Torque Converter Housing Area

Fig 1: Converter Housing Leak Paths

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

When diagnosing converter housing (5) fluid leaks, three actions must be taken before repair:

1. Verify proper transmission fluid level.
2. Verify that the leak originates from the converter housing area and is transmission fluid.
3. Determine the true source of the leak.

Fluid leakage at or around the torque converter area may originate from an engine oil leak (7). Refer to Fig 1. The area should be examined closely. Factory fill fluid is red and, therefore, can be distinguished from engine oil.

Some suspected converter housing fluid leaks may not be leaks at all. They may only be the result of residual fluid in the converter housing, or excess fluid spilled during factory fill, or fill after repair. Converter housing leaks have several potential sources. Through careful observation, a leak source can be identified before removing the transmission for repair.

Pump seal leaks tend to run down the front cover from the hub area. Front cover O-ring leaks will wet the inside of the bellhousing but the cover itself will generally be dry. If the torque converter is wet, the problem is generally a converter hub weld or seam weld leak.