Transmission Fluid Leak
Transmission fluid is leaking from your vehicle.
Quick Assessment
We recommend scheduling service within the next few weeks.
Estimated repair cost:
$100 - $1,500
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Symptoms & Causes
Symptoms to Watch For
- 1Red or brown fluid spots under vehicle
- 2Sweet or burnt smell from transmission fluid
- 3Low transmission fluid level
- 4Transmission overheating
- 5Delayed or harsh shifting
- 6Transmission slipping
- 7Warning light on dashboard
Common Causes
- Worn pan gasket
- Damaged axle seals
- Cracked transmission cooler lines
- Failed input/output shaft seals
- Loose transmission pan bolts
- Cracked torque converter seal
- Overfilled transmission
Understanding Transmission Fluid Leak
Transmission fluid leaks are common and should be addressed promptly. The fluid is essential for lubricating, cooling, and operating your transmission. A leak can lead to low fluid levels, causing overheating and internal damage. Common leak locations include the pan gasket, axle seals, cooler lines, and various external seals. The severity can range from minor seepage to significant leaks.
Repair Options
Depending on the cause and severity, here are the typical repair approaches for transmission fluid leak:
- Pan gasket replacement
- Seal replacement
- Cooler line repair or replacement
- Torque converter seal replacement
- Pan bolt retorque
- Transmission reseal
Cost Factors
The repair cost for transmission fluid leak ($100 - $1,500) depends on several factors:
What Happens If You Ignore It?
While transmission fluid leak may start as a minor annoyance, it typically worsens over time. What might be a simple repair today could become a major rebuild if left unaddressed.
Transmission Fluid Leak FAQ
Look for red, pink, or brown fluid spots under your vehicle near the center or front. Transmission fluid has a slightly sweet smell when fresh and a burnt smell when old. You can also check your fluid level using the dipstick.
Stop-leak products may temporarily slow minor leaks but are not a permanent fix and can potentially cause other problems. Professional repair of the actual leak source is recommended.
It depends on the leak severity. Minor seepage may be monitored and repaired when convenient. Significant leaks that cause fluid level drops should be fixed immediately to prevent transmission damage.
Next Steps for Transmission Fluid Leak
Ready to get your transmission fixed? Here's what to do next.
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Schedule Diagnosis
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Experiencing Transmission Fluid Leak?
Get a free diagnosis from trusted DFW transmission specialists.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a professional diagnosis. Symptoms, causes, and repair costs are general guidelines based on industry data and may vary based on your specific vehicle and situation. Always consult with a certified transmission specialist for an accurate diagnosis and repair recommendation.