I'm leaking a pink/red fluid. is that transmission fluid or antifreeze?

Question

well, i believe my antifreeze is actually red. but, okay.. if its the transmission fluid. what should i check for

Answer 1

Rub the fluid between your fingers.  It it thick and slippery?  Transmission fluid.  Is it thin and kind of makes it hard to rub your fingers together? Antifreeze.

When the car is cool, you can open your radiator overflow cap and see if the antifreeze is green or red.  If it's green, then you are leaking transmission fluid.

Either way, get it fixed ASAP.  Waiting can only cost you more money, whichever it is.

Answer 2

Anti freeze has a sweet smell, and if you wish to taste it "the same thats why pets drink it and die" Transmission fluid has an odor that cannot be described by me anyways. Most service stations will give you a free estimate. Have them check it out. Either one is not good!

Answer 3

Automatic transmission fluid is red and feels like oil

antifreeze is a lot more like water

Automatic transmissions have 2 hoses that connect to the radiator for cooling so keep that in mind if the drips are near the front of the car.

Answer 4

If it's thicker oilyish' darker red and more toward the middle of the vehicle,it is most probably tranny fluid.If it's clearer & thinner and more toward the front it's probably anti freeze.I would take the tip of my finger,touch it,& taste it,sweet taste anti freeze,oily taste tranny fluid.Also check your fluid levels,tranny w/engine running in park.Radiator when cooled down,never open hot!

Answer 5

transmission fluid!!!!!! antifreeze is yellowish/green.

get it checked asap! if you run out of fluid you will stall your transmission and have a huge repair bill!

Answer 6

First, check all fluid levels. Sounds like tranny fluid to me..Not good.. But there are other fluids that are red/pink. Try getting under car to see location of leak and ask again. Many possibilities...Does it come from the front or more toward the center of the car?  

Answer 7

depends usually toyotas have redish coolant, but if it isnt watery than yes its transmission fluid.

Answer 8

I am an experienced transmission mechanic, if your vehicle is leaking red fluid, then it is coming from the transmission or the transfer case. If the fluid is pink, then you have either water, or antifreeze leaking into your transmission via a busted cooler line. There is no happy ending for this problem. Your tranny needs to be overhauled.

Answer 9

antifreeze was red a few years ago but check and see if its red or green when your engine is cool. They stopped using red as far as i know... but you could still have some.

for your second question... there is a dip stick under the hood for automatic transmissions. you usually need to let the car idle and check the level.

It also maters how much you leak... if its just a few drops no big deal for a little while (a week or two) but if its a puddle watch out!!

keep an eye on your gauges if you have them... temperature gauge especially! if the temp goes up, turn it off. you lost too much antifreeze.

feel the way your car drives... if it seems to be loose changing gears or seems to rev and lose speed while you drive, you're losing too much transmission fluid.

if you dont have an automatic transmission, you shouldnt have to worry about the fluid or check it.

if you have green antifreeze and a stickshift, go to a mechanic because you cant check your standard transmission fluid

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sweet!!! I had a 2005 wrangler! Thats the one that had red antifreeze =) and if it hasnt leaked in a while its probably ok... the red fluid seals itself if its not too bad.

hey... is it automatic transmission or manual? is it 4 liter straight 6 cylinder or the 4 cylinder?

Answer 10

Car & Year? In the Radiator Overflow Tank or Transmission? Overflow Tank, Coolant; Different Manufactures, Different colors. Transmission, You may have  Coolant in the transmission. (Radiator, Transmission Cooling Lines Damages in lower Radiator Tank)

Answer 11

  funny!!! Wouldn't it be better if you start your question: May car is.....