Whenever there’s a puddle of dark or bright reddish fluid under a vehicle after it’s been idle in a driveway or garage, it’s probably transmission fluid. Transmission fluid leaks are easy to spot because of their color and consistency. The fluid is thicker than brake fluid but not as thick as engine oil. Once someone determines that it’s transmission fluid, they must find out why the leak happened in the first place. Here are eight common reasons transmission fluid leaks when a car is parked.
Worn Transmission Pan Gasket
Most transmissions have a pan and a gasket that helps keep the transmission fluid in. Over time, the seal between the pan and the transmission can wear down and deteriorate. As it becomes brittle and weaker, the fluid can leak out. The bolts and screws that hold the transmission pan and gasket in place can also become loose, causing a leak.
The best way for drivers to prevent this is to have a professional regularly inspect the pan and gasket. A mechanic can look for rust that may cause holes in the pan and replace it before it happens.
Damaged Torque Converter Seal
The torque converter plays a vital role in a vehicle’s operation. Its role is to transfer the transmission fluid, which allows the turbine to function smoothly. The transmission fluid can leak if the torque converter or the seals crack or sustain any damage.
The seals are one of the most critical components because they’re right where the torque converter connects to the transmission and where the transmission connects to the wheels. Changing temperatures can cause the seals to warp and degrade, resulting in leaks. The most common problem with seals is leaking at the input and output shaft seals.
The torque converter itself can also sustain damage. It’s not uncommon for the coupling to crack or become damaged. Depending on the damage, it may allow transmission fluid to leak. If too much fluid leaks out, a driver could end up stranded.
Damaged Fluid Lines
Damaged fluid lines are another common reason transmission fluid leaks when a car is parked. The lines carry the transmission fluid to the cooler, and even though they can withstand everyday use, they can crack or break over time. If this happens, it can be an expensive repair.
The best way for car owners to avoid this is to monitor the transmission lines and address any visible wear before they become significant problems.
Bent Transmission Pan
The transmission pan doesn’t have to wear out to cause a leak; there are also cases where it becomes bent, allowing the transmission fluid to escape. This sometimes happens when someone replaces the transmission fluid and uses too much force when removing the sealant. Due to the extra force, the bendable steel of the transmission pan gets deformed, causing it to lose its sealing ability and leak.
Leaking Transmission Drain Plug
A leaking transmission drain plug is another issue that can result when someone uses too much force during a transmission fluid change. They must tighten the drain plug according to factory specifications because the transmission fluid can leak if it’s too loose or tight.
The drain plug uses an O-ring to seal the plug. A new O-ring is always a good idea when replacing transmission fluid. Since the O-ring can deteriorate at about the same rate as the transmission fluid, a new one will ensure the seal is tight and leakproof. When customers bring their vehicles to our service center for transmission repair or vehicle maintenance, they can count on a team that’ll tighten the drain plug correctly and always use a new O-ring when replacing the fluid.
Dirt Buildup in Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid is just as important to the transmission as the engine oil is to the engine. And, just like engine oil, it can become dirty over time. Dirt and debris can build up, causing the transmission lines to clog. This buildup can also put extra pressure on the transmission lines, causing them to crack or burst.
The best way for drivers to reduce the risk of transmission leaks due to dirt buildup is to bring their vehicles to the car service center at our Gerry Lane Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) dealership to have the transmission fluid flushed and changed regularly. We will always make sure to use a high-quality fluid that is compatible with a vehicle’s make and model.
Overheated Transmission
If a car’s transmission only leaks fluid when it’s parked, it could be a sign that the transmission is overheating, which can happen when too much stress is put on the system from constant acceleration or continually driving at high speeds, particularly in hot weather. The seals that keep the transmission fluid in place can become hard or loosen due to the heat, resulting in a leak.
Anyone can prevent this and avoid expensive transmission repair by ensuring they don’t overwork their vehicle; this includes taking breaks while driving when it’s hot out and practicing smooth and even acceleration.
A Faulty Transmission Cooler
The transmission cooler works to regulate the temperature in the transmission lines. This regulation prevents the liquid that flows through the lines from damaging the transmission. If the transmission cooler isn’t working correctly, it may not absorb the heat from the engine, allowing it to flow through the lines. This excess heat can damage the lines, leading to leaks.
Do You Need a Transmission Check?
If you notice transmission fluid on your driveway or under your vehicle in the garage, it’s time to come to our Gerry Lane CDJR dealership and have our certified technicians diagnose the problem and fix it. You can call us to schedule an appointment or use our online scheduling form to find a convenient time, and we’ll get you back on the road.