Test Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

5: Use an approved method to clean the transaxle to ensure the leak location is correctly identified. If using a powder method or dye method, ensure the products are compatible with the transaxle fluid.

Transmission Fluid Leak Diagnosis

Step	Action	Yes	No
DEFINITION: Visible sign of the transaxle fluid leaking from the transaxle.
1	Did you review the Symptoms - Manual Transmission and perform the necessary inspections?	Go to Step 2	Go to Symptoms - Manual Transmission
2	Inspect for the transaxle fluid level higher than the recommended level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Replacement . Adjust the transaxle level if incorrect. Was the transaxle fluid level too high?	Go to Step 24	Go to Step 3
3	Inspect the transaxle vent for a blockage. Is the transaxle vent blocked?	Go to Step 4	Go to Step 5
4	Repair or replace the transaxle vent. Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 24	Go to Step 5
5	Verify the location of the leak. Clean the transaxle assembly. Operate the vehicle for 24 km (15 mi), or until normal operating temperatures are reached. Visual inspect or use the powder method or dye and black light method to locate the leak. Is the leak occurring at the drain or fill plug?	Go to Step 6	Go to Step 7
6	Replace the drain or fill plug. Refer to Transmission Fluid Replacement . Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 24	Go to Diagnostic Aids In This Test
7	Is the leak at the transaxle output shaft seal?	Go to Step 8	Go to Step 9
8	Remove the output shaft seal and inspect for the following. Refer to Axle Shaft Oil Seal Replacement (Left) or Axle Shaft Oil Seal Replacement (Right) . Damaged or worn seal Damaged seal bore Improper installation Cracks in the component Loose or worn bearing causing excessive seal wear Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 24	Go to Diagnostic Aids In This Test
9	Is the leak at the shift lever area?	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 11
10	Inspect the shift control lever lower boot for damage. Inspect for loose shift control lever mounting bolts. Remove the shift control lever. Refer to Shift Control Replacement . Replace the shift control lever lower boot if damaged. Inspect the shift control lever sealing surfaces for scratched, nicked or damaged. Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 24	Go to Diagnostic Aids In This Test
11	Is the leak at the front of the transaxle?	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 15
12	Remove the transaxle. Refer to Transmission Replacement . Inspect the input shaft retainer for leaking. Remove the input shaft bearing retainer. Refer to Axle Shaft Oil Seal Replacement (Left) or Axle Shaft Oil Seal Replacement (Right) . Replace the seal. Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 24	Go to Step 13
13	Inspect for the leak at the input shaft seal. Inspect for the following if the input shaft seal is leaking: Damaged or worn seal Damaged seal bore Improper installation Cracks in the component Input shaft sealing surface is scratched, nicked, damaged or worn Loose or worn bearing causing excessive seal wear Replace the input shaft seal if leaking. Refer to Axle Shaft Oil Seal Replacement (Left) or Axle Shaft Oil Seal Replacement (Right) . Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 24	Go to Step 14
14	Inspect the case for cracks or porosity. Replace the transaxle case or clutch housing if it is faulty. Refer to Transaxle Case Disassemble . Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 24	Go to Diagnostic Aids In This Test
15	Is the leak at the vehicle speed sensor (VSS)?	Go to Step 16	Go to Step 17
16	Remove the VSS. Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement . Inspect for the following: Cut or damaged O-ring seal VSS over-tightened causing deformation in the VSS VSS bore scratched or damaged Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 24	Go to Step 1
17	Is the leak at the backup lamp switch?	Go to Step 18	Go to Step 20
18	Remove the backup lamp switch. Refer to Backup Lamp Switch Replacement . Inspect for the following: Cross threaded or damaged threads Insufficient sealant Leaking switch Improper installation Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 24	Go to Step 1
19	Remove the shift shaft detent sleeve. Refer to Transaxle Case Disassemble and Transaxle Case Assembly . Inspect for the following: Cross threaded or damaged threads Insufficient sealant Cracked sleeve or case Improper installation Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 24	Go to Step 1
20	Is the leak at the sealing flanges of the transaxle case?	Go to Step 21	Go to Step 22
21	Remove the transaxle. Refer to Transmission Replacement . Disassemble the transaxle. Refer to Transaxle Case Disassemble . Inspect the sealing surfaces. Refer to Clutch and Differential Housing Cleaning and Inspection . Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 24	Go to Step 22
22	Is the leak coming from a crack or porosity in the transaxle case ?	Go to Step 23	Go to Diagnostic Aids In This Test
23	Remove the transaxle. Refer to Transmission Replacement . Disassemble the transaxle. Refer to Transaxle Case Disassemble . Replace the faulty transaxle case or clutch housing. Refer to Transaxle Case Assembly . Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 24	Go to Diagnostic Aids In This Test
24	Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?	System OK	Go to Step 1