1997 Dodge Intrepid water in transmission fluid?

TSALZ

MEMBER
1997 DODGE INTREPID
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

Hi

A friend of mine drove her 1997 dodge intreped into a stream. The water was up to mid tire level. The car was in the water for 2 hours. After retrieving the car from the stream, the car ran for a week. Now the car will not engage the transmission. The car starts and idles fine, but when put in gear does not move. Checking the transmission fluid, the ATF fluid is visible THINNER and very light in color (very light pink verses the normal RED). So is appears water has gotten in the ATF.
1) will just draining the ATF and replaing the ATF + filter fix this problem?
2) HAs any other or permanent damage been done?

Thanks!

3 Replies

CH112063

MECHANIC
1,320 POSTS

Drain it by removing the pan and valve body and let it drip out overnight. You may have to do it a couple of times. I think positively, so you should be ok. Water is fluid and it's not like you had gasoline in it. I worry most because of the mileage but you must try. I hope it works out ok for you, if I can help you with anything let me know. Good luck

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Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 AT 8:37 PM

TSALZ

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the reply. I have spoken with several auto technicians. Several say "replace the ATF fluid", and a few say "there is water in the transfer case, and the transfer case will
have to be replaced alone with all the ATF fluid". Obviously there is a difference in cost. The car was running while in the water for some time. What is your diagnosis?

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Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 AT 11:59 AM

CH112063

MECHANIC
1,320 POSTS

The transfer case has a large drain and fill hole. Two. Get a suction pump next to the grease gun section, drain it and suction out as much as you can. See what happoens. I agree, they both should be replaced but what about the engine. The insurance is not going to buy you a new 42LE assembly. Try draining and refilling. There is always time to replace it. After you heat it up when you've drained everything, you would be suprised how these units can take it. The transaxle differential case your talking about is serviceable easily and uses gear oil, it's on the tag. That trans was the best. I rebuilt around two hundred. Rarely a comeback due to any internal failure. Ok

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Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 AT 8:54 PM