Transmission fluid pouring out

Tiny
THUNDRNT66
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE NEON
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 114,000 MILES
I’ve been having transmission problems for the last year with this thing. It started getting worse and discovered the bolts were over tightened. After a bit the transmission would not get out of first, Car still moves but rpm's would just climb and not shift, so me and a friend replaced the Transmission with an 05 neon I bought as a parts car. I bought this thing with no starter, no battery, and no key, so we weren’t sure how many miles were on it (dumb idea I know). But we did the transmission swap and after 4 consecutive days of attempting to do this transmission swap we finally finished and got it in. Started out good, no leaks, shifting fine, perfecto! Well a leak appeared again and after someone told me their friend had a garage and would fix it he told me to change the pan gasket. I bought one and took it back to him and he did it for me. Since, it’s practically pouring out from somewhere I cannot locate. The under body is coated with it, it’s caked in crevasses under the 2 hose lines going into the transmission, and almost everyday I need to put like 2-3 quarts if fluid in it to go anywhere! It’s got to be leaking driver side somewhere but I do not know where and I’m fed up trusting people to fix it but I don’t have the money for an actual garage. It’s constantly low to the point it’s slipping and not allowing it to go into gear (which almost got me killed yesterday when it didn’t wanna move out of an intersection). It leaks the most while sitting and but also while driving, I know that by the puddle stains all over outside my apartment and when I’m driving in the rain I think it drips and my tire catches some of it cause I shouldn’t be feeling like I’m in Mario kart drifting turns. Before this thing kills me can anyone help me identify where the HE** it’s leaking from.
(Also unrelated issue-maybe)
After 70 mph the car has a serious death wobble, literally feels like 1, if not all 4, are going to fly off my car. I’m told my bearings are fine, control arms, tie rod ends, axles, balance, air pressure, etc. Are fine. So then why does it shake so violently? Serious help needed here! If need be to get a hold of me immediately.
Saturday, January 25th, 2020 AT 4:02 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
94 TRANSAM
  • MECHANIC
  • 680 POSTS
I understand how hard it can be to find a leak when it has blown everywhere so, you need to buy, barrow or rent a pressure washer. An electric 1500 psi is fine and wash the under side of the car really well. Let it dry completely and then start it, let it idle until you see the drips hitting the ground and go down there and find it. Do not drive it as that will just blow fluid all over again. For this kind of fluid loos you are looking at the converter seal or an axle seal most likely.

Let me know what you find.

Rich
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Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,512 POSTS
Yep we need to know where the leak is coming from. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response.
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Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
THUNDRNT66
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I took out the battery to be able to see everything better and tomorrow my buddy is taking a pressure washer to it to clean it off to hopefully pin-point the leak. It’s literally everywhere. Underside is coated and dripping with it, it’s on top in crevasses if the transmission, by the breather for the gear shift under the air box, the transmission mount, and I think my power steering is leaking too. If I could upload multiple photos it’d be easier, lol.
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Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
94 TRANSAM
  • MECHANIC
  • 680 POSTS
Okay, let us know what you find after you wash it down.

Rich
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Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,512 POSTS
We need to see under the car as well. jack the car up to get a better look. here is a guide to help you:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Please upload more pictures once ready.

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Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
THUNDRNT66
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Here is a better picture of the underneath.
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Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
94 TRANSAM
  • MECHANIC
  • 680 POSTS
I still can't see where its coming from but I can see it's a massive leak. I don't think its the CV seals because the fluid is forward of the CV's. Short of a crack in the transmission the only thing that will leak fluid like that is the torque converter seal which is a common leak. Unfortunately replacing that seal requires removal of the transmission. I would however start the car and try to trace exactly where the river is coming from to confirm.
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Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,512 POSTS
Yes, that is a bad leak alright. you may need to go buy the car wash to clean the transmission with the pressure hose and then let it dry, start the car and see where the leak is coming from, use a flashlight.

This guide may help if needed:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on, that would be great. You can upload it here with your response.
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Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 AT 3:12 PM

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