2004 Explorer help. Developed some kind of leak while driving.

[mizestang]

Guys, need some diagnostic help here. I have 04 Explorer V8. I was towing my boat home from vacation, doing 70 on hwy, all of a sudden saw smoke coming behind the truck. Pulled over, thought my trailer tire was going, but then noticed fluid all over bumper and trailer. Looked under the front end and saw tranny fluid all over oil pan and it sprayed all over bottom of the truck. I did notice the truck making a humming sound recently, but I didn't notice anything different in performance. I was able to make it home, but I still cannot determine what or where this came from. Drives normally. Any idea what this can be? I'm bringing it in to a tranny shop tomorrow, but I'd like to know what could make it just explode fluid like that.

Chris

 

[waskly]

overheated it?

 

[mizestang]

Overheated? Where did the fluid come from? Do I have a leak now? Most of my vehicles are manual, so I don't know much about automatics. How can I tell if its just an overheat problem and how do I avoid it? I've been pulling my boat all summer and haven't had a problem. Boat is only 18ft runabout, so its not heavy.

 

[waskly]

the trans has a vent tube on top which should goto the top of the bell housing.

 

[mizestang]

Okay, so if it did overheat, is there a way to prevent it? Do I just need a tranny flush?

 

[waskly]

could of been just from the load, speed, also if it did leak out i would make sure the trans is full.

 

[mizestang]

I cant find the tranny fill on these newer models. can you tell me where it is?

 

[mizestang]

Nevermind, I found the owners manual. need to pull plug on transfer case. I will just bring it in for a flush.
Thanks alot for the help.

 

[jakedrew]

maybe a tranny line popped off?

Keep us updated on what the tranny shop says.