Leak Check Test with a Black Light
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Ford Pickup, 2010 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2010 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2010 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Dye-Lite® ATF/Power Steering Fluid Leak Detection Dye 164-R3701 is used to detect a transmission fluid leak.
- Add dye to the transmission fluid. Use 30.0 ml (1 oz) of dye solution for every 3.8L (4 qt) of transmission fluid.
- Using the 100W/12 Volt DC UV Lamp, start and run the engine until the transaxle/transmission 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 transmission. 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.
EXTERNAL TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKS
| Leak Path | Possible Source |
|---|---|
| Leaks at the transmission fluid pan-to-case |
|
| Transmission fluid cooler tubes or fittings leaking |
|
| Transmission fluid cooler tube nut-to-case fittings leaking |
|
| Leaks at the transmission fluid cooler |
|
| Leaks at the external sensors |
|
| Leaks at the manual control lever seal |
|
| Leaks at the solenoid body harness connector |
|
| Transmission fluid leakage in the torque converter area |
|