Just noticed a 1-2 drip per day leak coming from the area of some sensor just to the passenger side and aft of the drain plug. Not sure if it is the sensor o-ring leaking or something above it is leaking and dripping down the sensor. The leak is definitely red atf fluid. Does anyone know what sensor this is and if it cold be the source of an ATF leak? Is it going into tranny or engine block? Ive wiped the area and plan to recheck it in a few days to try and pinpoint. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

http://www.flickr.com/photos/71351139@N07/8350744566/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/71351139@N07/8350744654/
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That's you're crankshaft sensor, there's no ATF that will come out of there. I'm assuming it might be a leak coming somewhere along the transmission gasket. That sensor goes directly to the transmission, I'm assuming that transmission drain plug maybe a little lose, try tightening. You may have to get under there and scrutinize further to really get a look at where its leaking from.

 

Thanks for the reply. The allen head drain plug (seen in pic 1) is tight and very clean under/around, I just double checked it. Is there a second drain plug you know of? The crankshaft sensor was replaced a year ago (I didn't do the work, a mech did). Just to clarify, you say the crankshaft sensor goes directly into the tranny, if thats the case are you sure there wouldn't be fluid on the backside of the sensor?

I did successfully replace the valve body 10 months ago to fix the well known 2-3-2 slip bang and since then have done 3 drain and fills with new Matic K. Maybe that fresh new thin fluid has found a weak spot in the seal and is seeping out like you said. Its a 2004 with 99K. A tranny seal sound like an expensive fix I'd assume the tranny needs to be dropped?

If it truly can't be the sensor leaking than it is definately something to the left of that sensor when looking at pics 2 & 3. I'll check it daily and keep hunting.

 

Yes the crankshaft sensor goes directly in to the tranny, if you want to verify that there is a leak coming from that sensor. Just turn the car off disconnect the sensor and unbolt it. There is only one drain plug for the transmission. Yes it would need to be dropped to reseal. Keep me posted when u find where its coming from.