Leakage Inspection: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools

Illustration	Tool Name	Tool Number
	100W/12 Volt DC UV Lamp	164-R0751 or equivalent

Material

Item	Specification
Dye-Lite® ATF/Power Steering Fluid Leak Detection Dye 164-R3701 (Rotunda)	-
MERCON® V Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-5-QM (or XT-5-QMC) (US); CXT-5-LM12 (Canada)	MERCON® V

NOTE: An ultraviolet light must be used to detect the fluorescent dye solution.

Dye-Lite® ATF/Power Steering Fluid Leak Detection Dye 164-R3701 (Rotunda) (specifically formulated for ATF) is used to detect a transmission fluid leak.

Add detection dye to the transmission fluid. Use one 30.0 mL (1 oz.) of dye solution for every 3.8L (4 qt) of transmission fluid. Add any additional transmission fluid, designated for this transmission/transaxle, to bring the unit to the correct transmission fluid level.
Start and run the engine. Shift the transmission through all gears several times to make sure that the fluorescent dye has had time to circulate. Observe the back of the engine, cylinder block and the top of the converter housing part of the case for evidence of transmission fluid leakage. Turn off the engine.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

NOTE: The leak source will probably be above and/or forward of the actual leak indication, due to airflow and/or gravity.

Using an ultraviolet light, observe the transmission for possible leaks. Following the leak back to its source point, repair the leak as required.

EXTERNAL FLUID LEAKS

Leak Path	Possible Source
Leaks at the transmission fluid pan-to-case fittings	Transmission fluid pan bolts not tightened to specification Transmission fluid pan gasket damaged Case pan rail damaged
Transmission fluid cooler tubes or fittings leaking	Transmission fluid cooler tube(s), cooler tube fitting(s) damaged Transmission fluid cooler tube fitting-to-case union damaged Case damage at case fitting
Transmission fluid cooler tube nut-to-case fittings leaking	Damaged or missing O-ring seals Fitting(s) not tightened to specification
Leaks at the transmission fluid cooler	Transmission fluid cooler damage Fitting(s) damaged or not tightened to specification
Leaks at external sensors	Damaged or missing O-ring seals Screw not tightened to specification
Leaks at the manual control lever seal	Damaged or missing lever seal
Leaks at the solenoid body harness connector	Solenoid body harness connector O-ring seal(s), either on the harness end or the solenoid body, damaged or missing
Transmission fluid leakage in the torque converter area	For possible sources, refer to Fluid Leakage in Torque Converter Area chart