Very little transmission fluid

Tiny
CASMIHOK
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 JEEP LIBERTY
  • 3.7L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 163,000 MILES
I just took my vehicle to get gas, I foolishly didn't check my transmission fluid until I got back. Lesson learned.

Dipstick came almost bone dry. Little bit at the end of the tip there. Gas stations.8 miles away, so 1.6 miles round trip.

I took it for a ride last night, but I don't know when it all leaked out. Anyway, how badly did I mess up?

How much damage can be done in a short time period and should I be kicking myself harder? Thanks

Not going to drive it until I get this leak worked out.
Thursday, January 16th, 2020 AT 8:14 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 203 POSTS
Update and in addition:
So, my transmission was already running a little rough, slipping and such. So, I've decided on this and let me know what you think. I am going to replace the filter and gasket, put new fluid in along with Lucas transmission fix.

This is the gasket I already have:

https://www.amazon.com/ATP-Automotive-TG-110-Automatic-Transmission/dp/B000S2ZO10/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=atp+trans+pan+gasket&pid=8SEKXil&qid=1579245514&sr=1-2&vehicle=2005-42-3531&vehicleName=2005+Jeep+Liberty

But, I realize it might be wrong. I have a 4WD, is this the correct or wrong gasket? Do I have to get a new one? I have to get a new filter anyway, so let me know which is the correct filter and gasket for an 05 Jeep Liberty Sport 3.7 L V6 4WD.

It looks like whoever did it last, used a liquid sealant. Do I also have to do that? Also, was there a specific order to the bolts? I read something about there being a special bolt that belonged in one hole, but I mixed and matched all those bolts I thought they were all the same. Thank you

This project needs to be tackled today so your input would be appreciated.
Thank you
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Thursday, January 16th, 2020 AT 11:22 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning,

Do not use any additive to the fluid. The additive you are talking about will damage the transmission.

There is no additive that will fix your transmission. Just replace the filter and fluid and use the correct fluid.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

As far as the level, at the end of the stick, it is only 2 quarts low. I doubt it will do any damage to the transmission.

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

I attached pictures of the fluid pans. There are several types. Look at your pan or take a picture and match it up to see which one is correct.

Are there any codes stored?

Roy

FLUID/FILTER SERVICE

NOTE: Only fluids of the type labeled Mopar (R) ATF + 4, Automatic Transmission Fluid, should be used in the transmission sump. A filter change should be made at the time of the transmission oil change. The magnet (on the inside of the oil pan) should also be cleaned with a clean, dry cloth.

NOTE: If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the fluid and filter should be changed.

1. Raise vehicle on a hoist. Place a drain container with a large opening, under transmission oil pan.

NOTE: One of the oil pan bolts (5) has a sealing patch applied from the factory. Separate this bolt for reuse.

2. Loosen pan bolts and tap the pan at one corner to break it loose allowing fluid to drain, then remove the oil pan.
3. Install a new filter and O-ring on bottom of the valve body and tighten retaining screws to 5 Nm (40 inch lbs.).

imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

NOTE: Before installing the oil pan bolt (5) in the bolt hole located between the torque converter clutch on and U/D clutch pressure tap circuits (Fig. 158), it will be necessary to replenish the sealing patch on the bolt using Mopar Lock & Seal Adhesive.

4. Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan using new Mopar (R) Silicone Adhesive sealant. Tighten oil pan bolts to 19 Nm (165 inch lbs.).
5. Pour four quarts of Mopar (R) ATF + 4, Automatic Transmission Fluid, through the dipstick opening.
6. Start engine and allow to idle for at least one minute. Then, with parking and service brakes applied, move selector lever momentarily to each position, ending in the park or neutral position.
7. Check the transmission fluid level and add an appropriate amount to bring the transmission fluid level to 3 mm (1/8 inch) below the lowest mark on the dipstick.
8. Recheck the fluid level after the transmission has reached normal operating temperature 180° F.
9. To prevent dirt from entering transmission, make certain that dipstick is fully seated into the dipstick opening.
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Friday, January 17th, 2020 AT 2:14 AM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 203 POSTS
Why are you saying it will damage my transmission? I've seen people used it and it stopped their slips
Also, I realize I used mercon a few months ago instead of ATF +4. I only used about a 6th of a quart. So not even close to a whole quart and I really barely have driven it in these past few months.

I realize it was the wrong fluid, could that little amount mixed in with my ATF+4 have caused issues as well? And since I'm going to be doing this process, I might as well flush it, correct? Thank you
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Friday, January 17th, 2020 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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The additives contain brake fluid. That swells the seals and yes, temporarily it will stop slipping and some minor leaks. It is only temporary as the seals will continue to swell and then the transmission will completely fail from seal failure.

Roy
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Friday, January 17th, 2020 AT 12:16 PM
Tiny
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Did you see the last part of my question about the incorrect fluid? Thank you
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Friday, January 17th, 2020 AT 12:34 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Yes, I saw it.

Do not flush it, just change the oil and filter and add the correct fluid.

You did no damage to the transmission by mixing the fluids.

Roy
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Friday, January 17th, 2020 AT 12:39 PM
Tiny
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Thanks Roy. I won't use the Lucas trans fix. Thanks for that warning, I would have just listened to the five star reviews. They should know what you told me. Thank you

It's not a good idea to use the fluid since it's pretty much perfect color, since I added that little bit of mercon right?
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Friday, January 17th, 2020 AT 1:24 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Correct. Change it out.

Roy
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Friday, January 17th, 2020 AT 1:30 PM

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