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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2013 >> Sonic RS, Standard Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different variant/trim >> Section 5 (Manual Transmission - F13-5/F15-5/F17-5 (M26)) >> Diagnostic Information and Procedures >> Transmission Fluid Leak Diagnosis >> Test Description

Test Description

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

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

  1. 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
  1. Inspect for the transaxle fluid level higher than the recommended level. Refer to Lubrication Specifications .
  2. Adjust the transaxle level if incorrect.
Was the transaxle fluid level too high?		 Go to Step 21  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 21  Go to Step 5 
5  Verify the location of the leak.
  1. Clean the transaxle assembly.
  2. Operate the vehicle for 24 km (15 mi), or until normal operating temperatures are reached.
  3. 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 Lubrication Specifications .
Did you find and repair the condition?		 Go to Step 21  Go to Diagnostic Aids
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 Front Wheel Drive Shaft Seal Replacement - Left Side .
  • 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 21  Go to Diagnostic Aids
9 Is the leak at the shift lever area? Go to Step 10  Go to Step 11 
10
  1. Inspect the shift control lever lower boot for damage.
  2. Inspect for loose shift control lever mounting bolts.
  3. Remove the shift control lever. Refer to Transmission Control Replacement .
  4. Replace the shift control lever lower boot if damaged.
  5. Inspect the shift control lever sealing surfaces for scratched, nicked or damaged.
Did you find and repair the condition?		 Go to Step 21  Go to Diagnostic Aids
11 Is the leak at the front of the transaxle? Go to Step 12  Go to Step 15 
12
  1. Remove the transaxle. Refer to Transmission Replacement .
  2. Inspect the input shaft retainer for leaking.
  3. Remove the input shaft bearing retainer. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Seal Replacement - Left Side , and Front Wheel Drive Shaft Seal Replacement - Right Side . Replace the seal.
Did you find and repair the condition?		 Go to Step 21  Go to Step 13 
13
  1. Inspect for the leak at the input shaft seal.
  2. 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
  3. Replace the input shaft seal if leaking. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Seal Replacement - Left Side , and Front Wheel Drive Shaft Seal Replacement - Right Side .
Did you find and repair the condition?		 Go to Step 21  Go to Step 14 
14
  1. Inspect the case for cracks or porosity.
  2. Replace the transaxle case or clutch housing if it is faulty.
Did you find and repair the condition?		 Go to Step 21  Go to Diagnostic Aids
15 Is the leak at the backup light switch? Go to Step 16  Go to Step 17 
16
  1. Remove the backup light switch. Refer to Backup Lamp Switch Replacement .
  2. 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 21  Go to Step 1 
17 Is the leak at the sealing flanges of the transaxle case? Go to Step 18  Go to Step 19 
18
  1. Remove the transaxle. Refer to Transmission Replacement .
  2. Disassemble the transaxle. Refer to Transmission Case Disassemble (Gen 1) , Transmission Case Disassemble (Gen 2) .
  3. Inspect the sealing surfaces.
Did you find and repair the condition?		 Go to Step 21  Go to Step 19 
19 Is the leak coming from a crack or porosity in the transaxle case? Go to Step 20  Go to Diagnostic Aids
20
  1. Remove the transaxle. Refer to Transmission Replacement .
  2. Disassemble the transaxle.
  3. Replace the faulty transaxle case or clutch housing. Refer to Transmission Case Assemble (Gen 1) , Transmission Case Assemble (Gen 2) .
Did you find and repair the condition?		 Go to Step 21  Go to Diagnostic Aids
21 Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?		 System OK Go to Step 1 
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