i was pulling my car out of my garage today and noticed a small puddle under the car. i examined it and realized it was some kind of oil/lubricant. i know it was not motor oil though.

i'm have a feeling that it was tranny fluid because i saw a small drip on the edge of the transmission.

is there any easy way to check the level of transmission fluid, just so i know that i'm not about to break anything because of the fluid being potentially too low?

any suggestions would help.

thanks
joel

 

bump, anyone?

 

Only way to check is to pull the fill plug and check the level.

Manual transmissions and transaxles are tough like that-- much more work to check the level than with the automatic counterpart.

While you're checking, you may as well change the fluid. Near as much work to do one than the other...

ferb!

 

if the fluid is redish in color, it may be the tranny fluid. if the liquid is greenish in color, it could be the radiator fluid.

 

it's neither reddish or greenish. but i am almost positive that it is not motor oil

 

Unfortunately there's no easy way to check the tranny fluid w/o opening the fill plug. But that's actually not too bad. I'd start with a systematic check of all fluid levels (power steering maybe?).

 

I would not drive the car till I checked the fluids. You don't want to damage anything. If you don't want to do it yourself, bring it to a shop close by and let them check. Shouldn't cost much. In fact, since this car is under warantee, your dealer should provide fluid top off for you at no cost, since they are the ones that did the pre delivery inspection before you drove it off.

 

The tranny fluid is dark grey or black. It also stinks (destinctive smell)

 

Take it back to the dealer. You need to get the leak fixed regardless of whether the trans is full or not.

 

While ATF is generally reddish in color, gear lube can vary from almost clear to various browns, reds, greens and blues. I wouldn't go on color at all. It usually has a distinctive smell, but if you aren't familiar with it, you may not notice. The only way to check is (as already stated) to remove the fill plug with the car in a level position. If fluid seeps out, you're all good. A properly filled tranny will have the fluid even with the bottom of the hole. You could add some fluid and note how much is put in before it starts coming out. This is about the only way (other than trying to probe through the hole) that you can check the level.