Leak Check Test

DESCRIPTION
Fluid leakage from other areas, such as the power steering system forward of the transmission, could cause fluid to be present around the torque converter housing due to blowback or road draft. The following procedures should be used to determine the cause of the leakage before service.

PROCEDURE
1. Remove the fluid level indicator and note the color of the fluid. Original factory fill fluid is dyed red to aid in determining if leakage is from the engine or transmission. However, a power steering leak may be mistaken for a transmission leak since both fluids are dyed red. Check the power steering system for leaks that could be misidentified as a transmission leak.
2. Remove the torque converter housing cover. 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, the front of the flywheel and the converter drain plugs. The torque converter housing may be washed out using cleaning solvent and a squirt-type oil can. Blow all washed areas dry with compressed air.
4. Start and run the engine until the transmission reaches its normal operating temperature. Observe the back of the cylinder block and top of the torque converter housing for evidence of fluid leakage. Raise the vehicle on a hoist and run the engine at fast idle, then at engine idle, occasionally shifting to the OVERDRIVE and REVERSE ranges to increase pressure within the transmission. Observe the front of the flywheel 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.

WITH BLACK LIGHT
Oil soluble aniline or fluorescent dyes premixed at the rate of 2.5 ml (1/2-teaspoon) of dye powder to 0.23 liter (1/2-pint) of transmission fluid have proved helpful in locating the source of fluid leakage. Such dyes may be used to determine whether an engine oil or transmission fluid leak is present, or if the fluid in the oil cooler leaks into the engine coolant system. A black light must be used with the fluorescent dye solution.