Question63k miles on car. Just started leaking trans fluid beside oil pan. Does not appear to be coming from oil pan. Leak starts from front of transmission. Hard to see origination point. Oil is not coming down hoses for oil cooler.
Is it the solenoid pack? How does this come off?
Is there a gasket between solenoid pack and trans?
Leaks while engine is running. (pretty good leak)
Transmission runs fine at this point, no issues except leak.
AnswerHi Jerry,
Unfortunately the '04 model year is just a bit outside my range of shop manuals. I have an '00 Sebring sedan manual that has a section about the automatic trans but is is less detailed than is the case for my '98 manuals. In those models that solenoid pack is accessed by removing the sound cover and indeed there are gaskets involved with that module. The '00 manual shows that you access the solenoid pack by first removing the oil pan and then the valve body, and it is not as clear about the gasketing around the sound cover. I wish I could be more specific about your '04 trans, but without being able to see and compare it to the ones I do have info about I might well mislead you.
My suggestion would be to find a well-recommended independent transmission shop (rather than a dealer or a nationwide franchise type) and let them look for the leak. It may be an easy fix, but in any case to avoid damage I would do it now. The main concern would be to differentiate the leak as to torque converter/input shaft (which would require removal) or a leak involving a gasket/seal that is accessible without removal. I would want to see proof of the former if that is what they say.
Roland
PS Use the 'thank/rate' tab to get back to me without having to wait for me to be available to take a question. Feel free to offer an evalution and possible nomination if you believe I merit it.
