My transmission fluid is leaking into my.

Tiny
MIDIHEAD
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The Service Manager came to the same conclusion as you: bypass the original cooler and install an external one. I am scheduled to have it installed this coming Wednesday.

The Service Manager and I took the vehicle for a test drive earlier today to road test the wheel bearing repairs (all good there). The vehicle was cold when we set out for the drive. We didn't notice any shifting issues during the 10 mile drive which was somewhat mountainous. Right after I dropped him off, I put the Explorer in reverse and experienced the slightly harsh engagement that I had mentioned previously. Also, when I was starting up the fairly steep grade toward home, I noticed that the tranny hesitated a bit shifting from 1st into 2nd. I guess that was slippage. It definitely waited until the vehicle had heated up (and he wasn't in the vehicle, of course) before I noticed the shifting issues today. I was told that my computer never has shown any codes relating to an overheating condition in the tranny.

When I noticed the leaking back in August, I didn't have the harsh engagement and any noticeable slippage then. This started showing up in October or so. I am hoping that all of this is related to the cooler getting progressively more restricted over time. The Service Manager said that the restricted flow of fluid itself shouldn't cause shifting issues as far as the tranny not getting enough fluid fast enough is concerned but does agree that the fluid overheating is what is causing the vent hole leak. He did say that the valve body could also be a source of the harsh engagement and slipping but I hope we don't have to go there.

I will keep you posted once the new cooler has been installed. Many, many thanks for your technical insight along the way. :)
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 1:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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You are welcomed and glad that we have at least got some possible answers.

Restricte flow of the trans fluid would not cause any shfting issues but the overheating would as the fluid properties would be changed when the fluid heats up.

Lets hope the cooler would help to resolve the issue. Constant overheating of the fluid would cause the fluid properties to deteriorate prematurely and it would be advisable to get the fluid changed when the cooler is installed.

The PCM might not record any overheating but it is possible the overheating is not over the limit for the PCM to detect it but enough to cause the problems encountered.

When overheating is detected by the PCM, it would cause the indicator to show and even might cut off the transmission operations temporarily.

Keep me posted of any further news.

Have a nice day.
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 1:43 PM (Merged)

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