A hydraulic transmission system depends on certain fluids to work. If this fluid leaks, the transmission system will encounter issues and have difficulty functioning as it should.
When you notice that the transmission fluid is leaking, the first thing you should do is finding out the reason for the leak before taking steps to fix the problem.
In this article, you will understand the causes of transmission fluid leaks, symptoms, and the cost of fixing the problem. We will also answer questions related to leaking transmission fluid.
Reasons Transmission fluid Leaks when parked
There are numerous reasons why a transmission fluid could leak. It could be due to the drain plug, damaged fluid line, or dirty fluids. It is why it could be tricky to fix a leaking problem.
Below is the answer to the question, “Why does my transmission fluid leak when parked.”
1. Leaking transmission drain plug
A drain plug not properly tightened or damaged will not hold the transmission fluid in place. In a situation like this, a noticeable transmission fluid leak will occur.
The transmission drain plug is located in the center of the pan. It is usually under the passenger side of the drive axle. However, due to the difference in the vehicle’s transmission location, the transmission plug’s location may vary.
In addition, the drain plug is used to drain out old or contaminated transmission fluid from the transmission system. When the drain plug is damaged or not properly fixed, the fluid will continue draining as you drive or park your car.
2. Damaged transmission fluid lines
Once the cooling line is damaged, the transmission system loses hydraulic pressure, and the fluid leaks through the line.
The transmission fluid line is also referred to as the transmission cooling line. It links the transmission system to the radiator.
A transmission collects or pulls transmission fluid from the radiator line into the transmission system. Once the fluid circulates through the system, the cooling line collects it and returns it to the radiator for cooling.
Once the fluid line is damaged, a leak will be created in the line. Instead of fluids going to their expected destination, they will escape through the opening in the line.
3. Contaminated fluid
A dirty or contaminated fluid will cause the fluid line to get clogged, eventually leading to leaks.
When the transmission fluid is dirty or contaminated, it is filled with many dangerous substances in the transmission system. There are particles in the fluid that accumulates at a particular point in the line.
Enough accumulation will eventually clog the line and lead to some issues. For instance, a clogged line could lead to an overheated transmission system, damaging the line and causing leaks.
Also, a clogged line will cause excess pressure to build up. When the pressure is unbearable for lines, it will burst, creating a leak.
4. Damaged seal
When the transmission seal is damaged, the protection for the fluid is no longer there. The fluid will leak, and the fluids will be exposed to contaminations.
The transmission seal or shaft seal can be found in the transmission system. It protects the transmission fluid from leaking out of the system.
Furthermore, there are two types of transmission seal, the front seal and the rear seal. Damages to the front seal will cause “transmission fluid leaking from the front of the car.” Damages to the rear seal will cause leaks in the back area of the vehicle.
5. Overheated transmission
When the transmission is overheated, it can damage important system parts, like the seals, gaskets, and fluid lines. Once these parts are damaged, it creates an opening for transmission fluid to escape.
Many factors could cause the transmission to overheat. Factors like low transmission fluid, engine overheating, clogged fluid line, etc.
6. Damaged transmission gasket or pan
Any damage to the transmission gasket will cause transmission fluid leaks. The gasket creates a seal between the transmission housing and the transmission pan.
Damage in the gasket will create a gap between the pan and transmission housing, creating an opening for a leak.
Also, a damaged pan will create a chance for transmission fluid to leak out of the system. The transmission pan keeps transmission fluid in the transmission system.
Also read: Can Transmission Fluid Get Low Without A Leak?
Signs or Symptoms of Leaking Transmission Fluid
When there is a leak in the transmission system, it comes with some signs, which may include unusual sounds, excessive heat, and more. If the problem is not solved fast, it could cause serious complications in the transmission system.
Some of the transmission fluid leak symptoms include the following.
Transmission overheating
When there is a leak in the transmission system, the system will not get enough fluid, leading to excessive heat build-up.
The transmission fluid gives hydraulic power to the system; at the same time, it also provides lubrication. The transmission fluid will drop drastically once there is a leak in the system. It means there will be little or no fluid going into the system.
When the transmission does not receive adequate fluid, friction will increase. The friction will create excessive heat, causing the transmission system to overheat.
Fluid under the car
There will be noticeable fluid under the vehicle if you have a transmission fluid leak.
When you park your vehicle with a leaking transmission fluid, the fluid will flow down to the floor, depending on where the leak is coming from. If your case is a “transmission fluid leak but no puddle,” this could mean that the fluid is being sucked into the engine or leaking into the radiator.
Excessive vibration
Due to the low transmission fluid, the transmission parts will be less lubricated, leading to excessive vibration.
If there is an excessive vibration coming from the transmission system, it shows that the parts are struggling to function. It is due to the increased friction in these parts caused by less transmission fluid going to the system.
If the leakage is not resolved immediately, the transmission system will fail eventually.
Burning smell
A burning smell from the transmission system is caused by overheating system melting fragile parts.
Parts of the transmission, like the fluid line, gasket, and seal, are easy targets for heat. They can easily melt under extreme heat and release a burning smell. As the transmission system overheats due to leaks, you will have a burning smell in the car.
