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Hey, Why is There Red Fluid Leaking from My Car?

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Four common causes for a vehicle leaking red fluid and their related parts.
The red color in the fluid is added to help to determine where the fluid is coming from. Some Coolant is red but will be very thin. When you see red oil around or under your vehicle, it will come from one of two places. The power steering fluid in a lot of vehicles is red oil. The more common fluid is going to be your automatic transmission fluid. Red fluid is like your blood. If you lose too much, very bad things will happen. Be proactive if you have red oil leaking out of your vehicle.

Is Your Car Leaking Red Fluid?

The red fluid leak probably comes from the transmission or hydraulic power steering system (they typically use a red fluid). In this case, it can come from a leak in the transmission pan, cooler, wire connector seal, output shaft seal, or cooler lines. Less often, it can be related to a power steering fluid leak....read more

The red fluid leak probably comes from the transmission or hydraulic power steering system (they typically use a red fluid). In this case, it can come from a leak in the transmission pan, cooler, wire connector seal, output shaft seal, or cooler lines. Less often, it can be related to a power steering fluid leak.

Some vehicle fluids are red-colored. Therefore, they're easier to identify when leaking. Red fluid leaking from a vehicle usually comes from either the power steering system or the transmission. Note that responding to leaks quickly is essential. If fluids run dry, your vehicle will be at risk.

You use the steering and shifting systems to control your vehicle. If these systems are compromised, driving becomes dangerous. Any leaks in these systems create red puddles under the car and result in trouble turning or shifting gears.

Transmission fluid leaks happen more often. This is because this system has connections and seals prone to leaking. Plus, your transmission pan is at the bottom of your vehicle and is vulnerable to being damaged by objects on the road.

Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!

  • Q: Is there red oil leaking from the front of the vehicle?
    You may also notice the "transmission light" is on or hear a whining noise coming from the transm...read more

    You may also notice the "transmission light" is on or hear a whining noise coming from the transmission.

    Depending on the car model, the transmission cooler may be inside or in front of the radiator; the latter are commonly external. External transmission coolers can pick up road debris and develop leaks. Leaks can also occur due to road vibrations. Leaking transmission fluid typically appears on the ground before the vehicle.

  • Q: Does your vehicle shift erratically and have the "check engine light" on?
    You may smell burning oil or see a blackish-red fluid leaking from under the vehicle. The ...read more

    You may smell burning oil or see a blackish-red fluid leaking from under the vehicle.

    The wiring harness from the transmission's electrical system has to pass through the transmission body; a rubber O-ring seals these components. If it gets brittle or cracked due to age, fluid will leak out of the transmission and into the wiring harness connector, causing a short. This electrical disruption can cause erratic shifting and trigger the "check engine light."

  • Q: Is your transmission dripping from the drive shaft?
    You may also see red fluid under the vehicle or smell burning oil. The transmission ultima...read more

    You may also see red fluid under the vehicle or smell burning oil.

    The transmission ultimately drives the output shaft, which is attached to the drive shaft. This is where the power in the gearbox connects with the vehicle's wheels. A rubber seal on the drive shaft prevents dirt from entering the transmission and transmission fluid from leaking out. However, the seal can rigidify and crack over time, allowing red fluid to leak on the drive shaft.

  • Q: Do you smell burning oil?
    You may also see a blackish-red fluid leaking from under the vehicle or notice that the car shift...read more

    You may also see a blackish-red fluid leaking from under the vehicle or notice that the car shifts up or down at the wrong time.

    The transmission cooler lines carry transmission fluid from the transmission to the transmission oil cooler to prevent overheating. The lines are made of rubber and are connected with rubber fittings and seals. All of these components can degrade and become brittle over time. If these hoses or seals start to leak, they spray oil out because these lines are under pressure. In addition, since these oil cooler lines are close to the exhaust system, this oil may spray onto the exhaust, creating a burning smell.

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Vehicle Health Inspection Proof

Explore the following typical inspection results that show a potential cause for the symptom and select the one you believe is similar to your vehicle's issue.

Transmission pan leaking

The proof image shows the damaged transmission pan that is leaking fluid.

A customer dropped off their vehicle after seeing a puddle of red oil underneath it. The car was otherwise driving okay; they weren't sure what the red fluid was. They recalled hitting an object on the road recently. Additionally, they had heard a clunk under their feet when they collided with it.

The technician did not notice anything about the customer's concerns on the test drive.

During the vehicle health inspection, the mechanic saw low transmission fluid. So they raised the vehicle on a hoist and found a dent in the transmission pan and leak signs around the transmission.

The shop topped off the transmission fluid and cleaned off the oil residue around the transmission and pan. Then, they started the car on the hoist to verify where the leak would come from.

The technician determined the leak was coming between the transmission pan and gasket. The transmission pan would need to be replaced as the road collision had deformed it.

Does the issue look like this? if not accessible your shop will document it
Transmission cooler leak

The proof image shows a leak from the fins of the transmission cooler that leaves fluid on the ground at the front of the vehicle.

A customer dropped off their vehicle after noticing red liquid underneath its front end. They checked the vehicle's coolant, and it was green, so they did not know where the red fluid came from. They didn't report any malfunction with the car.

The technician did not notice anything about the customer's concerns on the test drive.

