2000 Outback Wagon 4 cyl auto problems

[ohzee00]

So like an idiot I drained my atf thinking it was the oil. After the car would not shift I figured out what I did. Note I did not drive the car after draining all the atf as it wouldnt go anywhere. So I then fill up the Auto tranny fluid with correct type and all is well. Now tho I have a atf leak that I can not see where it's coming from. My ? is it possible I might have caused something to come loose trying to shift w/no fluid in there ? Next week Im going to take it into the shop when I get a loaner vehicle. Right now its sitting in my garage but with all the good info on this board I figured I would ask around.

 

Thanks

[outback_97]

Wow.

 

I have a stupid question: So, how much ATF did you drain out, and how much did you put back in? Exact same amount? Or do you think you may have overfilled it?

 

Steve

[Legacy777]

If you haven't overfilled it, you shouldn't have caused a leak by doing what you did.

 

Just an FYI. To properly check the fluid level, the trans needs to be brought up to normal operating temp. Park the car on a level surface, slowly move the gear selector from Park to 1, and then back to Park. Leave the car running, and then check the fluid level of the transmission.

[brus brother]

Is it by chance leaking at the drain plug? The plug requires a new(?) crush washer which is the same type crush washer as on the oil drain plug.

[Strakes]

Check the drain plug and washer.

 

Sometimes spilling ATF is unavoidable filling through that tiny dipstick tube. I spilled some on my wife's car and it managed to coat a bunch of stuff and kept "leaking" for a week until I got tired and just sprayed engine degreaser all over it and hosed it down.