I heard that if you let your trans fluid get too low, since you have a leak and you get tired of adding fluid, the trans will simply not go into gear. You then add a pint or quart, and go on your way.

Is that true?

I have been faithfully checking the level, and adding to keep it just above the add mark, when hot.

It only drips after it is driven. Once you park it, it drips some more, like half an hour, then stops.

I priced out fixing it and it was a big expense. Can't remember exactly.

Thanks

 

Yes you can DESTROY the trans by running it low of fluid. Long before it simply stops going into gear at all, it will be unable to generate adequate pressure, and the clutches won't have enough apply force to keep them from slipping.

The most common leak is the fill tube seal. You can replace that yourself, except that it's SO expensive. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=10970&jsn=536 Next most common leak is the pan gasket. This is even worse, be careful, you may need a 2nd mortgage on your house to buy one. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=8612&jsn=549

Where is yours leaking from?

 

Low fluid will kill an automatic transmission, but just a little low isn't going to cause a problem. But, once it does get low enough to cause problems, typically the 1st sign of trouble is slipping and that's when you'll start burning up the bands/clutches.

It holds about 11 quarts, so a quart low or even 2 shouldn't hurt anything. More than that, yeah going to have issues.

Not sure how fast its leaking on you, but any amount of leaking where you are regularly adding a quart or more is a huge leak and you would have puddles under the car and the underside of the car covered in transmission fluid. Often fluid leaks look like a lot of fluid, but in reality aren't really leaking that much, just making a mess and staining your driveway.

 

OK, thanks. I will just keep adding. It leaves a noticeable amount on the driveway. 3 inch diameter puddle.

It's leaking at the 'tail shaft seal' if I recall correctly.

The good news is it stops leaking about a half hour after you shut it off.

 

Holy crap d00d, you just busted the WHOLE bank on that one. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...haft+seal,8636 Better get yerself a HELOC and cash in yer whole 401k.

Bad news though is, you'll have to have an installer tool. Good news is, a piece of PVC pipe, or some fitting, works great. Probably another $1.50 or something, so beware of hidden costs. I think the tool is about a 1½" or 2" coupling but I could be wRong. And more even than just wRong, misshapen on this one particular point. It's somewhere in there though. You can probably match up the right tuul at the hardware store easily enough once you have the part in hand.

In case you can't tell, I have VERY little respect for transmission shops and their pricing policies. As in, bend over, grab your ankles, and MAKE A NEW FRIEND. Sorry, that's not how I roll.

 

Thanks, Sofakingdom. I never thought I would be working on my own transmission. Could happen!