BostonETC97 Posted October 29, 2007 Report Share Posted October 29, 2007 For the last few months, I've had a very occasional leak of what I'm assuming to be transmission fluid. Maybe twice a month, there's a good-sized puddle (probably a foot or so in diameter) from the front-center of the car. Usually happens after driving for a while, and leaving it overnight. I can't repeat the leak, or visually see where its coming from. The fluid level never seem to go down on the dipstick, and the only way I've ID'd the oil is by absorbing it on a white paper towel, and seeing the pinkish-red color, and oily texture. This one has me puzzled! I figure since I just broke 100k, I'm due to change the tranny fluid anyway. I'd love to pinpoint the leak before changing the fluid, and fix it while the car is up on the lift. Any similar experiences out there? Is there any known leak-prone areas on these transmissions? It still drives and shifts flawlessly! Thanks for the help! -Scott '97 ETC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted October 29, 2007 Report Share Posted October 29, 2007 Aftermarket pan gaskets are no good, if its cork, that will leak. Use only the OEM seals and torque them to spec. Check for leaks at the accumulator at the rear of the tranny and at the axle seals. Check the cooler lines and check for a leak at the electrical connector, take the connector apart, if it leaks it leaks down the wiring and into the connector. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted October 30, 2007 Report Share Posted October 30, 2007 By "front center" do you mean under the radiator or farther back under the engine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BostonETC97 Posted October 30, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 30, 2007 I'd say its leaking parallel to the front wheels. When I first saw the leak, it almost looked like it was coming from near the oil filter, which make me first think it was engine oil. Until I actaully wiped up the oil and found it to be red, I assumed I had a big motor oil leak. I guess the part that has me frustrated is that it only happens once a month. I'll clean up the puddle, and nothing will hit the garage floor until the next 'purge' quite a while later. I've never had such a random but scary looking leak before! And it's even stranger how none of the fluid levels are going down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted October 30, 2007 Report Share Posted October 30, 2007 I'd say its leaking parallel to the front wheels. When I first saw the leak, it almost looked like it was coming from near the oil filter, which make me first think it was engine oil. Until I actaully wiped up the oil and found it to be red, I assumed I had a big motor oil leak. I guess the part that has me frustrated is that it only happens once a month. I'll clean up the puddle, and nothing will hit the garage floor until the next 'purge' quite a while later. I've never had such a random but scary looking leak before! And it's even stranger how none of the fluid levels are going down. There are a couple of tranny cooler lines in that area, have a look at them. Also, it is possible that one of your cooler lines is leaking at the radiator, and the fluid is running to the center of the car and dripping. In front of the radiator is a power steering fluid cooler, have a look at the hoses attached to it. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BostonETC97 Posted October 30, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 30, 2007 On the passenger side of the car, there's a line running into the side of the radiator that I'm assuming is the tranny cooler. It looks to have a "quick connect" plastic piece in it, and the fitting and area around it look oil-soaked. The hose-end looks sort of rusted, so I'm hoping that's a start at the fix. I'll have a better look tomorrow when I can get it up on a lift. Also - is there any preferred transmission fluid to use for this car? The current fluid (original fill) is still pink-red, and does not have any burnt odor. I figure it's still worth changing once I fix the leak, since its about ten years old! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted October 30, 2007 Report Share Posted October 30, 2007 Yup, that's the trans cooler line. Sounds like you have located the problem. Maybe just snugging up the fitting will do the trick. Use Dexron VI for the fluid change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted October 30, 2007 Report Share Posted October 30, 2007 The tranny cooler lines are on the driver side of the radiator and the oil cooler lines are on the passenger side of the radiator, unless the eldorado is different for some reason. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted October 30, 2007 Report Share Posted October 30, 2007 Oops. Sorry BBF is right, I stand corrected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted October 30, 2007 Report Share Posted October 30, 2007 Sometimes the plastic quick disconnect portion can break and cause the line to tilt in the fitting that will cause a leak similar to what you described. You can buy a replacement plastic clip at any auto parts store. GM makes you buy the whole connector that screws into the radiator. There is also an o-ring on the metal line that can leak. It should be replaced when the connection is disturbed. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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