
How Can I Fix a Transmission Fluid Leak?
- Confirm It Is a Transmission Fluid Leak. ...
- Determine the Fluid Leak Source. ...
- Check if You Can Fix It On Your Own. ...
- Collect The Required Tools. ...
- Drain The Transmission Fluid. ...
- Fix the Problem. ...
- Replace Cracked Transmission Lines. ...
- Change Failed Gasket. ...
- Replace Transmission Pan. ...
- Install New Seals. ...
How do you fix a leaking transmission?
Transmission Fluid Leak Fix: 2009-2010 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L V8 Crew Cab Pickup (4 Door)
- Getting Started - Prepare for the repair
- Set Up Paper - Position paper and mark wheels
- Assess Leak - How to see if transmission fluid is leaking
- Open the Hood - How to pop the hood and prop it open
- Remove Dipstick - Access point for transmission fluid Car Displayed: 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7L V8 Extended Crew Cab Pickup
What to do if your transmission fluid is leaking?
How to Identify Car Fluid Leaks
- Engine Oil Leak. The first thing you should understand about engine oil leaks is that they don’t typically make a puddle under your vehicle.
- Transmission Fluid Leak. Diagnosing a leaky transmission is fairly simple. ...
- Engine Coolant Leak. ...
- Power Steering Fluid Leak. ...
- Brake Fluid Leak. ...
- Fuel Leak. ...
- Water. ...
How much does it cost to repair a transmission leak?
Transmission Fluid Leak Repair Cost. The average transmission fluid leak cost is between $100 and $300, depending on the car model and labor costs. You can expect $50 to $150 in parts and the rest in labor costs. Here are some examples of repairs that could fix a fluid leak cost. The prices include parts, new fluids, and labor work.
How do you stop a transmission leak?
Where are common places transmission leaks occur?
- Transmission Pan Gasket. The gasket on the transmission pan is susceptible to damage and cracking, especially when exposed to extreme heat.
- Cooler Lines. The cooler lines can allow wear down and break over time due to heat exposure and debris.
- Seals.

How much does it cost to fix transmission fluid leak?
How Much do Transmission Leaks Cost to Repair? The cost to fix a transmission fluid leak in a vehicle can be as little as $150 to replace a seal and around $1,000 to for a new torque converter.
Can transmission fluid leak be fixed?
In case the problem is a transmission leak, a simple reseal service, and transmission fluid flush is all you need to fix the problem. However, if your transmission is severely damaged, you'll probably need a replacement transmission for your car.
How do you stop a transmission fluid leak?
0:001:06CRC Trans-X Transmission Stop Leak & Tune-Up How To Use ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith crc transex transmission stop leak and tune up you can quickly fix an automatic transmissionMoreWith crc transex transmission stop leak and tune up you can quickly fix an automatic transmission that leaks or slips. It's guaranteed an automatic transmission fluid leak may show up as pink.
How serious is a transmission leak?
While it is not especially dangerous to continue driving with a leaking transmission fluid, it can cause catastrophic damage to your engine. As soon as you notice your car is leaking transmission fluid, you should seek to contact a certified mechanic to have your transmission fluid serviced.
What are the 5 common causes of transmission fluid leaks?
Five Causes of Transmission Fluid LeaksTransmission Pan. Road debris can damage your transmission pan. ... Broken Seals. Your vehicle's transmission has a series of seals that maintain the hydraulic pressure the transmission needs to function. ... Pan Gasket. ... Torque Converter. ... Fluid Line.
What could cause transmission fluid to leak?
Causes of Transmission Fluid Leaks Over time, road debris and heat can cause the transmission fluid lines to crack or break, which can cause fluid to leak out. Another reason for lost fluid is your vehicle's torque pump has become cracked or an axle seal has been compromised.
What is the best transmission leak sealer?
5 Best Additives to Stop a Transmission LeakLucas Transmission Fix.BlueDevil Transmission Sealer.No Leak Transmission Stop Leak.ATP AT-205 RE-SEAL.Bar's Leaks Transmission Stop Leak.
How long does it take to fix a transmission leak?
Transmission repair can take a full day but it will take at least 3 to 4 days to rebuild a transmission.
Why is my transmission leaking when parked?
Transmission fluid leaks when parked are often a sign of overheating. Your transmission includes several seals to prevent leaking and many of these will fail if the car is running for too long at high speeds or with heavy acceleration, especially in hot weather.
What are the signs of a transmission leak?
How to Tell If Your Transmission Is Leaking FluidCheck the Dipstick. ... Dashboard Warning Light. ... Fluid Leaks. ... Grinding Gears. ... Clunking Sounds. ... Strange Vibration. ... Burning Smell. ... Delay In Acceleration.More items...
Does Jiffy Lube fix transmission leaks?
