First, I would just like to say "hi" to everyone. I've been a lurker here for a long time, and i wish it were under different circumstances that I was placing my first post.

I have a 2006 Dodge Charger R/T. It's about 6 months old and has around 7,500 miles on it.
Last week I took it into the dealership because there was something wrong with the transmission - the shifting felt delayed and clunky. They repaired it under warranty saying that there was a leak in the "electrical transmisison housing".
When I got the car back it was running smooth again, but I moved my car tonight to a different spot in the driveway and discovered a patch of reddish orangy fluid where my car had been parked. Here are my questions:
1) Could this be related (ie the transmission)?
2) This is my first car and I'm embarassed to say I don't even know what type of fluid it is - I live in Canada and it's pretty cold here now, could this have something to do with it?
3) Is my car safe to drive around town for a few days?

I've done a few things to my car, doubt it's related to any of this, but thought I'd post it anyways, haha.
- AEM Brute Force CAI
- Eibach Pro-Kit Springs
-E&G Two piece grille set

Next on the List (in order)
-HID Xenon headllights
-Borla Cat-backExhaust (112)
-Eibach Pro Kit Shocks
-New Shoes

-Thanks in advance for your help!
-Jake

 

Hi Jake.. Congrats on your car purchase! As for the fluid leak red is usually trans fliud and if it's not more than like a silver dollar size spot it should be ok for a few days as it would take some time to loose enough to affect the tranny. But I would still get it in to the dealer ASAP. Your tranny is too expensive to play games with. There is an issue with the transmission dip stick seal with all Chargers, Magnums, and 300C's. The dealer should fix it at no charge. Mine was done in 90 minutes.
I don't know if Dodge uses the light red colored antifreeze coolant or not in the Charger. If it is anitfreeze I would be in more of a hurry than a few days since these leaks can turn catastrophic in no time, especially if you are experiencing cold temperatures.
The best way I can describe the difference between the two fluids is that tranny fluid is a darker red and thicker than coolant and very oily. The red type of antifreeze is paler in color and thin and only a little oily. Antifreeze also usually smells semi-sweet whereas tranny fluid has a more oily smell. When the car is long time cooled off, such as first thing in the morning you may be able to get a sample of antifreeze by opening the radiator cap and dipping a finger or a clean rag in depending on how far down the fluid level is. DO NOT open the cap if the engine is at all warm or it will blow up in your face, the cooling system is under pressure when warm. Or even better ask a buddy or a neighbor if they have a bottle of either in their garage so you can see what the fluids look like first hand.
Either way I would still get it in to the dealer asap because even if neither fluid looses enough to do harm, either one leaking sure makes a mess of the underside of your car which dirt will then love to glue itself to. Well I hope some of this helps and doesn't just confuse you. -Rob

 

RenoRob

Your reply does help, thanks!
Basically what I'm hearing though is that I should call the dealership right away though... that the fact that this fluid (either tran or anti-freeze)is leaking at all is a sign that something is wrong and it needs attention(?)

 

If it's antifreeze you can visually check the overflow/fill tank under the hood. With engine compartment open and looking at the engine it will be on the right (drivers) side and you should clearly see a Min (minimum) and Max (maximum) marked on the tank. Your fluid should be visibly between the two marks.

If it's tranny fluid only the dealer can check that.

Jack up the car a little and check underneath, possibly you can determine where it's coming from.

<edit> forgot to say welcome to the forum!

 

had this happen to mine after a tranny fluid change and it turned out to be some cap or plug that when they came from the factory, they were not the best plugs put in but they changed it with a more "improved" plug... no probs with it yet ...

 

I had the same problem with my 2006 Charger. I took it to the Dealer and he said they were have a lot of problems with the O rings in the transmissions. They replaced mine under warrenty and it it fine now.

syswayne