sooo i got a 99 TL from down south in alabama like almost 2 yrs ago----i had it stored for the winter but took it out today----i looked under it and seen that theres sum fluid on the tranny---I KNOW ITS TRANNY FLUID----but i never changed the fluid in it-----A COUPLE PEOPLE TOLD ME CUZ OF THE YEAR IT WAS --NOT TO CHANGE IT !!!!! that it wud just give me problems---is this true ?????---the fluid is a darker red !!!! SOOOOOO where can this fluid be leaking from ????? and IS IT ALRIGHT TO CHANGE IT ?????----IT HAS THE BLUE BOLT HEADS ON IT !!!! so its a new tranny---it was replaced on 6/28/06 !!

PLEASE HELP MY OUT HERE GUYS---im no mechanic !!!!!!

 

so its not a 99 trans, it was installed in 06, you can change the fluid without concern
its only if you wait till 100 and then change it

the drain bolt is on rear driver side of trans -a square `cut in` bolt/plug that accepts
a 3/8" ratchet
filler hole bolt on top has ATF stamped on it
your oil jet kit is internal

put the car on ramps and look for the leak- there are a few places--axle seal is a start

 

what do u mean its not a 99 trans ?????

and also what do u mean about waiting till 100----my car has 173k on it !!!!! i got the car with 150k !!!

and what is a oil jet kit ????

and do u mean it can be leaking from where the axle does in the trans ???

THANKS MAN---YOU PERSONALLY HAVE HELPED ME ALOT ON HERE !!!!! I REALLY APPRECIATE IT !!!

 

holy punctuation!

he means that since your trans was replaced in 2006, it's a 2006 transmission, though you are correct, it's the 4 speed unit for 99 only.

he means mileage on the transmission--how many miles have you put on the car since your 2006 transmission replacement? he meant that if you had put 100k miles since then, it'd be bad to change the fluid.

the oil jet kit was a retrofit package on original transmissions only to fix a safety issue caused by chipping of the 2nd gear tooth--very rare issue but can cause loss of car control--note that this is NOT the problem experienced by the majority of TL owners. replacement transmissions have this internally.

and yes, i think he means leaking from where the axle exits the trans...but i'm not sure on that.

 

bingo niju!!

axles exit the trans case on each side,,those can leak at the seal that fits into trans,,easy fix
how are the cv bearings/axles,,you have some performance mods and enjoy that driving style right? a good pothole or curbshot can damage things..lowered cars wear out cv bearings faster

your trans case was made after 2005- so its the new design which moved the 2nd gear oil jet kit internal,, and has better oil passages (assuming 99 is same as 5 speed on those 2 statements--gurus please correct)

while its a `99 trans`,, its not 12 year old parts and fluid
its 5-6 years old -as far as its parts are concerned- and sounds like fluid was done before.
examine atf filler bolt on top for signs of tool marks like a socket

I would have no issue changing the fluid on it based on your description,
and probably go to a different fluid as some ziners are doing-Redline racing lightweight atf or any brand type F atf to improve clutch engagement without shudder or grabbing

you have red colored atf- thats good!! black would be never changed
red is newish

get it on jacks- ramps or a trans shop for evaluation
Is the fluid sprayed the length of the car as it was driven,,meaning lots of fluid or a pressure seal bad
or just drips down now as it sits?

can of gunk engine cleaner will get down to fresh so you can monitor better

 

wow----ok guys thanks----god i really appreciate all the help !!!!!

where else can it be leaking from beside the axle seals ????

ALSO-----i noticed that the bolts that hold the oil pan in---theres sum oil on them too-----sooo do ya think that that the seal for the oil pan is bad or what ????

THANKS AGAIN GUYS !!!!!

 

I think you should put it on jacks- ck the oil pan bolt for tight, as stuff likes to drip there naturally and fool you

no reason to throw you into a panic over possibles--get the car out and do some cleaning and troubleshooting

maybe its motor mount fluid!!

 

i dont know what it is----i wish ya lived closer so i can pay ya to do it for me-----man i tried everything last summer-----im the manager at a auto detail shop------soooo i had it up on the lift and degreased the whole underneath and power washed it----I MEAN I SCRUBBED UNDER THE CAR WITH A LIL TOOTH BUSH MAN---it was spotless----i couldnt find where it was coming from

it just drives me crazy knowing that its leaking ya know