For 1990-2009 cars only
General Method
- Verify that the leak is transmission fluid.
- Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area.
- Operate the vehicle for 24 km (15 mi), or until normal operating temperatures are reached.
- Park the vehicle over clean paper or cardboard.
- Shut OFF the engine.
- Look for fluid spots on the paper.
- Make the necessary repairs.
Powder Method
- Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area with solvent.
- Apply an aerosol type powder, such as foot powder, to the suspected leak area.
- Operate the vehicle for 24 km (15 mi), or until normal operating temperatures are reached.
- Shut OFF the engine.
- Inspect the suspected leak area.
- Trace the leak path through the powder in order to find the source of the leak.
- Make the necessary repairs.
Dye and Black Light Method
A fluid dye and black light kit is available from various tool manufacturers.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions in order to determine the amount of dye to use.
- Detect the leak with the black light.
- Make the necessary repairs.
Find the Cause of the Leak
Pinpoint the leak and trace the leak back to the source. You must determine the cause of the leak in order to repair the leak properly. For example, if you replace a gasket, but the sealing flange is bent, the new gasket will not repair the leak. You must also repair the bent flange. Before you attempt to repair a leak, check for the following conditions, and make repairs as necessary:
Gaskets
| • | Fluid level/pressure is too high |
| • | Plugged vent or drain-back holes |
| • | Improperly tightened fasteners |
| • | Dirty or damaged threads |
| • | Warped flanges or sealing surface |
| • | Scratches, burrs, or other damage to the sealing surface |
| • | Damaged or worn gasket |
| • | Cracking or porosity of the component |
| • | Improper sealant used, where applicable |
| • | Incorrect gasket |
Seals
| • | Fluid level/pressure is too high |
| • | Plugged vent or drain-back holes |
| • | Damaged seal bore |
| • | Damaged or worn seal |
| • | Improper installation |
| • | Cracks in component |
| • | Manual or output shaft surface is scratched, nicked, or damaged |
| • | Loose or worn bearing causing excess seal wear |
Possible Points of Fluid Leaks
Torque Converter Housing (150)
| • | The torque converter housing to transmission case housing is improperly torqued. |
| • | The torque converter sealing surface is damaged. |
| • | the torque converter housing gasket (68) is missing, improperly installed or damaged. |
| • | The front wheel drive shaft oil seal (117) is missing, worn or damaged, or there is a housing sealing surface concern. |
| • | The transfer case input shaft seal is missing, worn or damaged, or there is a sealing surface concern. |
| • | The automatic transmission fluid case plug (120,144) is loose or the 8 mm sealing washer (121, 143) is missing or damaged. |
| • | The torque converter seal (116) is damaged, missing, or there is a sealing surface concern. |
| • | The torque converter housing porosity |
Transmission Case Housing (31)
| • | Manual shift shaft seal (41) is damaged, missing, or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | Clutch pressure control solenoid cover (84) is improperly torqued, or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | Clutch pressure control solenoid cover gasket (82) is missing, improperly installed or damaged |
| • | Fluid level indicator tube, O-ring seal (38) is missing, worn, damaged, or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | 3rd clutch fluid pressure sensor (25) is loose or the 10 mm sealing washer (4) is missing, or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | 4th clutch fluid pressure sensor is loose or the 10 mm sealing washer (4) is missing, or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | Input speed sensor O-ring seal (27) is missing, worn, damaged, or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | Output speed sensor O-ring seal (27) is missing, worn, damaged, or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | Automatic transmission fluid temperature sensor O-ring seal (23) is missing, loose, or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | Fluid fill plug (79) is loose, missing, or the 24 mm sealing washer (80) is missing, damaged, or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | Automatic transmission wiring harness O-ring seal (3) is missing or damaged, or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | TCC lock-up pressure control solenoid (7) is improperly torqued or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | TCC lock-up pressure control solenoid gasket (12) is missing or damaged, or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | Automatic transmission clutch pressure control solenoid valve assembly (18) is improperly torqued or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | Automatic transmission clutch pressure control solenoid gasket (20) is missing, improperly installed or damaged |
| • | Mainshaft rear case cover (98) is improperly torqued, improperly installed, or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | Mainshaft rear case cover O-ring seal (99) is missing or damaged |
| • | Transaxle oil cooler pipe fitting(s) (50) are loose or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | Transaxle oil cooler sealing washer (18) and (19) are missing, damaged, or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | Transmission fluid drain plug (104) is loose or there is a sealing surface concern |
| • | Transmission fluid drain plug 18 mm sealing washer (105) is missing, damaged, or there is a sealing surface concern |
Possible Fluid Leak Points