Jiffy Lube will perform a Transmission Fluid Exchange. A trained technician will remove the dirty, used fluid and replace it with new transmission fluid that meets or exceeds your manufacturer's specifications.
How long does it take to fix a transmission fluid leak?
It can take between 3 to 4 hours to flush out the old transmission fluid by vacuuming or using a simple siphoning system. Siphoning or vacuuming is repeated to remove all sticky dirt from the synchronizing gear and until the inside of the transmission is clean.
What are the signs of a transmission leak?
How to Tell If Your Transmission Is Leaking FluidCheck the Dipstick. ... Dashboard Warning Light. ... Fluid Leaks. ... Grinding Gears. ... Clunking Sounds. ... Strange Vibration. ... Burning Smell. ... Delay In Acceleration.More items...
Why does my transmission fluid leak?
The most common reason for transmission fluid leaks is a bad transmission pan gasket or a rusty transmission pan. If you or your mechanic didn’t tighten the drain plug properly the last time, it may also be the cause. It can also come from a leaky seal on the transmission.
How much does it cost to fix a transmission leak?
The average transmission fluid leak cost is between $100 and $300, depending on the car model and labor costs. You can expect $50 to $150 in parts and the rest in labor costs.
Why does my automatic transmission leak?
A leaking fuel pan gasket is the most common cause of a leaking automatic transmission. The gasket should be replaced every time the transmission pan is removed on most car models, but many people install the old one again. This can lead to leaks very soon.
What does it mean when your transmission pan is cracked?
A cracked transmission pan do usually happens if your transmission has an aluminum transmission pan. This can happen if you, for example, hit a hard object under your car on the transmission pan while driving. Rust is a problem if you have a steel transmission pan.
What happens if your car leaks fluid?
The more you drive a car that is leaking fluid, the more the fluid gets drained. At some point, you will not have any left, and your transmission will get damaged. If the leak is small, it can buy you time to dash to the nearest service station for repairs.
What happens if you take a big screwdriver off a transmission pan?
The steel transmission pans are pretty weak, and if someone took a big screwdriver to remove it, there is a risk that they bent it. Check for any damages around the edges of the transmission pan. If it is bent, you maybe have to replace the transmission pan completely.
Does a transmission have a drain plug?
Leaking Transmission Pan Drain Plug. Not all automatic transmission has a drain plug, but some do , and if you have one on your transmission, it is likely leaking. You usually find an O-ring sealing on the drain plug, which should be replaced after each fluid replacement.
Where does transmission fluid leak?
The most common transmission fluid leak location is from the transmission cooler lines. Every automatic transmission pumps the fluid either through a cooler in the vehicle’s radiator, an auxiliary cooler, or both to help warm the fluid when you first start driving and to help cool the fluid once it has reached normal operating temperatures.
Why does my transmission fail?
With a manual transmission, there are really only two things that can cause a transmission to fail prematurely other than normal wear and tear: poor driving habits and an improper level/type of transmission fluid. If you have issues with your automatic transmission, check out our blog on how to identify and fix a hard shifting automatic transmission.
What is the least common leak point in a transmission?
Input Shaft Seal. This is the least common leak point in any transmission because it is hidden behind inside the bellhousing where it is safe from dirt, dust and other things that destroy seals. If your input shaft seal is leaking, then you will see transmission fluid dripping from the front of your bellhousing.
How much oil does a transition engine hold?
Most engines can hold four to six quarts of oil. Transitions, meanwhile, only hold one-and-a-half to three quarts of fluid. So, even a small leak can make a difference extremely quickly quickly. Not to mention, a leak can cost you between 100 and 200 dollars if you take your car to a shop (If you have to replace your transmission you’re looking ...
Can dipstick o rings leak?
Dipstick tube o-rings often leak intermittently and more when your vehicle is parked on a hill or slope. Replacing this o-ring is often a very easy do-it-yourself job so you may consider tackling it if you find this as your leak location.
Can you replace a transmission shaft seal?
Replacing these seals does not require removing the transmission so check with your mechanic to see if that makes sense for you. If not, BlueDevil Transmission Sealer can seal this leak as well!
How to fix a transmission leak?
To properly fix a transmission leak, you need to drain the transmission fluid. Jack up the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Locate the transmission oil pan and drain the fluid. Make sure you place the oil drip pan or an empty container at the bottom to catch the transmission fluid flushing out of the engine.
What causes transmission fluid to leak?
A transmission leak is a problem wherein the transmission fluid is leaking. Generally, the leak is caused by a crack in the seal of the transmission, which in turn causes a leak. Although it may seem minor, transmission leakage can lead several transmission problems causing the vehicle to malfunction. Here’s how to fix a transmission leak
How to fix a leaky transmission oil pan?
