I have a 99 Safari Van. Just recently the transmission fluid keeps pouring out of a rubber 3/8 hose on the top of the tranny. I put more fluid in and it runs and shifts perfectly. But again the transmission fluid will pour out on the ground from this hose. Can anyone help me here? Did the hose disconnect from somewhere on the tranny? Im lost. Thanks for your help.
The reason why it IS the transmission cooler line is because it's a rubber line securely stamped onto a metal hose at both ends. This is a PRESSURIZED line, meaning any ideas on repairing the line with 3/8 hose, clamps, and plastic or metal connectors will not do. While you're at it, check the fluid for grittiness or burning smell. The oil system in a transmission is considered a CLOSED system; as a result, the changing of this oil is required much less. If you don't notice this, then your system does not yet need to be flushed. It can't hurt, especially since its a LUCAS brand, but you may want to throw in a bottle of STOP SLIP just in case.
This hose is a transmission cooler line, sounds like a pretty bad leak i would not allow it to stay this way running a transmission low on fluid has a very good chance of damaging it and that is a lot more expensive than a simple hose and transmission flush. This hose typically runs from the transmission on the front right side? up to the radiator and has an Internal cooler in the radiator, sometimes there is an auxiliary cooler too so another hose runs from the outlet of the radiator cooler to the auxiliary cooler usually located just behind the grille, then another hose runs from that back to the transmission. The hose could have come undone from the connections at one of the coolers but more likely that hose is leaking and needs replaced. Sometimes tranny cooler lines can be a real pain, so i would take it to a shop- remember to ask to see any other problems they tell you that you have or things that need to be done, some shops will rip you off.
The hose runs between the transmission and the transmission cooling section in the radiator. If it came lose then it may be brittle I would replace it and it's brother on the other end of the transmission cooling core on the radiator. especially on a car as old as 99. You can get the hose and a new set of clamps at an auto parts store. Just don't run that transmission dry or you will be replacing it soon. By the way you may want to replace part of the fluid with Transmission Lubricant and Seal conditioner, if the hose outside is out of condition then you can bet the seals on the inside are. If you have pumped it dry pray and remember it may take as many as 8 to 12 quarts to refill the system. Fill with the engine running when you get it as full as you can drive it gently for a few miles and go somewhere level like a filling station and check again you may have to add more several times to get it completely full as your fluid may be full of air bubbles. I would remove the transmission pan and replace the filter before I went to the rest of this trouble. If you find fuzz balls of metal filings on the magnets on the pan then chances are good that the transmission is about gone. Small amounts are normal, enough to swipe off with a rag in a couple of three swipes. If not then you may have a lot of life left in it replace the hoses and refill and enjoy. How much fluid this takes depends on if the torque converter spun out all it's oil or not you may not need that much transmission oil. I told you 8-12 so you would be prepared. Be meticulously clean in all this process wipe fittings with a clean rag wipe out the pan with a clean rag, as many as you need. Try not to even leave lint. Even a tiny particle of sand of lint can get into one of the dozens of valves and pistons in a transmission and cause problems.
