Transmission fluid
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Registered User
Joined: Jul 2010
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Transmission fluid
I just had a friend replace my radiator yesterday in my 99 DodgeRam 1500. Now I have what looks to be like a transmission leak but the fluid is coming out somewhere near the back of the radiator. Is this something that I need to worry about or is it just fluid from the change for the radiator? I checked my tranny fluid and its at min.
Champion
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 1
From: Minot AFB, ND in person, the 'burgh at heart
are you sure its tranny fluid? it could be power steering fluid also
Either way, ATF+4 is REQUIRED for these trans. They're all exactly identical, so find the cheapest stuff you can. Walmart brand is the SAME stuff chemically as the high dollar stuff
Either way, ATF+4 is REQUIRED for these trans. They're all exactly identical, so find the cheapest stuff you can. Walmart brand is the SAME stuff chemically as the high dollar stuff
Champion
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 1
From: Minot AFB, ND in person, the 'burgh at heart
which radiator? there are 4 up there. haha the biggest one is the engine coolant. right in front of that (real thin radiator) is the tranny cooler. in front of that and down low (short and fat) is the power steering cooler. to the right of all those is for the A/C.
The power steering fluid and tranny fluid look very very similar.
The power steering fluid and tranny fluid look very very similar.
Champion
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 1
From: Minot AFB, ND in person, the 'burgh at heart
wow... disregard all that. this was originally posted in the 3rd gen so thats what i've been referring to. the 2nd gens could have an entirely different setup. doesnt change the fact that tranny and power steering fluid look the same though.
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
Likes: 10
From: Gainesville, Ga.
99 will have a transmission cooler built into the radiator, and then if you have the towing package, you could have a second, separate trans cooler. you won't have a ps cooler.
to replace your radiator, your friend would have had to remove the trans lines, and then reattach them to the new radiator. some fluid would spill out, maybe 1/2 quart or so.
do this - spray off the radiator, body, frame, etc and wash off all the fluid that's there now. try to get it all off, then monitor it for new leaks. if none, don't worry about it. if it does keep dripping, then you should fix it. you may have to remove the trans lines and wrap the threads in teflon tape or some other thread sealer. you could put a wrench on there to make sure they're tight, but don't overdo it and bend a line or anything.
check trans fluid only with engine running and in NEUTRAL, not park. don't let it get low and as said, use only ATF+4 fluid.
to replace your radiator, your friend would have had to remove the trans lines, and then reattach them to the new radiator. some fluid would spill out, maybe 1/2 quart or so.
do this - spray off the radiator, body, frame, etc and wash off all the fluid that's there now. try to get it all off, then monitor it for new leaks. if none, don't worry about it. if it does keep dripping, then you should fix it. you may have to remove the trans lines and wrap the threads in teflon tape or some other thread sealer. you could put a wrench on there to make sure they're tight, but don't overdo it and bend a line or anything.
check trans fluid only with engine running and in NEUTRAL, not park. don't let it get low and as said, use only ATF+4 fluid.
