year2000

I notice some red fluid dripping down from my 2000 GS400 when the car is running and it stop when engine is turned off. From the color and texture, it seems to be transmission oil. I can see the leak starts from the top of the filler pipe where the transmission dipstick is (Level Gauge) sits. I bring it to a local shop and verify that it is not a leak from the transmission pan or anywhere from the bottom. It was really from the top of the filler pipe, drip the way down to exhaust, creating some smoke when driving.

I pull the dip stick out while the engine is running and it fluid level is anywhere over the top of HOT to 60% up of the stick. Seems the fluid is overflow or high pressure causing the fluid to flow out. Could there be any other fluid that gets into the system, cause the ATF to leak out from the filler pipe? Does coolant goes to transmission for cooling on our GS?

My car only has 80k miles and did a transmission fluid flush couple years ago. So the fluid level should be fine. Current temperature here is around 40F.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

Sounds like the fluid is way too high. Pull the drain plug and replace with 2 quarts of Toyota T-IV.

year2000

Would coolant gets into the transmission through the oil cooler which is also the radiator?
If so, how can I tell as both coolant and ATF are red in color.

username32

It would be milky as when you mix water plus oil regardless of color it will turn cloudy or milky.

burny

Did you get an A/T cooler Temp light at any time? I once overfilled a Toyota 4runner by about a quart and 100 or so miles into an interstate trip the A/T cooler light would come on. I always associated that light with being underfilled. Anyways after draining a quart out, I have never seen the light since. The light never came on just driving around towm. it needed to get really hot.

year2000

Ok, my mechanic found the issue.
The transmission fluid is over heating and puke out from the filling pipe. By the time the issue is diagnosed, my transmission fluid is already low. I guess I should have check the level when the transmission is cold.

The oil cooler may be plug or malfunction. Since the oil cooler is inside the radiator. I think is time to put in a new radiator even there is no leak yet.

I no longer see fluid coming out from the filling pipe after driving for couple days now. Glad it wasn't coolant inside the transmission. You guys are right, coolant and ATF mix should be a milk shake color, which I didn't have.

airahcaz

year2000

Replace a new radiator.