Transmission/TransaxleFluid Leak Diagnosis
Fluid Leak Diagnosis
General Method
| 1. |
Verify that the leak is
transmission fluid. |
| 2. |
Thoroughly clean the suspected
leak area. |
| 3. |
Operate the vehicle for 24 km
(15 mi), or 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
| 1. |
Thoroughly clean the suspected
leak area with solvent. |
| 2. |
Apply an aerosol type leak
tracing powder to the suspected leak area. |
| 3. |
Operate the vehicle for 24 km
(15 mi), or 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
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. |
| • |
Damaged or worn gasket.
|
| • |
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. |
Transmission Case Leak
| • |
Loose or damaged oil cooler
lines/seals. |
| • |
Worn or damaged axle shaft oil
seal. |
| • |
Loose line pressure pipe plug
or fluid level pipe plug. |
Leak at the Transmission Vent
| • |
Water or coolant in the fluid.
The fluid will appear milky. Check vent hose mounting. |
|
|
19 Transmission
