Parked, Turned off in Drive, Leaked Trans Fluid?

Tiny
5W337
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SATURN SL2
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 96,669 MILES
I pulled into my driveway at home & turned off the engine but the car was still in drive. The next morning when I went to back my car out of the driveway I found a puddle (8 inches round) of transmission fluid. I drove the car around the neighborhood to warm it up & checked the trans fluid level & it was full. I'm sure it was trans fluid because I used a paper towel to mop it off the driveway to see what it was. As best as I can tell it hasn't leaked before & I've been watching like a hawk & it hasn't leaked since. Any idea what could have caused it & did I damage something?
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 AT 11:04 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
So did you leave your car in park overnight by mistake?Also when you came out in the morning there was a puddle of transmission fluid on the ground?The first thing I would check is to see if the transmission filter is loose they screw on like oil filters. The best way to get to it from the top is to remove the air box by the radiator. There are three 10mm bolts holding it in. Two by the battery and one by the radiator. Let me know what you find.
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Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 AT 5:26 PM
Tiny
5W337
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Oh no, I pulled into my driveway and was in a hurry and turned of the car, then realized I hadn't put it in Park. I put it in park before getting out of the car. The puddle was in the front middle of the car. I'll take a look at the filter tonight & report back. Thanks!
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Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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I ment to ask did you leave your car in drive all night?
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Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 AT 1:13 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Ok keep me posted another place to look for fluid is at both axle seals just follow the axles back from the wheels and you will find the seals. Also under the battery tray you will see a pan on the transmission look for fluid there. Also on the drivers side on the side of the transmission there is the side cover look for fluid there also.
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Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 AT 5:58 PM

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