Transmission leaking

2006 HONDA PILOT
169,700 MILES • 3.5L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
ANTARCTICSUB2ONEA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I just bought the vehicle list above and there was no transmission fluid on the dipstick. Ended up putting three quarts just to register a reading on the dipstick. Thereafter I flushed the transmission and put in 8.9 quarts of new fluid. A week later there is lots of fluid under the transmission and surrounding areas. It seems to have lost perhaps a half quart maybe less but it was relatively dry, I cleaned it, at the time of flushing. It is not leaking from the radiator area and higher than the pan. What could it be?
Nov 30, 2018 at 11:57 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

There are so many places it can leak and without us getting a view of the transmission, it would be a guess. Can you post a picture of the underneath of the car so I can see what it looks like?

It could be the front seal, bulk head seals where the axles mount or the case itself.

Please post some pictures for us to view.

Roy
Dec 1, 2018 at 4:46 AM
Avatar
ANTARCTICSUB2ONEA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Tonight after having the fluid level within the acceptable range it started slipping badly, I stopped, checked, and it was far over the top mark or hole. A half hour later it ran fine but the level was still high. I have not a clue.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Dec 6, 2018 at 3:56 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Transmission fluid expands rapidly from cold to hot. It can increase in the amount by about one quart.

That is why you always check fluid level hot, not cold. That would explain your high level.

The pictures look like an oil leak, not transmission leak.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

My suggestion is to have the bottom of the car cleaned with a high-pressure wash from a car wash. Then run it and look for leaks. If you cannot find it, then take it somewhere and have them look at it for you to at least tell you the origin of the leak.

Roy

Dec 6, 2018 at 4:05 AM
Avatar
ANTARCTICSUB2ONEA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I came to the same conclusion initially it was oil but the oil level has remained steady. Is it possible that transmission fluid traveling over an oily surface could pick up some of that oil enough at least to darken it? because it seemed the viscosity was more in line with transmission fluid than oil. Just a thought anyway. Thank you for taking the time to help me.
Dec 6, 2018 at 4:26 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Yes, it is possible but you need to start somewhere.

Get it cleaned and start from scratch.

Roy
Dec 6, 2018 at 4:39 AM