Transmission Fluid Shooting Thru Dipstick?

[jj0822]

Hi all,

Have a 2001 Taurus V6 SES, auto tranny sedan, purchased new. It has been into the service dept at least 3 times because every once in a while there will be a puddle of transmission fluid under the car. It is not enough to register on the dipstick, but its a pain to clean up. Every service person has diagnosed/fixed a different problem, but it keeps happening. Anybody else ever have this problem and have it fixed? It seems to be happening either on startup or shutdown of the engine and is really random...

Thanks

[onamission]

I have the same problem on my '01 and have been to the dealer twice with no resolution. Sometimes the dipstick handle is actually raised up about an inch when I go to check it, as if it is pushing itself out. I actually think the leak may be coming from the front of the trans somewhere because the pan is always a little wet, but the gasket has been replaced.

But like you said, its leaking so little that it doesn't even show that its losing any on the dipsick. I've had this problem for about 7 months and havent even had to add any fluid yet.

Sorry I couldn't help, but at least you know you're not alone.

[jj0822]

Thanks for the reply, it is a relief. Since I don't think Ford has a resolution, I'm using the universal tool - duct tape!! I'll see if the tape will hold the dipstick in place, after one week so far so good...

[SixFoFalcon]

When the fluid boils over, it usually takes the path of least resistance and spews out the dipstick tube.

Have you been towing, driving mountain terrain, or putting any heavy loads on the car & transmission? How many miles on the car? How many miles since the last ATF change?

[Nidan]

Sounds like the vent on top of the tranny is plugged... we just had on in the other day.. a new Freestar, and that's what the problem turned out to be. The tech working on it popped the lil metal cap off the top of the vent, and when he did, the rubber underneath let out a hiss like a can of pop opening... the buildup of pressure in the tranny was causing the fluid to come out the dipstick tube.. engineering told him that they have just come up with a revised vent, and they are sending it right away to try out. Maybe this is your problem also.

[spinoza]

Good one. It sounded like venting to me too. Funny how simple things get screwed up on a redesign.

[T@urus3.0]

i think ill check the vent on mine (ax4n) to see if its plugged, cause every time i pop the hood i notice the dipstick is out an inch or two.

[jj0822]

The first time I took the car in, the tech did mention the vent fix and supposedly did this. Don't remember the 2nd visit, and the third visit they changed a part of some type. We don't tow with it, has about 50K miles and has done the spewing from almost day 1. We had the tranny fluid/filter changed at 30K.

I will check for the vent again.

Thanks.

[12Volt_rep]

Okay folks, this may be an easy fix.Today as we were finishing the filter changer and adding the fluid we noticed what may be causing this problem. It seems as though it may be related to the vent tube rubber cover. Rather than let it vent it is causing a seal and letting the pressure vent through the fill tube. As we were putting in the first quart the fluid started to gurgle and blow back up the funnel. My tranny tech knowing it is not supposed to do that decided to look at the vent tube cover and remove it. Once he did that the other 6 quarts went in just fine, like they are supposed to. So if any of you are still having this problem take off the rubber vent tube cover and examine it. If it is wet inside it may be causing the problem. Also check your dipstick and make sure the seal around it is not failing like mine is. I had to order a new dipstick today from Ford, but for $9.00 it was well worth the peice of mind. I am going to go ahead and replace the vent tube cover too, just for the sake of it...incase it is the cause of the problem.