How to Check for a Transmission Fluid Leak in Your Vehicle

Transmission fluid lubricates the moving components inside your transmission. In an automatic transmission, this pressurized fluid acts as a coolant and transfers power from the engine to the transmission and drive wheels. If a car operates while transmission fluid is low, it causes major wear on the transmission parts. Cars don't use up this fluid, so if it is low, there's a leak somewhere.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Notice if there is any wet oil on your driveway or where you usually park. It would form a puddle under the front center of your car.

2. Pay attention to an overheating car. This could be a result of a leak that hinders the cooling of the transmission.

3. Check the level of transmission fluid with the proper dipstick to see if it's low. If it is, refill it and drive it around for a couple of miles, then check the fluid again to see if it's dropped.

4. Get under your car and look at the transmission seal that holds your transmission together. If the seal is bad, it could cause a leak there.

5. Locate the drain plug on your transmission, which just looks like a bolt screwed into the metal, and see if there is transmission fluid leaking there.

6. Find every spot on your transmission where another part or component joins it, gets screwed into it, or attaches to it in some way. Leaks sometimes occur in these spots around worn seals or cracked parts.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't find the leak externally, you'll need a professional to check for internal leaks on your transmission.
• Don't drive your car if it's more than a quart low on transmission fluid to prevent major damage to your car. If you need to drive it to be repaired, add fluid as often as necessary to keep the level normal until you arrive.

Who Can Help Sponsored