98XJ Help

[KrazyJeeper]

Ok, so I am driving home from Waco, I am towing my boat and noticed through my rearview mirror that it looked like drizzle on my back window. Didn't think anymore about it. When I backed the boat up in the driveway, I stepped out to see how far I could go back, then I starting smelling oil burning. I looked underneath and the XJ is leaking. It appears to be pinkish so I am think transmission fluid? My oil pressure gauge was barely reading anything. What did I do to my little friend? I checked the oil and there is plenty, it doesn't appear to be oil. I noticed that it is all over the undercarriage, the back window and the front of my boat. Any help? Thanks,

 

[TwistedCU]

Sounds like transmission fluid to me. Were you towing with overdrive? That's a big no-no and it could be very bad news for your transmission.

 

[NCjeeper]

i know using o/d is bad when towing heavy loads, but isnt it okay when you're up to speed on the highway/interstate?

if not... oops.

 

[KrazyJeeper]

Well, I was driving in Normal D, if that's what you're talking about. I probably should have been in 3rd. I just started it up and the oil pressure is back to normal and I drove it around the block. Once I drove back up to the house, I noticed on the street that it appears like it was leaking from the front and rear. In other words, about the distance between the axles. Oh, My. If there is a good thing about this, I did buy a 2 year warranty when I purchased it used, I just hope whatever this is, is covered. Thanks for any help. I have no idea what type of mech, I should even take it to. I know how to drive them, just don't know how to work on'em. LOL Thanks, KJ

 

[TwistedCU]

Well, I was driving in Normal D, if that's what you're talking about. I probably should have been in 3rd. I just started it up and the oil pressure is back to normal and I drove it around the block. Once I drove back up to the house, I noticed on the street that it appears like it was leaking from the front and rear. In other words, about the distance between the axles. Oh, My. If there is a good thing about this, I did buy a 2 year warranty when I purchased it used, I just hope whatever this is, is covered. Thanks for any help. I have no idea what type of mech, I should even take it to. I know how to drive them, just don't know how to work on'em. LOL Thanks, KJ

"Normal D" is actually overdrive. The D is surrounded by an O.

The transmission probably overheated and blew out some seals/gaskets.

After it's fixed, tow in 3rd, even on the highway.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Sounds like it could be the slipyoke seal on the transfer case rear output. What's the furthest forward point that's wet with transmission fluid?

 

[KrazyJeeper]

From what I could see, the wetness looks like it stops around the cat. Not sure, it was already getting dark, when I got home. Should I take it to a transmission shop? Thanks, and thanks for the info on the Overdrive, I guess I never paid attention. My Pathfinder has a overdrive button and my TJ is manual. Kicking myself in the head right now. I looked throughout the owners manual when I bought it, but I either overlooked the towing, or disregarded it. Hopefully this will not be an very expensive lesson learned. I am now starting to wonder how long I drove it like this. The trip was 38 miles one way. Thanks to all for the help. KJ

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

I can't imagine where the AW4 would be leaking from. My money is on the transfer case seal.

 

[KrazyJeeper]

I was in bed, but this is really bothering me, so I went out with a flashlight and looked underneath again. I am thinking all the leakage I noticed earlier was from the initial occurence. I think the spots I see on the street now are the fluid using gravity and just eventually dropping down. What I can't see is where is the stullf coming from.