Leak Check Test With a Black Light
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Dye-Lite® ATF/Power Steering Fluid Leak Detection Dye 164-R3701 or equivalent (specifically formulated for ATF) is used to detect a transmission fluid leak.
- Add dye to the transmission fluid. Use 30 ml (1 oz) of dye solution for every 3.8L (4 qt) of transmission fluid.
- Start and run the engine until the transaxle reaches its normal operating temperature. Observe the back of the cylinder block and top of the torque converter housing for evidence of transmission 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), inside the torque converter housing and the entire case until transmission fluid leakage is evident and the probable source of leakage can be determined.