Transmission fluid leak, but where is it going??

[mhallack]

We have a 94 XLT, auto transmission, auto hubs. A few weeks ago after backing out of our parking spot, I put it in drive, won't go into gear. I put it back in park, then drive, won't go, then finally kicks into gear. Runs fine the rest of the day. I check the trans fluid level , quite low, so I fill it to proper levels. During this time I check underneath the truck for leaks. Can't see any, and nothing on the ground. Two weeks later same thing, put fluid in again, no leaks found. We drive the truck a lot, it's our only vehicle, just turned over 226,000 miles, as far as I know, no work had ever been done on the trans. What is going on and what should I look for? Thanks.

 

[Lbf119]

Check the vacumm modulator on the trans pull the hose and i bet you find trans fluid in it if there are no visable leaks that is probably where it is going.

 

[wood1]

X2. The diaphragm fails and allows the engine vacuum to suck transmission fluid out of the tranny into the intake and the engine burns it. If you own an A4, eventually you will have to replace the modulator. There is information in the tranny section, I believe Glacier did a how-to. Be very careful to not get any dirt in there, and do not loose the little pin. Easiest way to do it with a 4 WD is to pull the carpet back and do it through the hole where the shifter would come through for a manual transmission. If it is not a 4WD it will not have the big heat shield for the servos and should be easier from under the truck. I did my 4 WD from inside and it wasn't too bad even with larger hands.

Good luck!

 

[wood1]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=263904

Oops, sorry cogs, nice write-up!

Wood.