ATF Leak

[JonTX]

So i was headed out of town this past weekend, pulled over because my 3 year old decided she wanted to get sick and puke up banana in her lap......well while we were changing her on the side of the road i noticed a leak. I was red fluid (ATF) and was dripping right off the spot where the trans and engine meet? (i think).

I am taking it to the shop to get an idea of what it is ( its under an extended warranty but i assume if its a seal it will not be covered).

It also only happens when the vehicle is idling. When it's shut off no leak.

Not sure if it happens when the I am in motion or not.

Now we had been driving for about an hour and the jeep was idling a this spot for at least 10 minutes when i noticed the puddle. I went to a local auto parts and checked the fluid level and it was low, topped it off and have been checking it before and after i drive, seems to be within range.

 

[cliffish]

Thats a bad leak....please make sure you refill with atf+4 not regular atf

 

[Chris]

Are seals not covered under extended warranties? If it's leaking from the transmission, the best scenario would be a bad pan gasket which is an easy fix. The worst case scenario would be something like the transmission input or output shaft seals, which is probably what it will end up being.

It sounds like it's a slow leak, but I'd still keep an eye on the fluid level and have it fixed sooner than later. You don't want your transmission to fail on you!

Make sure to use ATF+4, not just ATF!

 

[JonTX]

Are seals not covered under extended warranties? If it's leaking from the transmission, the best scenario would be a bad pan gasket which is an easy fix. The worst case scenario would be something like the transmission input or output shaft seals, which is probably what it will end up being.

It sounds like it's a slow leak, but I'd still keep an eye on the fluid level and have it fixed sooner than later. You don't want your transmission to fail on you!

Make sure to use ATF+4, not just ATF!

I got the basic extended warranty, so we will see. I was more worried about major issues and not having to pay for those. It's a slow leak, so yes I got the right ATF +4 fluid, and I am dropping it off at the shop tonight for them to look tomorrow. I have a feeling it's the input or output shaft as well. From what i have read it's one of the cheaper items to fix? If so I will just have them do it while it's there.

 

[JonTX]

Thats a bad leak....please make sure you refill with atf+4 not regular atf

That was after sitting for at least 10-15 mins ( maybe longer).

 

[Chris]

I got the basic extended warranty, so we will see. I was more worried about major issues and not having to pay for those. It's a slow leak, so yes I got the right ATF +4 fluid, and I am dropping it off at the shop tonight for them to look tomorrow. I have a feeling it's the input or output shaft as well. From what i have read it's one of the cheaper items to fix? If so I will just have them do it while it's there.

I've never had to have one of those seals replaced, so I can't speak to cost. However, it certainly wouldn't be the most expensive thing. If they are going to remove the transmission to replace one of those seals, it makes sense to do both of them, and probably the rear main deal as well since they are in there.

 

[JonTX]

Yea we should know more tomorrow. I glanced under the jeep today after a couple of stops here and there and did not notice a drip, but it was a quick peek.

 

[Vcook]

That is a significant leak, for any fluid type, to have that much accumulation in just 10 minutes.

 

[JonTX]

That is a significant leak, for any fluid type, to have that much accumulation in just 10 minutes.

I don't disagree, that is why its going to the shop.

 

[JonTX]

So at the dealer, some good news. Guy who traded this Jeep just had the transmission rebuilt. They are getting the info from the guy. Will know something soon. Hopefully that means a quick and easy repair.