Remove the oil pan bolts using a wrench. Once you have removed the transmission oil pan, check the gasket on the drain plug. Replace the old gasket with a new one. A worn out drain plug or gasket can cause the transmission fluid to leak. Use the gasket sealant to ensure that the gasket is secured tightly and that there are no cracks.
How to tell if transmission fluid is leaking?
Before you can determine where the leak is at, you first need to determine if you do have a transmission fluid leak. To do this, drive your car to an area with a level surface. After you have turned off the engine, the transmission fluid will start to leak out if you do have any leaks. The leak will often come out in two places: the front or the back of the transmission.
What is a minor leak?
Assess whether the leak is minor or major. Minor leaks are often described as a few drops of the fluid coming out, while major leaks show a pool or puddle of fluid coming out.
Can a bolt leak?
You also need to check the threads on the bolts. These can cause leakage and, to fix this problem, just replace the bolts with new ones.
What causes transmission fluid to leak?
The most common cause of transmission fluid leak is a punctured fluid line, damaged pan gasket, or worn-out or warped seals. There are cases where the cause of the problem is hard to pinpoint. So, you may need a professional mechanic to fix it.
How to tell if transmission fluid is leaking?
How can you know if it is really transmission fluid leaking in your car? You can determine if it is really a transmission fluid leak to use old newspapers and a large sheet of aluminum foil. Put the newspapers on top of the aluminum foil and then place them under your car overnight.
Why do transmission cases have seals?
The transmission case uses several seals to prevent fluid leaks and to maintain the hydraulic pressure inside. Over time, these seals will gradually deteriorate. They will grow brittle and develop cracks.
What happens if a transmission pan gets punctured?
This pan can get punctured by the stones, rocks, and other debris that hit it while you are driving your car. If this pan gets punctured, then the transmission fluid will surely leak out.
What happens if you don't have transmission fluid?
If you don’t, the transmission fluid in the transmission case may leak out, leaving the transmission gears without any lubrication. That will cause greater damage to your transmission. Generally, the transmission fluid leak will be coming from the transmission pan.
Why is my car pink?
If the leak is a pink or red color, it is likely a transmission fluid leak . If it is, then the most probable causes are a damaged pan or its gasket or the fluid lines, ...
What does a transmission leak look like?
One of the most common issues with cars is leaking transmission fluid when parked. Often the leak looks like a reddish puddle beneath your parked car. So, what causes a transmission fluid leak when parked and how to fix this?
Why does my transmission leak?
If they do not have a perfect dry seal, transmission fluid can leak from this area. This can happen due to normal wear and tear. In addition, if the gasket isn’t properly aligned when the transmission pan was installed, it can roll off of the surface it is supposed to seal, and this can create a leak. DIY repairs can often lead to this problem.
How much does it cost to fix a transmission leak?
The cost to fix a transmission fluid leak in a vehicle can be as little as $150 to replace a seal and around $1,000 to for a new torque converter. Ignoring these leaks and allowing permanent damage to the transmission can lead to several thousands of dollars of repair costs as you must pay for a transmission rebuild or replacement. These leaks need to be investigated to prevent severe damage to the transmission. Only a transmission specialist is qualified to handle these inspections and repairs.
What happens if the output shaft seal starts to leak?
If the output shaft seal starts to leak, it can release transmission fluid, but it can also allow debris into the output shaft. These leaks can develop as the seal ages or because of something hitting the seal and dislodging it. If you suspect you have an output shaft seal leak you need to have it repaired immediately.
What to do if you suspect a shaft seal leak?
If you suspect you have an output shaft seal leak you need to have it repaired immediately. There is too much risk of transmission failure if you let this one slide. The torque converter is not a cheap repair, but it is far more affordable than having the full transmission replaced or rebuilt.
Why do transmission cooling lines need to be replaced?
Leaking transmission cooling lines have to be replaced. Again, this isn’t a costly repair, because the leak is not coming from within the transmission. Having them replaced quickly is vital, though, because waiting could mean irreparable damage to the transmission and possibly the engine .
What is transmission cooling line?
Transmission Cooling Lines Leaks. Transmission cooling lines are responsible for moving the transmission fluid into and from the transmission. This back and forth flow allows the fluid to release the heat it gained before pumping it back into the transmission. Over time, the cooling lines can wear out and develop leaks.
What is an output shaft seal?
Your car’s output shaft seal is a barrier that protects the output shaft. The output shaft is responsible for moving power from the engine to the drive wheels making it one of the most vital components of the vehicle. If the output shaft seal starts to leak, it can release transmission fluid, but it can also allow debris into the output shaft. These leaks can develop as the seal ages or because of something hitting the seal and dislodging it.
What to do if your car has a leak in transmission fluid?
