Help diagnosing ATF leak

JC123

TJ Enthusiast
Original poster
Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2018
Messages
201
Location
Arlington, Virginia
Sprang a leak today on the way back from a short trip t the store. The leak is near the front approximately in line with the radiator. The transmission cooling lines at the radiator seem to be intact but I wouldn’t rule them out. What else might be leaking transmission fluid that far forward? Appreciate any suggestions you can offer.
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Look hard at the driver side connection to the radiator. I started getting fluid in the exact same spot. Couldn't figure it out for a while and got lucky one day after stopping at home. One small drop on the connection at the line and radiator. Finally had to use Teflon tape to get it stopped. Dry as a bone now.
 
Spray the connectors with brake clean. Start vehicle and look for leak.
 
Spray the connectors with brake clean. Start vehicle and look for leak.

That was one of the problems I had. I only had a leak after driving. I assumed that either the temp needed to be up or the pressure built to cause the connection to leak. If it's not there after starting, take it for a drive and recheck.
 
I cleaned everything off this morning and let it run in the driveway while I watched. Turned out to be a crack in one of the transmission cooling lines. Replaced it and seems to have solved the problem but I’ll keep an eye on it for awhile. Thanks for the help.