Torque Converter Fluid Leakage Test
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 1996 Dodge Ram Wagon, 1996 Dodge Ram Van, 1996 Dodge Pickup, 1996 Dodge Dakota, and 1996 Dodge Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Fluid around torque converter may originate from engine oil or transmission. Ensure transmission fluid level is correct. Fluid leakage at torque converter may result if fluid level is too high. Transmission can be checked for leaks using the following method.
- Remove torque converter dust shield. Clean inside area of torque converter housing using solvent and compressed air. Ensure area is clean and dry.
- Fabricate leakage test probe using 1/32" sheet metal, 5 1/2" (140 mm) long and 1 1/2" (38 mm) wide. See Figure . Install leakage test probe on torque converter dust shield bolt so leakage test probe is near torque converter. Ensure torque converter does not contact leakage test probe.
- Apply parking brake. Start engine. Place transmission in Neutral. Operate engine at 2500 RPM for 2 minutes. Stop engine. Remove leakage test probe.
- If upper surface of leakage test probe is dry, torque converter is not leaking. If upper surface of leakage test probe is wet with ATF, torque converter is leaking. If area below leakage test probe is wet with ATF, fluid is coming from around torque converter area.
- Check following for possible causes of fluid leaks at torque converter areas:
- Defective oil pump housing "O" ring or oil pump housing
- Front band pin access plug
- Mispositioned or worn bushing
- Oil pump seal
- Oil pump-to-transmission case bolts
- Oil pump vent
- If torque converter is leaking, check for defective welds on outside diameter of torque converter and torque converter hub. Torque converter hub is welded on inside and weld is not visible. Replace torque converter if a leak exists. DO NOT attempt to repair torque converter.