Transmission Leak Check Test Procedure

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. Use one ounce of dye for every 3.8L (4 qt) of transmission fluid. Add any additional transmission fluid to bring it to the correct level. Such dyes can be used to determine whether an engine fluid or transmission fluid leak is present, or if the fluid in the transmission fluid cooler hose leaks into the engine coolant system. An ultraviolet light must be used to detect the fluorescent dye solution.

1. Remove the fluid level fill plug and note the color of the fluid that drips out. Original factory fill fluid is clear and red if the fluid has been exchanged.
2. Clean off any fluid from the top and bottom of the torque converter housing, front of the case and rear face of the engine and oil pan. Clean the torque converter area by washing with a suitable non-flammable solvent and blow-dry with compressed air.
3. Wash out the torque converter housing and the front of the flexplate. The torque converter housing may be washed out using clean solvent and a squirt-type oil can. Blow-dry all washed areas with compressed air.
4. Start and run the engine until the transmission reaches its normal operating temperature. Shift the transmission through all the gear ranges to make sure that the dye has circulated through the transmission. Observe the back of the cylinder block and top of the torque converter housing for evidence of fluid leakage. 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. Run the engine until fluid leakage is evident and the probable source of leakage can be determined. Repair as required.
   EXTERNAL FLUID LEAKS
   
   

   Leak Path	Possible Source
   Leaks at the fluid pan to case	Pan bolts not tightened to specification. Pan gasket damaged. Case pan rail damaged.
   Fluid cooler tubes or O-rings leaking	Cooler tube(s), cooler tube O-rings damaged. Cooler tube hold-down plate damaged.
   Leaks at the fluid cooler	Fluid cooler damaged. Cooler tube O-rings damaged.
   Leaks at the manual control lever	Manual control lever seal missing or damaged.
   Mechatronic harness connector	O-ring on connector missing or damaged.