GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

For possible points of oil leaks, refer to Oil Leak Diagnosis .

Possible Oil Leak Locations


    Object Number: 168103  Size: LF
  1. The cause of transmission oil leaks can usually be located with the transmission in the vehicle.
  2. The transmission case components are constructed of aluminum and are separated into six pieces:
  3. • The Clutch Housing
    • The Input Shaft Bearing Retainer (8)
    • The Upper Case (6)
    • The Lower Case (6)
    • The Extension Case (two-wheel drive models) (1)
    • The Rear Case (four-wheel drive models) (5)
    •  The Gearshift Lever Case (2)
  4. If a leak exists between the upper case (6), the lower case (6) or the input shaft-bearing retainer (8), the transmission must be removed from the vehicle for repair. Refer to the Transmission/Transaxle/Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual.
  5. If a leak exists at the extension case (Two-Wheel Drive Models) (1), the rear case (Four-Wheel Drive Models) (5) or the gearshift lever case (6), the leak can be repaired without removing the transmission assembly from the vehicle.
  6. There are three methods for locating manual transmission oil leaks.

General Method

  1. Verify that the leak is transmission oil.
  2. Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area.
  3. Drive the vehicle for 24 km (15 miles) or until normal operating temperatures are reached.
  4. Park the vehicle over clean paper or cardboard.
  5. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and wait approximately 30 minutes.
  6. Inspect paper for spots in relation to its position under the transmission assembly.
  7. Make the necessary repairs.

Powder Method

  1. Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area with solvent.
  2. Apply an aerosol powder or baby powder to the suspected leak area.
  3. Drive the vehicle for 24 km (15 miles) or until normal operating temperatures are reached.
  4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  5. Inspect the suspected leak area and trace the leak path through the powder to find the source.
  6. Make the necessary repairs.

Dye and Black Light Method

Tools Required

    • J 28428-E High Intensity Black Light
    • J 28431-6 Fluorescent Oil Dye - 6 1 - oz
  1. Raise and suitably support vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Add 30 ml (1 oz) of J 28431-6 into the transmission oil level/filler plug.
  3. Lower the vehicle.
  4. Drive the vehicle for 24 km (15 miles) or until normal operating temperatures are reached.
  5. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  6. Raise and suitably support vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  7. Using J 28428-E in order to locate the source of the leak.
  8. Make the necessary repairs.