Transmission Leak

tuyethuy88 · Mar 29, 2021

Hi Everyone,

I am a new member here and looking for help.

While I was replacing the transmission filter on 2012 Rav4 2.5L engine (100K miles), I noticed there are some leaks just above the oil pan (I assumed it is the transmission leak). Please see attached photos. Could you please let me know how to get it fixed, should I use transmission stop leak like AT-205 ATP or new gasket is needed?

Thanks

Foryota · Mar 29, 2021

That looks like the same place that my 4-speed transmission was leaking a couple years ago. It would be a seal, however based on what I see there, the cover was sealed with RTV sealant or similar, rather than a gasket. I didn’t do the work to mine back then, as it was just coming out of warranty so the dealer did it.

It didn’t take the shop very long to do the work, but given the size of those bolt heads, I’d research a bit more before cracking that myself - sometimes important things are attached to the case (inside with the bolt outside - SMH) and it can be expensive if they come loose and fall down inside. I do have faith that Toyota does things more logically than Ford has, but I still consider Automatic transmissions to be one step shy of witchcraft [emoji846]

Does anyone know of an exploded view diagram of the 4-speed transmission?

2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

The new standards ask: Can you climb the Davis Dam grade?

www.caranddriver.com

DL175 · Mar 29, 2021

The oil looks like engine oil not like the pinkish color of ATF. It looks fresh and the leak looks like a very big leak. If you just bought this car it could be the reason the previous owner wanted to dump it fast. I am sure he found the cost of the repair was too expensive to justify and avoided repairing it. Find the cost to repair it but any engine oil leak are always expensive.

Mikemnj · Mar 30, 2021

Hit it with some brake cleaner and see

JerryIrons · Mar 30, 2021

Personally I would not use stop leak, for any system, you are just covering up something that will only get worse over time, and that stuff tends to thicken things up sometimes resulting in less flow through small orifices and pathways.

That could be oil or ATF, you can try putting some of it on a white paper towel and see if it has a pinkish hue. But like was mentioned, I would clean it up, and then determine where the leak is coming from. Didn't your ATF filter come with a gasket?

Foryota · Mar 30, 2021

JerryIrons said:
Personally I would not use stop leak, for any system, you are just covering up something that will only get worse over time, and that stuff tends to thicken things up sometimes resulting in less flow through small orifices and pathways.

That could be oil or ATF, you can try putting some of it on a white paper towel and see if it has a pinkish hue. But like was mentioned, I would clean it up, and then determine where the leak is coming from. Didn't your ATF filter come with a gasket?

The gasket with all kits is for the pan. This is on the side of the case, so he won’t have a gasket for that.

2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

The new standards ask: Can you climb the Davis Dam grade?

www.caranddriver.com

vanib · Mar 30, 2021

I think mine is the same. I am not sure if it is ATF or engine oil.
It's a thin film of fluid rather than a leak. It as been like this for at least 7 or 8 years and never got worse.

Also, ATF level never went down. It never leaked on the floor and I never bothered fixing it.

tuyethuy88 · Mar 31, 2021

JerryIrons said:
Personally I would not use stop leak, for any system, you are just covering up something that will only get worse over time, and that stuff tends to thicken things up sometimes resulting in less flow through small orifices and pathways.

That could be oil or ATF, you can try putting some of it on a white paper towel and see if it has a pinkish hue. But like was mentioned, I would clean it up, and then determine where the leak is coming from. Didn't your ATF filter come with a gasket?

the ATF filter that I just replaced it is installed inside the pan. It comes with an O ring, it will not cause the leakage. Thanks

tuyethuy88 · Mar 31, 2021

I cleaned it off with brake cleaner and will come back a few days to have a look. I suspect the leak is at the bolt as shown in the photo. Would any one know what this bolt is for? From doing research, it may be a shift shaft seal?

tuyethuy88 · Mar 31, 2021

vanib said:
I think mine is the same. I am not sure if it is ATF or engine oil.
It's a thin film of fluid rather than a leak. It as been like this for at least 7 or 8 years and never got worse.

Also, ATF level never went down. It never leaked on the floor and I never bothered fixing it.

I hope the condition is similar to yours so I would not have to spend the money to fix it

Foryota · Mar 31, 2021

tuyethuy88 said:
I cleaned it off with brake cleaner and will come back a few days to have a look. I suspect the leak is at the bolt as shown in the photo. Would any one know what this bolt is for? From doing research, it may be a shift shaft seal?

As I mentioned above, be VERY careful about trying anything with that bolt. Honestly if there’s only seepage and no drips on the floor or ground, it may just be best to monitor the fluid level instead of trying to fix it. If I find this on mine, that would be my approach at least until I find that there’s significant fluid loss.

2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

The new standards ask: Can you climb the Davis Dam grade?

www.caranddriver.com

JerryIrons · Apr 2, 2021

It almost looks like it might be a transaxle plug, no. 1 or 2. This is from 06 rav4 manual

Not sure what this vehicle is, maybe highlander:

I have no clue what these bolts are even for, factory assembly purposes? I see they have o rings though. Pretty sure mine leaks around there but not enough to drip or lower the levels.

tuyethuy88 · Apr 5, 2021

T

JerryIrons said:
It almost looks like it might be a transaxle plug, no. 1 or 2. This is from 06 rav4 manual

View attachment 165093
Not sure what this vehicle is, maybe highlander:
View attachment 165094

I have no clue what these bolts are even for, factory assembly purposes? I see they have o rings though. Pretty sure mine leaks around there but not enough to drip or lower the levels.

Thanks for the info. Mine is V4 2.5L engine. Not sure if the V6 transmission is the same. I rechecked, there was no leak after I cleaned it off. Holding my breath and hope it will go away.

Foryota · Apr 5, 2021

tuyethuy88 said:
T

Thanks for the info. Mine is V4 2.5L engine. Not sure if the V6 transmission is the same. I rechecked, there was no leak after I cleaned it off. Holding my breath and hope it will go away.

Quite likely it’s only seeping at times, maybe when totally hot. You should be fine long-term as long as it doesn’t get bad

2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

The new standards ask: Can you climb the Davis Dam grade?

www.caranddriver.com

Transmission Leak

tuyethuy88

Attachments

Foryota

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

DL175

Mikemnj

JerryIrons

Foryota

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

vanib

tuyethuy88

tuyethuy88

Attachments

tuyethuy88

Foryota

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

JerryIrons

tuyethuy88

Foryota

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities