Leak Check Test With A Black Light
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
UV Fluorescent Tracer Dye (164-R3706 or equivalent specifically formulated for ATF) is used to detect a transmission fluid leak.
- Add UV Fluorescent Tracer Dye to the transmission fluid. Use one 30.0 mL (1oz) of dye solution for every 3.8 L (4 quarts) of transmission fluid.
- Start and run the engine until the transaxle reaches its normal operating temperature 90°C (194°F). Observe the back of the cylinder block and top of the torque converter housing for evidence of fluid leakage. Raise the vehicle on a hoist and run the engine at fast idle, then at engine idle, occasionally shifting to the DRIVE and REVERSE ranges to increase pressure within the transaxle. Observe the front of the flexplate, back of the cylinder block (in as far as possible), and inside the torque converter housing and front of the case. Continue running the engine until fluid leakage is evident and the probable source of leakage can be determined.