate the vehicle for about 24 km (15 miles) or until normal operating temperatures are reached.
4. Detect the source of the leak with the black light.
5. Perform the necessary repairs.

Once the leak has been pinpointed and traced back to a source, the cause of the leak must be determined in order to properly repair the leak. For example, if a gasket is replaced, but the sealing flange is bent, the new gasket will not repair the leak. The bent flange must also be repaired.

The following conditions may cause a leak. Before attempting to repair a leak, these conditions sould be checked and corrected if necessary.

Gaskets

If the source of the leak is traced back to gaskets, inspect for the following conditions and correct if necessary.

Seals

If the source of the leak is traced back to seals, inspect for the following conditions and correct if necessary.

Inspect the following common sources of fluid leaks and the possible causes:

Transmission Oil Pan

Transmission Case Leak

Leak at the Torque Converter End

Leak at the Vapor Vent Pipe

Caution: Epoxy adhesive may cause skin irritations and eye damage. Read and follow all information on the container label as provided by the manufacturer.

1. Clean the leak area with solvent and air dry.
2. Mix a sufficient amount of epoxy cement following the manufacturer's recommendations.
3. While the transmission case is hot, apply epoxy cement with a clean, dry soldering acid brush.
4. Allow the epoxy cement to cure for 3 hours before starting the engine.
5. Repeat the fluid leak diagnosis procedures in order to determine if the leak is fixed.