I have a very slight ATF leak. Dealer tells me that I have 'transmission wire harness seal leaking' and wants $370 to fix. I've never heard of this. Likely true? DIYable? TIA.

I have a very slight ATF leak. Dealer tells me that I have 'transmission wire harness seal leaking' and wants $370 to fix. I've never heard of this. Likely true? DIYable? TIA.

 

Although I hate the idea of driving around leaking all over - $370 will buy a lot of ATF.

You could seek out a second opinion. I think there are just o-rings involved but perhaps it's difficult to get to? not sure.

 

someone may be able to recommend a mechanic near Fairfax to give you another estimate.

the wire harness goes through the trans housing wall on the driver side about half way back. the harness has a plastic ''plug'' with some kind of seals with it. the seals are on the inside of the housing.

 

you may not have to drop the trans to replace the seal, but you do have to remove the oil pan and valve body of the trans. this is not something i would ever attempt myself.

 

i would, on the other hand, spray the exterior with some brake kleen and then try to squeeze some RTV or similar into the opening around the plug. it may not work, it may help, and i don't really see how it can hurt unless you squeeze a glob all the way into the inside.

 

but i don't really know if you can reach it from under the car with the trans in place.

Edited September 4, 201213 yr by johnceggleston

This isn't a pressure leak, so hopefully there is a way to deal with it from the outside.

dunno what car you have, but looking at my wife's OBW at opposedforces, SEEMS to show several spots for the control harness;

 

http://opposedforces.com/parts/legacy/us_b12/type_27/automatic_transmission/at_shift_control/

 

this is out of my experience though so, might not apply.

I've NEVER seen a 4EAT (phase 1 and phase 2) ever leak out the wiring seal. The dipstick tube is right next to it and I've seen quite a few of those leak. If someone bent the tube installing or removing the starter or disconnecting the Trans cooler lines, the flange will be bent and the o-ring wont seal up.

Come think of it, mine use to leak at the banjo connection for the pressure line to the cooler. The only tool that fits in there is a 19 mm offset box wrench.