Losing auto trans fluid. Not on ground...

[xben9x]

I just picked up a '97 GST auto. I've done most of the maintenance that was not done before I bought it. (changing oil, fuel filter, sparkplugs, wires) I was not getting any reading on the dipstick for the tranny, so after adding a bit, I still wasn't. I then changed the trans filter and gave it all new fluid, filled to the proper range. Two weeks later, I'm way down on the dipstick, and adding every few days to keep the level up. I was watching the level pretty closely also. I know it's not going on the ground. My searches on here have taught me that the fluid could be blowing through some regulator/vaccuum valve and getting burned up. Does anybody have any info on this? I'd rather not have to take it to be looked at if it is something I could tackle myself, but any advice would be great!

Thanks

Ben

 

[streetlegends]

I just picked up a '97 GST auto. I've done most of the maintenance that was not done before I bought it. (changing oil, fuel filter, sparkplugs, wires) I was not getting any reading on the dipstick for the tranny, so after adding a bit, I still wasn't. I then changed the trans filter and gave it all new fluid, filled to the proper range. Two weeks later, I'm way down on the dipstick, and adding every few days to keep the level up. I was watching the level pretty closely also. I know it's not going on the ground. My searches on here have taught me that the fluid could be blowing through some regulator/vaccuum valve and getting burned up. Does anybody have any info on this? I'd rather not have to take it to be looked at if it is something I could tackle myself, but any advice would be great!

Thanks

Ben

You know they had a recall on your year tranny right?? Take it to the dealer and see if the recalled was done and the recall had something to do with the tranny fluid not traveling correctly.

 

[vintagemuscle]

if your losing fluid and it's not leaking on to the ground there may be a leak in the torque converter and all of the fluid is accumulating in the bellhousing. i have seen this happen before. if your trans fluid was burning off, your car would smell like burnt trans fluid and you would definately smell it. pull the dipstick and smell it and if it has a burnt smell you have serious problems. can you see any trans fluid on top of the trans around the vents?

 

[toybreaker]

^^^^

I've been asked to look at a couple of auto tranny issues on the earlier cars.

Setting the fluid level is a major pain in the tookas. The operating level seems to vary more than one would expect ( WTF )

To correctly check the level the car must be conditioned a little first.

I usually drive it for a bit to get it to operating temperature. Don't powerbrake it or anything crazy, just motor around a bit. Find a LEVEL spot, set the handbrake, cycle the shifter through all the gears, slowly, put the trans in park. leave the engine running. Pull the dipstick, using a clean rag, wipe the stick and reinsert it fully. Remove the dipstick, turn it sideways, as the fluid will run with gravity. Read the level. Adjust as required.

I seem to have trouble getting it right the first time, third time, twenty third time.

But, eventually I will check it after all the air is worked out, and it will stay pretty consistent after that. Just remember, you need to do it the same way everytime, or you'll drive yourself nuts.

I don't believe there is a vacum modulator on dsm automatics. On some makes of cars, they can fail and pull tranny fluid into the intake.

Is the tranny acting up?

Low fluid level would affect engagement and shifting.

High fluid level would foam the fluid..and affect engagement and shifting...

AAAARGHH!

Just approach it logically, and check it the same way each time. If you're actually losing fluid, it will begin to appear outside the tranny sooner or later.

 

[xben9x]

Thanks guys. I haven't noticed any fluid outside of the tranny. I have checked the fluid plenty of times, but going by the manual, I warm it up, put it through the gears, then I check it in NEUTRAL. Toybreaker said to check it in PARK. I have checked it in park, and it registers alot different. Thanks for the info on the recall too. I'll have to check on that recall for the trans. The tranny isn't acting up, shifts pretty good, I think. Sort of snappy, but not grinding, and under boost, it shifts good also. Sometimes, when the trans is cold putting the trans into drive, it will be a bit hard. As for it possibly burning up, I don't smell any burnt fluid. The dipstick smells normal. Is it possible that on the initial fluid fill-up that it was air locked, to where it would last a couple days, then "burp" itself? Then the level would receed? If it did, that wouldn't explain the level going down every few days. Unless it was really airlocked up...I'm just at loss here. Thanks again for the advice guys. I appreciate it!

 

[toybreaker]

Hey, you are perzactly correct xben9x, it is checked in neutral. I offer my most humble apologies. I just looked in the factory service manual, and that's what it says.

I've always checked auto trans fluids in park, because it's way safer, as there's less possibility for the shifter to decide it'd rather be in different position...say...drive .

It's never hapened, but just the same..it'd be ugly.


I don't know if it matters whether you check it p or n, but it's possible there's a different fluid flow path, so I'd be curious to know if it changes. Please check it both ways, and let us know.

Anyway, I stand corrected. And, most definately, be carefull if you're checking it in neutral. I usually have my dog with me, and I can visualize trouble...he always wants to drive!!!

John

 

[xben9x]

Hey John, I appreciate the reply back. I figured you wanted to say neutral, but either way. I have heard it done both ways. I didn't tinker with it at all today Did wash and wax her yesterday, so at least it looks good for the trans fluid check tomorrow. I will post back after checking both ways. Thanks again.