Fluid Leak Diagnosis (Non Hybrid)
General Method
1. |
Verify that the leak is
transmission fluid. |
|
Caution: Do
not clean using brake cleaner or other reactive solvents as these
solvents can damage rubber gaskets, seals and bushings.
|
2. |
Thoroughly clean the suspected
leak area using a rag. |
|
Note: Do not idle
vehicle, this will not actuate transmission systems, and do not
drive the vehicle on the freeway as this will splatter oil
inhibiting leak diagnosis.
|
3. |
Operate the vehicle for 15-20
minutes under city driving conditions until normal operating
temperatures are reached. |
4. |
Park the vehicle over clean
paper or cardboard. |
6. |
Look for fluid spots on the
paper. |
7. |
Make the necessary
repairs. |
Powder Method
|
Caution: Do
not clean using brake cleaner or other reactive solvents as these
solvents can damage rubber gaskets, seals and bushings.
|
1. |
Thoroughly clean the suspected
leak area using a rag. |
2. |
Apply an aerosol type leak
tracing powder to the suspected leak area. |
|
Note: Do not idle
vehicle, this will not actuate transmission systems, and do not
drive the vehicle on the freeway as this will splatter oil
inhibiting leak diagnosis.
|
3. |
Operate the vehicle for 15-20
minutes under city driving conditions until normal operating
temperatures are reached. |
5. |
Inspect the suspected leak
area. |
6. |
Trace the leak path through
the powder in order to find the source of the leak. |
7. |
Make 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
instructions in order to determine the amount of dye to use.
|
2. |
Operate the vehicle for 24 km
(15 mi) or until normal operating temperatures are reached.
|
3. |
Detect the leak with the black
light. |
4. |
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 |
• |
Cracking or porosity of the
component |
• |
Improper sealant used, where
applicable |
Seals
• |
Fluid level/pressure is too
high |
• |
Plugged vent or drain-back
holes |
• |
Manual shaft or output shaft
surface is scratched, nicked, or damaged |
• |
Loose or worn bearing causing
excess seal wear |
Possible Points of Fluid Leaks
Transmission Valve Body Cover
• |
Incorrectly tightened
bolts |
• |
Improperly installed or
damaged gasket/seal |
Case Leak
• |
Damaged input speed sensor
seal |
• |
Damaged manual shaft
seal |
• |
Loose or damaged oil cooler
lines/seals |
• |
Worn or damaged axle shaft oil
seal |
• |
Loose line pressure pipe plug
or fluid level pipe plug |
• |
Warped torque converter
housing |
• |
Damaged converter housing to
case seal |
Leak at the Torque Converter End
• |
Converter leak in the weld
area |
• |
Converter seal lip cut. Check
the converter hub for damage |
• |
Converter seal bushing moved
forward and damaged |
• |
Converter seal garter spring
missing from the seal |
• |
Porous casting of the torque
converter housing |
Leak at the Vent
• |
Water or coolant in the fluid;
The fluid will appear milky |
• |
Transmission case
porous |
• |
Incorrect fluid level
indicator causing an overfilled system |
Leak Inspection Points
(1) |
Fill Cap Seal |
(2) |
Control Valve Body Cover Hole Seal |
(3) |
Line Pressure Tap Plug |
(4) |
Converter Housing to Case Joint |
(5) |
Control Valve Body Cover Gasket |
(6) |
Drive Shaft Oil Seal Assembly |
(7) |
Oil Level Plug |
(8) |
A/Trans Input Speed Sensor Assembly O-Ring
Seal |
(9) |
Torque Converter Assembly |
(10) |
Front Wheel Drive Shaft Oil Seal Assembly |
(11) |
Torque Converter Fluid Seal Assembly |
(12) |
Manual Shift Shaft Seal |
(13) |
Drain Plug |
|