Leaking Trans Fluid...

[Danoff]

So, I got my transmission fluid swapped out on an older car last weekend. Turns out it is now leaking - which isn't altogether unexpected given that the older stuff was thicker (because it was older) and it's an older car and probably doesn't seal quite as good as it used to.

The question is what I should do about it? Get a higher viscosity of transmission fluid? Wait for it to thicken and keep topping it off? Ignore it? Drive the car off a cliff?

It's not leaking terribly fast - perhaps I should call it seepage. It's leaving little puddles everywhere it's parked though...

 

[buickgnx88]

Do you know where the exact spot(s) is/are that it's leaking from?

 

[Slick6]

Did you change it yourself? Could be missing a gasket, crush washer, etc. on the drain plug. It could be leaking around your transmission filter, if it's of the servicable type. Could be an oil pan gasket. Is it real wheel drive? (Output shaft seal?) Could actually be a multitude of things really.

 

[///M-Spec]

Is this the RSX or something else?


M

 

[Danoff]

Do you know where the exact spot(s) is/are that it's leaking from?

No.

Did you change it yourself? Could be missing a gasket, crush washer, etc. on the drain plug. It could be leaking around your transmission filter, if it's of the servicable type. Could be an oil pan gasket. Is it real wheel drive? (Output shaft seal?) Could actually be a multitude of things really.

No, I didn't change it myself. It's front wheel drive.

Is this the RSX or something else?

2001 Honda accord.

 

[Keef]

The things that cross my mind have already been said by Slick, but I'd check the drain plug mainly and the seals around the half shafts where they output from the transmission. You need to find where the leak is coming from. It could be a worn seal, a missing crush washer, a loose drain plug, or even incompatible blend or viscosity of oil.

 

[land sea air]

drain plug and pan gasket are my first thoughts on a car that new, if it is a rubber type pan gasket it may have simply split from over tightening (speaking from experience). There really isn't any option as far as different transmission fluids, the automatic transmission operates on fluid pressure so changing from what is recommended may cause issues. Also if it has one check the torque converter drain plug, some TCs drain their fluid with the trans fluid and others have a separate drain plug which may have been overlooked as far as a gasket. good luck 👍


EDIT: forgot to add that most transmissions will vent if there is too much fluid.

 

[Danoff]

It was a leaky oil plug apparently. I was basing the transmission diagnosis on reports from others that the fluid was red - it was not, it was new oil (also had the oil changed). Looks like things are better now.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Sorry I passed on false information.