1996 Chrysler Town and Country Tranny fluid in the radiator

WAMAROE

MEMBER
1996 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
111,000 MILES

Tranny fluid in the radiator overflow: About a week ago (until today), my van would on initial start up for the day; go down the street about 200 feet to a stop sign. After stopping, there would be no power to the wheels. Shifted the lever back and forth between D & R several times and it would start moving and be good for the rest of the day. Today the problem persisted for about a mile in stop & go traffic. Fluid level was down over 1 quart so I replenished. While doing so I thought to check the antifreeze; et voila! Tranny fluid in my antifreeze, but no evidence of water on the tranny dipstick (after adding quart and running 1 mile). I know the radiator breeched, but am perplexed as to why the radiator fluid didn't breech into the tranny. At what pressure is the tranny fluid pumped into the radiator (tranny cooler)?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

That isn't uncomon. The radiator needs replaced. As far as pressure, around 20psi.

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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 AT 6:35 AM

WAMAROE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Follow up: Cleaned up cooling system with teaspoon of Dawn dishsoap & refilling cooling loop with water, after removing thermostat. Ran car for a few minutes until fluid was warm. Important to remove heater hose and flush well when draining soap flush. Found no evidence of water in the transmission fluid while changing as a precaution. Transmission works well now.