Radiator/transmission question

[NickTransmissions]

Could a small leak and less than 2 miles driving damage it?

How do you know it has only been leaking for the two miles or so that you're referring to? How do you know it hasn't been leaking for quite some time and possibly leaking coolant into the transmission? Did your mechanic drop the pan to confirm/deny the presence of coolant in the transmission?

Just looking at the dip stick won't tell you anything as the lighter transmission fluid will sit on top of the heavier coolant/radiator fluid, all other things equal.

I agree w/ those who suggested a rebuild, or at least start preparing for one...And if your radiator is found to have been leaking coolant into the transmission, it's likely completely shot in that if I were the one working on your vehicle, I'd send your existing transmission to the scrap yard (assuming it's fully contaminated w/coolant) and build you another, entirely different one out of my inventory of cores.

 

[Rmcoy0017]

Picked it up.

It wasn't a radiator leak. The transmission was leaking.

Going to have to take it to a transmission shop.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Picked it up.

It wasn't a radiator leak. The transmission was leaking.

Going to have to take it to a transmission shop.

I must have misunderstood, my apologies...I thought your mechanic stated the cooler lines were leaking into the radiator, not externally. If they're leaking externally, you can just replace the lines and/or even put RTV on the fittings that thread into the radiator to prevent further leaks. This doesn't require the vehicle to be taken to a transmission shop for that (I'm surprised your mechanic can't fix the leak)...Unless I'm still not getting an accurate understanding of the problem.

 

[rdezs]

I think he's talking about the transmission itself leaking, like the front seal.

 

[Rmcoy0017]

Yes. The fluid I thought was radiator fluid was actually transmission fluid.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Yes. The fluid I thought was radiator fluid was actually transmission fluid.

So where exactly is it leaking from? If it's anywhere other than the front pump-tc hub seal then you should be able to fix that yourself...You can even do the front seal but you'd have to pull the trans which can be tricky if you're limited on space and/or ceiling height if doing it in your garage.

 

[houstontaylor]

At one time my transfer case was shifting into four-wheel drive low randomly which it sounds like yours could be doing since the wheels were locking up in a turn and it had high RPM to get anywhere. I also had the service four wheel drive message. On mine it ended up being the transfer case module underneath the dash and that fixed it. I don't know how bad the transmission cooling line leaks were but that may be a separate issue if it is not bad.

 

[Doubeleive]

ya this sounds more like a transfer case issue, which was why the service 4wd was lit up.
if your lucky all it needs is a encoder motor and fix the leak and be on your way.

 

[waveryd]

ya this sounds more like a transfer case issue, which was why the service 4wd was lit up.
if your lucky all it needs is a encoder motor and fix the leak and be on your way.

I agree. Sounds more like a transfer case encoder ring or motor. Many times this condition won't trigger a code.

 

[man n black]

Its pretty common knowledge that these transmissions last about 100K miles to the mile with regular service.....Our 2008 went out with zero warning right at 99.7K with religious service and the shop said it was a known regular fail. Replaced with a rebuilt in less than 48 hours in Reno at the time (2012) and no probs afterwards.

I agree its prolly time for a rebuild....

Ch