Leaky transmission fluid. possible reasons? - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville

Could be a number of reasons, fluid level is one,plugged filters, fuel& tranny,what does the transmission fluid look and smell like , they are good indicators as to tranny issues

Oil leaking around a starter is usually one of three possible things.
If it is motor oil, then suspect the rear main seal.
It it is auto trans fluid, it could be from the transmission front seal or the torque converter
If you have a manual transmission, it could be clutch fluid leaking from the slave cylinder, or a leaky front seal from the transmission.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Section 9-13 of Owner's Manual
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer service department
and have it repaired as soon as
possible.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at your dealer/retailer service
department. Contact your dealer/
retailer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual.

no the tranny wont have to be dropped if it is just a leaky pan gasket.

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Fluid by the back wheels could be an indication of a brake fluid leak. Check the reservoir on the master cylinder for brake fluid level. If it's low, you've identified that you have a leaky brake line and should replace it immediately. If the fluid is full, it's possible that you've a transmission fluid leak that traveled along the undercarriage and is dripping by the back wheels.

For the fastest indication of what the fluid is, check all the fluids, power steering, auto transmission (if equipt) clutch if it's a manual transmission etc

CHECK UNDER VECHICLE IF TRANSMISSION FLUID UNDER TRANSMISSION MORE LIKELY PAN GASKET LEAKING FLUID.IF FLUID HAS NOT BEEN CHANGED THE PAN GASKET GET HARD LEAKS FLUID.THATS IF YOU HAVE SLOW LEAK.IF YOU LOSING LOTS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID ITS .LEAKING AT TORQUE CONVERTER SHAFT SEAL.LEAKING AT COOLER LINES.CHECK COOLER LINES FROM RADIATOR TO UNDER CAR WHERE COOLER LINES GOES TO TRANSMISSION. AND CHECK LEAKS AT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT AXLES SEALS

Your radiator is connected to the transmisiom to cool the transmission. the tank in the radiator has ruptured and transferring fluid to where it should not be. solution replace radiator. This will transfer trans fluid to cooling system and vice versa. I can not see the trans oil ending up in the engine oil sump for any reason?

Hi,
When white smoke is spewing from your exhaust, it is usually an indication that something is burning. The typical culprit is a burning fluid from the vehicle, but other causes are possible.

Oil, transmission fluid and antifreeze are the three fluids most likely to be the cause of white smoke coming from your exhaust. Ruptured seals, leaky bolts and blown gaskets can expose oil to hot spots, making it burn. Pinholes or loose lines can cause antifreeze to spray on the engine, while transmission fluid can be sucked into the engine and burn


Here is a form of solution or prevention which can help you out;
Keep your fluids at the appropriate level and change them at the recommended intervals to reduce leaks and maintenance issues. Use the proper types of fluids as well. The wrong transmission fluid can cause your gears to stick and wear down, while the wrong oil can reduce lubrication on the engine and cause internal damage. Improper mixture or wrong type of antifreeze can cause overheating.


Good luck.

It is probably a hydraulic clutch. Check the fluid. From your description, I am understanding that the pedal feels normal but you are unable to put the car in gear when you push the pedal down. You probably have a leaky slave cylinder on the transmission, but it is possible to have a leaky master cylinder (on the firewall, aligned with the clutch pedal). Check your fluid, if it's empty fill it and bleed the system. You probably have a really big air bubble in your clutches hydraulic system. Usually you can get away with not replacing the leaking part for a bit, just keep an eye on your fluid, and save your pennies! Good luck!!!

If you have an automatic transmission, check the transmission fluid level. If the fluid level is low, the transmission will not engage.

If you have a manual transmission, check the clutch fluid level. Look for a leaky master cylinder or slave cylinder.