During the vehicle health inspection, the technician noticed oil on the transmission oil cooler in front of the radiator. They also noted that the transmission fluid was a little low.

The mechanic cleaned off the oil residue from the oil cooler and the connecting hoses. Next, they topped off the transmission fluid and ran the vehicle to verify where the leak was coming from. The shop verified that the leak originated at the fins of the oil cooler assembly.

The oil cooler assembly needed to be replaced. The technician also saw some oil residue in the fins and recommended cleaning the radiator after removing the oil cooler.

Does the issue look like this? if not accessible your shop will document it
Transmission wire connector seal leak

The proof image shows transmission fluid leaking from around an electrical connector.

A customer had dropped off their vehicle after it randomly shifted gears, causing the "check engine light" to go on. The customer said they had checked the transmission fluid, and it seemed fine.

During the vehicle health inspection, the mechanic did not notice anything wrong. However, on the test drive, they verified that the "check engine light" was on and that the transmission was shifting gears awkwardly.

After performing a vehicle code scan, the mechanic found codes indicating disruptions in two solenoids. The customer approved additional tests, and during these tests, the mechanic performed a visual inspection of the wiring leading to the transmission. They noticed that transmission fluid was dripping off an electrical connector.

Upon unhooking the electrical connection, the mechanic found the oil seeped inside. They then cleaned the electrical connection with an electrical contact cleaner, dried it, and reattached it. After clearing the codes and test driving the vehicle, the transmission shifted properly, and the "check engine light" didn't come on.

Finally, the technician raised the vehicle on a hoist and verified that the oil was seeping onto the electrical connector through the transmission housing. They determined that the seal on the connector coming through the transmission body must be replaced.

Does the issue look like this? if not accessible your shop will document it
Transmission cooler line leak

The proof image shows leakage at the transmission line connection.

A customer dropped off their vehicle after smelling a burning smell from it. They recalled from a past leak-related experience that the scent was like when the engine oil pan leaked.

On the test drive, the technician confirmed that there was a smell of burning oil.

During the vehicle health inspection, the shop noticed oil leaking from where the transmission lines went into the transmission. They saw that the oil from that leak dripped onto the exhaust, causing the burning oil smell. The mechanic also noted that the transmission fluid was low.

The technician cleaned off the oil from the exhaust around the transmission and the transmission lines, then dried the area off. Next, they topped off the transmission fluid, raised the vehicle on a hoist, and had an assistant start it.

Once the vehicle started, oil would begin circulating. In this case, as there was a leak, the circulating oil would eventually seep through the crack.

The shop verified that the leak was coming from the connection between the line and the "quick disconnect." The connector needed to be replaced as the internal seals were not sealing.

Does the issue look like this? if not accessible your shop will document it
Power steering fluid leak with a red color, causing the power steering system to lose effectiveness and resulting in a rigid steering wheel

The proof image shows the leak of red oil causing a power steering loss.

A customer dropped off their car after noticing something wrong with its steering. They had first heard a loud growling noise when turning, which evolved into more rigid steering. Over time, it had gotten so bad that they needed two hands to turn the wheel.

On the test drive, the technician verified the power steering wasn't working, and the vehicle was tough to steer.

During the vehicle health inspection, the shop noticed the power steering fluid reservoir was completely dry. After raising the vehicle on a hoist, they found oil leaking from the power steering pressure hose.

The mechanic added power steering fluid to the reservoir, cleaned and dried the power steering hose, and had an assistant turn the steering wheel back and forth with the engine running.

The technician verified that the leak came from a high-pressure hose fitting connecting the power steering pump to the rack. This hose needed to be replaced.

Does the issue look like this? if not accessible your shop will document it
Transmission output shaft seal leak, causing symptoms like grinding noises, transmission issues, vibrations, and burning smells

The proof image shows transmission fluid dripping from the end of the drive shaft due to the failing output shaft seal.

A customer has brought in their vehicle due to noticing some oil spots beneath its center. Additionally, they've seen a line of oil covering the underside of the vehicle perpendicular to the drive shaft. The customer also noticed red fluid dripping off the drive shaft.

On the test drive, the technician doesn't find anything unusual regarding the customer's concerns. However, the mechanic saw low transmission fluid during the vehicle health inspection. Additionally, they spotted oil dripping off the drive shaft when raising the vehicle on the lift.

To address the issue, the technician cleaned the oil residue off the drive shaft and drive shaft yoke, topped off the transmission fluid, and asked an associate to get in the vehicle, start the car, and put it in gear. Next, they verified the oil escaping between the drive shaft and the transmission output seal.

The driveline must be dropped, and the output shaft seal replaced as a solution.

Does the issue look like this? if not accessible your shop will document it

Typical Fixes to Address the Cause(s)

The following chapters bases themselves on experiences from our auto repair shop; we'll describe related problems' causes and fixes.

"Replacing the Power Steering Hose" fixes "Lack of Power Assist"

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Hey, Why is There Red Fluid Leaking from My Car?
Sometimes a problem is more challenging to describe than it initially looked like. If you are not sure your problem is described by this article, please find below similar vehicle symptoms, which might describe better the issue you are experiencing.

Other things your auto repair shop might talk about:

Red fluid leaking from car. Brake fluid. Leaking brake fluid. Brake fluid leak. Cracked fluid lines. Coolant leak. Brown fluid. Clear fluid. Engine coolant. Motor oil.