creator1322

I can smell transmission fluid coming through my vents very slightly when stopped or when going at slower speeds.

It's 100% transmission fluid and it's not a major leak because I've been checking the fluid.

I have no idea where it's coming from or what's causing it. I know the trans is very slightly over full when fully heated up. But within margins all other times.

The transmission or engine, not sure, has a slight whine to it when accelerating and again when decelerating but only at slower speeds.

Any ideas.......

ADDED: Does not depend on A/C being on or off. Had a new radiator put in last year from a small front end collision. I can't be 100% sure that they replaced the fluid lost with the radiator with HONDA ATFZ1. But, less than a week after they replaced radiator, I did a drain and fill on the transmission just in case. But I know that wouldn't have removed 100% of non-ATFZ1 fluid had it actually been put in there.

UDATE: Ross 2.0 says that my transmission fluid is NOT cooled via the radiator. If this is the case, I would never have had bad fluid put in. I did a 3 time drain and fill about 18,000 miles ago...pretty much a flush.

Modified by creator1322 at 1:05 PM 9/19/2008


Modified by creator1322 at 9:17 AM 9/21/2008

Ross 2.0

You have a leak somewhere. Or your vent is out of whack. Double ceck the trans and make sure to look at the back side between the firewall and trans.

creator1322

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross 2.0 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You have a leak somewhere. Or your vent is out of whack. Double ceck the trans and make sure to look at the back side between the firewall and trans.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Is there something specific on the back that you feel may be the culprit?

The smell DOES seem to be the most strong from the backside of the transmission.

I've looked very carefully for anything at all, but I can't seem to find a hint of fluid anywhere.

Is there anything that would be better checked under the car? I could put it up on stands and check it out.

Thanks for the input. I'll check anything you folks recommend and report back even with pictures if necessary.

Much thanks!

ekb16

iTrader: (1)

how does ur coolant look?

creator1322

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ekb16 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">how does ur coolant look?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks for the reply Ekb....

My coolant looks consistent. It hasn't changed levels since I had repairs done last November....It's nice and green.

What are your thoughts?

ekb16

iTrader: (1)

if i remember correctly ur trans cooler system is part of the radiator and if the trans cooler tubes in the radiator is leakin trans fluid then its gonna be mixed wit ur coolant..ur coolant system cycles thru the firewall to the evaporator which give u heat durin the winter time, so u would be able to smell it since its inside the cabin..

creator1322

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ekb16 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if i remember correctly ur trans cooler system is part of the radiator and if the trans cooler tubes in the radiator is leakin trans fluid then its gonna be mixed wit ur coolant..ur coolant system cycles thru the firewall to the evaporator which give u heat durin the winter time, so u would be able to smell it since its inside the cabin..</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thats sorta was i was thinking at one point. But than I couldn't find the transmission lines that go to the radiator.

Can anyone tell me where the trans lines go into the radiator???

I'm going to lift up the front end tomorrow and check things out. My transmission seems to be shifting a little tough into 3rd right now...i hope it's not going out...

ekb16

iTrader: (1)

the tubes for the trans lines are usually located on the bottom of the radiator where the lower hose attaches to

creator1322

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ekb16 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the tubes for the trans lines are usually located on the bottom of the radiator where the lower hose attaches to</TD></TR></TABLE>

Cool, well maybe there a little hidden, cause I couldn't spot them from a top down inspection.

Smelling transmission fluid is like knowing she's bleeding, but you just don't know where from....lol

Ross 2.0

Your car doesn't have a trans cooler in the radiator. It's on top of the transmission.

creator1322

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross 2.0 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Your car doesn't have a trans cooler in the radiator. It's on top of the transmission. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Wonderful, some news I didn't know that will help my quest for the smell.

So, where on top of the transmission?

I was looking for days on the driver side where the dipstick is, but I didn't see anything that looked like a cooling system. Do you have a diagram or anything?

I think we're getting warmer....thanks Ross!