Gear shift issue
The transmission system needs hydraulic pressure to function. Lubrication and hydraulic pressure are lost when there is a leak in the system. It makes it difficult for the driver to change gear.
How to fix Leaking Transmission Fluid
Due to the numerous causes of leaking transmission, the first thing that should be considered is to properly diagnose its cause. An appropriate diagnosis will show where the leak is coming from.
Begin with physically inspecting the various parts of the transmission that could cause a leak. You could also use a scan tool to show which part of the transmission system is not functioning well that could cause a leak.
Below are ways you could fix a transmission problem.
Check and replace the damaged drain plug.
Once you suspect that the drain plug is bad, inspect the plug thoroughly. Check the plug if it is worn out, not tightened properly or is damaged in any way. If there are any damages, the drain plug will not retain transmission fluid in the pan.
Fixing this problem is easy; you only need to replace the plug with a new one. The new plug must be the exact type of the damaged plug.
Replace the transmission cooling line.
If the transmission cooling line is damaged, causing a leak, it must be replaced immediately. The good thing about replacing a cooling line is that it is quite affordable.
Inspect the cooling lines, and check if it is corroded, worn out, or broken; if any damage is found, it is better to replace them. Avoid patching the line, as it is just a temporary solution.
Transmission cooling lines can cost as low as $15 to $300. You should be able to find one that is suitable for your vehicle and also cost-friendly.
Change contaminated fluid
Examine the radiator’s coolant by removing the radiator cap; if the fluid has changed color from its original, it might be contaminated. The way to fix this is to change the transmission fluid.
First, you need to locate the drain plug beneath the vehicle close to the transmission where the transmission pan is. Place the drain pan under the drain plug and then remove the plug. Ensure that all the fluid drains into the pan.
Next, change the transmission filter; this prevents the new fluid from getting contaminated by the old filter. Once the filter is changed, pour on a new fluid.
In addition, ensure to check for any damages caused by the contaminated fluid and have it fixed.
Fix overheating issue
Other underlying issues with the transmission system cause transmission overheating. For instance, a low transmission fluid will cause the transmission to overheat. By topping off the fluid, your transmission overheating issue will be solved.
Other issues, like damaged cooling systems, can cause the transmission to overheat. You will need to find the cause of the problem and fix it.
Fix the damaged gasket and pan.
You need to replace the gasket or pan if there is a problem. The gasket is easy and costs little to replace. It will cost between $10 to $100 to replace the gasket.
However, the transmission pan can be tricky to replace and may need extra labor. It is because the pan is bigger. Also, the transmission pan costs more to fix.
How much does it cost to fix a Transmission Leak?
Transmission fluid repair costs can range from $100 to $2,000, depending on the extent and location of the leak.
Transmission fluid leaks can happen in many parts of the transmission system. A cooling line will cost between $150 and $500, depending on the extent of the damage.
On the other hand, replacing a damaged transmission pan will cost between $1,500 and $2,000, depending on the model of the car.
Also, it will be cheaper if you will repair it. Hiring a professional to have the repair done will cost between $100 and $500.
FAQs
Can a Transmission stop leaking on its own?
A transmission leak will not stop on its own. The normal thing to happen with a transmission leak is to worsen if not fixed.
The leak in the transmission, regardless of where the leak is, will become more significant. As the leak becomes more, so does the cost to fix the leak. It will also affect other parts of the transmission causing the parts to fail.
Can you drive if your car is leaking Transmission fluid?
It is possible to drive with a leaking transmission fluid, but the question is, “How long can I drive with a transmission leak?”
Driving with a transmission leak depends on how serious the leak is and the location of the leak. If you have a leak that drains the transmission fluid fast, avoid driving with such an issue.
If the leak is not that significant, it could take you through a short journey to where you will get it repaired.
How serious is a Transmission fluid leak?
A transmission fluid leak can be serious because it can lead to the failure of various parts of the transmission system.
Once you have a leaking transmission fluid problem, you also face a constant low fluid. Driving with a low fluid is dangerous to the transmission system.
Low transmission fluid could cause overheating of the system, failing parts, and, eventually, a failed transmission system.
Do I need a new Transmission if it’s leaking fluid?
You do not need a new transmission if the fluid is leaking; you need to fix the damaged part causing the leak. If the part causing the leak is the fluid line, you need to have the line replaced immediately.
How long does it take to fix a transmission leak?
If you had the leak issue fixed by a professional, it would take 3 to 5 days to fix.
The duration of the fix depends on the extent of the leak and where the leak is located. It may take more time if the fix is a DIY. It is because you may not have the necessary tools to fix the problem compared to experts.
Does Insurance cover Transmission Leaks?
Generally, auto insurance does not cover the repair cost of replacing any part of the transmission system. It includes the repair of transmission leaks. However, if the damage is due to a covered incident, then the repair will be covered by insurance.
Final Words
Is it normal for transmission fluid to leak? The answer is no. A transmission system is designed to keep the fluid flowing through the transmission system without leaks or contamination. When you notice problems like transmission fluid leak when parked on incline, try to take your vehicle to a professional to fix it.
