What To Do About A Transmission Fluid Leak
When your Subaru develops a transmission fluid leak, your transmission may fail if the leak is not fixed in time. The engine isn't the only part that can overheat. The transmission can overheat too once it loses enough fluid. When the transmission runs too hot and doesn't get enough lubrication, it will fail sooner or later.
So if your Subaru has a transmission leak, address the issue ASAP. If you put it off, your transmission may pass the point of no return. You would have no choice but to drop thousands of dollars on a replacement transmission.
If you're not sure what to do when your Subaru has a transmission fluid leak, let this guide come to the rescue!
Make Sure It Is A Transmission Fluid Leak
Your Subaru is loaded up with many different types of fluids. So it can be a little easy to mistake another type of fluid leak for a transmission fluid leak. The first thing you want to do is to confirm that you're dealing with a transmission fluid leak.
Signs Of A Transmission Fluid Leak
When your transmission starts to lose fluid, performance problems will arise. Here are the most common telltale signs that your transmission is leaking fluid:
- The transmission light coming on the dashboard
- Grinding or clunking sound when changing gears
- Strange vibration while driving (from slipping gears)
- Sudden surging
- Burning smell (from overheating transmission fluid)
- Sluggish acceleration
What A Transmission Fluid Leak Looks Like
The most obvious sign of a transmission fluid leak is a dark spot (or a few dark spots) on the ground underneath the transmission. The fluid should have a slick consistency that's thinner than engine oil. It should be pink, red, or reddish-brownish.
Check The Transmission Fluid Level
A good way to confirm a transmission fluid leak is to check the fluid level. Check the dipstick to see if the level is lower than usual. This guide will walk you through the process of checking the transmission fluid level.
The fluid should look pink or red. Sometimes it may be brownish. In that case, you would need to perform a transmission fluid flush and replace the fluid.
Find Out Why Your Transmission Is Leaking Fluid
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There are many different ways your transmission can spring a leak. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Loose transmission pan plugs
- Punctured or dented transmission pan
- Cracked fluid lines
- Broken or loose seal
- Broken gasket
If you’re unable to pinpoint the exact location of the leak, bring your car to a mechanic. They will be able to find the leak for you and fix it. If you can find the source of the leak, you may be able to fix it yourself. If not, leave it to the professionals. Transmissions can be quite difficult to repair if you don't have right knowledge and equipment.
Can You Keep Driving Your Car If It's Leaking Transmission Fluid?
You can, but you shouldn't. When your transmission is low on fluid, it's not getting the lubrication and cooling properties it needs to function well. If you continue to drive with a transmission fluid leak, the issue can escalate quickly. Your transmission can wear out a lot sooner than expected.
If you absolutely must drive your vehicle before repairing the leak, you can top it off with fresh transmission fluid. This won't fix the problem, but your transmission will be getting the amount of fluid it needs for a short time.