Chronic ATF spewing problem

[jhouse]

1041887

I've got a '94 cherokee sport with auto-transmission.



Since I've had it (bought it in '96), there has been a persistent problem of it "spewing" out transmission fluid when it has been under pressure. For example going up a steep grade road for a few miles or so @ 60mph or especially if pulling a trailer up hill.



It usually 'dumps' about 1/4 quart of fluid, sometimes even more - which causes a lot of smoke on the under-carriage of the vehicle, but no other problem.



Does anyone know what my problem may be? And if I should worry about it? [addsig]

 

[RAVEN13xxx]

1041888

Can you tell the approx. location of where the fluid is leaking from???? front back middle???[addsig]

 

[jhouse]

1041890

It seems to come from toward the font-top of the tran. -- it's hard to tell though, because it blows all over (it only happens at high speeds).

[addsig]

 

[RAVEN13xxx]

1041892

If it is from the front, have the front seal of the trans checked. If it is leaking that much, I would worry, but as long as you keep it full, you'll be ok.[addsig]

 

[jhouse]

1041895

Actually, it's more of a sudden "burst' than a leak. It doesn't leak on a day-to-day basis, it's only after going up a big hill (such as going up a canyon highway) for some distance (at high speed) that there is suddenly a bunch of smoke (ATF on the exhaust pipe) and the under-carriage is coated.



It's as if it's a pressure thing, because if the ATF is down to the "add" line on the dip-stick, then it almost never happens, but if it's full, it'll almost always do it when driving up a big hill / pulling a trailer up a small hill.



There's no related sound or anything, and it 'runs' just fine.[addsig]

 

[RAVEN13xxx]

1041899

Hmmmmmm, I'd take it to a transmission shop and have it checked.[addsig]

 

[bob]

1041900

hey, before you take it to a shop change the filter. also check the vent that goes off the trans to see if it"s clogged. and of course you check the fluid level when it"s hot and in the park position, idling, on level ground?

[addsig]