How should you handle it? Drive on over to one of the 2,000 Jiffy Lube locations across the U.S. and Canada and tell a trained technician about the problem . Your transmission fluid (both level and condition) will be checked. The CV (Constant Velocity) axles, U-joints, and drive shafts will be visually inspected for corrosion, misalignment, wear or other malfunctions. The pan gasket, seals and filter will be checked too.
What causes transmission leaks?
Over time, seals and gaskets absorb a great deal of wear, and that can lead to a transmission leak. While a certain amount of damage happens to every vehicle, these are three of the factors that can increase your risk for a transmission leak:
What happens if you skip maintenance?
Routine maintenance. Drivers who skip or delay scheduled maintenance put their transmission at risk for heat, friction, and wear.
Does Jiffy Lube use Pennzoil?
And, since Jiffy Lube locations use Pennzoil® products (where applicable ), you can choose a quality transmission fluid that meets or exceeds OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications.
Can leaking transmission fluid cause transmission failure?
Leaking transmission fluid can eventually lead to transmission failure. You want to avoid the expense and inconvenience of replacing your transmission, so the faster you get the leak fixed, the better.
Does Jiffy Lube have transmission fluid exchange?
Jiffy Lube will perform a Transmission Fluid Exchange. A trained technician will remove the dirty, used fluid and replace it with new transmission fluid that meets or exceeds your manufacturer’s specifications. With fresh fluid lubricating and cooling the internal components of your transmission, the Transmission Fluid Exchange helps optimize transmission performance.
What causes transmission fluid to leak?
One of the common issues that lead to transmission fluid leaks is a worn transmission pan. It can also occur if the pan is not in the right position. With constant use, the transmission fluid pan may soon start having holes or losing some bolts.
Why does my transmission leak?
Transmission fluid leak may result from the drain plug not tightened. It can also be problematic when the drain plug gets over-tightened, reaching the point of stripping. These can cause a leak and make the car lose transmission fluid. So, you should also check and get it fixed.
Why is transmission fluid important?
The car’s transmission is a crucial part that ensures the engine’s smooth running and wheels. They need the right amount of transmission fluid to function optimally. Nevertheless, few cases of transmission fluid leaks exist, and some car owners notice such stains with their cars parked in their garage.
Why does my car have a pool of red and brown fluid?
You must have seen that small pool of brown, red, and green fluid beneath cars. These stains result from the transmission fluid leak. Such stains may cause you to spend some money, as they discolor your garage floor and driveways. Whether you noticed the leak when the car is parked or the transmission fluid leak only when running, ...
How to drain fluid from automatic transmission?
You have to jack up the car and place the transmission pan and cardboard beneath. Then, drain into the pan, ensuring you unbolt the transmission pan. Kindly note that some vehicles do not have a drain plug.
Why does my transmission make a grinding sound?
However, this can also be one of the transmission fluid leak symptoms. There is inadequate lubrication with the fluid running low, causing the grinding sound in the vehicle’s gear. With this sign, you should take your car for quick repairs.
How much does it cost to fix a transmission leak?
Nevertheless, an average cost for such repair without getting out the transmission would be between $150 to $200. This cost covers the replacement of fluid lines, pan bolts, seals, gaskets, and drain plugs.
What causes transmission fluid to leak?
Transmission fluid is propelled into the whole system by the torque converter. If this torque pump has a crack anywhere on its body or has damaged needle bearings, it will leak transmission fluid. Since this isn’t a simple fix, taking your car to the mechanic for replacement is often the only option.
How much does it cost to fix a transmission leak?
If you have fluid leaking from your transmission, the typical cost to repair the leak (without taking off the transmission) is between $150 and $200. For this amount, you will get a replacement of the pan bolts, drain plugs, seals, gasket, fluid lines.
What does it mean when you see red fluid under your car?
If you notice a small puddle of red fluid underneath your vehicle, this is not a good sign and indicates a transmission fluid leak . It will form stains on your driveway or garage floor but more importantly, it can cost you a lot of money in repairing the leak and replacing the fluid.
Why does my transmission pan wear out?
This is because while driving, the pan of your transmission is susceptible to damage from all the loose rocks and debris on the road.
What are transmission fluid lines made of?
The fluid lines of a transmission are constructed of either steel or aluminum. These lines are usually quite durable but if they get damaged from road debris or exposed to heat too often, then the lines can crack or even completely break.
Where to find leaky transmission seal?
Most commonly, you’ll find the leaky seal in either the input shaft or output shaft. Otherwise, you should also inspect the transmission pan, driveshaft, plug seals, sensors, shifter housing seal, valve body, tail housing seal, and speedometer input seal.
What happens if a car part is cracked?
If the part is damaged or cracked, then it will be replaced. Before any of this work is done though, the mechanic will give you an estimate on how much this will all cost to perform.
