I have a 99 chevy tahoe 4x4 and just recently the transmission started leaking fluid out of the vent tube. It pretty much just spews it out like there is alot of pressure behind it. The fluid is almost black. The tahoe seems like shifts fine and runs good. Also the transmission was rebuilt a little over a year ago. What could be the problem? Should I try and change the fluid and filter?

I have a 99 chevy tahoe 4x4 and just recently the transmission started leaking fluid out of the vent tube. It pretty much just spews it out like there is alot of pressure behind it. The fluid is almost black. The tahoe seems like shifts fine and runs good. Also the transmission was rebuilt a little over a year ago. What could be the problem? Should I try and change the fluid and filter?

I would check the fluid level...if overfilled it may be the coolant got into the tranny..if so another tranny job...

have you added coolant ? coolant level droping ? what coolant do you use ?

I'll check the fluid level tomorrow. As far as coolant, I haven't added any lately.

If the fluid is black, the trans is overheating and thats probably why its venting. I agree to get it to a trans shop right away.


transman

Thanks for the replies, that's what I figured. sucks.

If the fluid is black, the trans is overheating and thats probably why its venting. I agree to get it to a trans shop right away.


transman

thats what I thought ,BUT everything is working correctly ...If the transmission overheats on this vehicle wouldn't this cause service engine light to come on..?

I was thinking if overfilled/or coolant entered the transmission to raise the level of fluid too high it would create air bubbles increase slippage cause overheating.....

since you are a transmission repairer what have you seen with the black fluid condition to cause this overheating...?

since you are a transmission repairer what have you seen with the black fluid condition to cause this overheating...?

I am sure he means that the black fluid is the result of the overheating condition.

He may be a newb here but he has posted on other forums for quite a while and his input is very appreciated.

[quote=Jeremy-WI;6055534] I am sure he means that the black fluid is the result of the overheating condition.

quote]

exactly ! this is why I would appreciate the experts observations of what was found should the black fluid show up , with all conditions normal..

that is why this question was asked!!!! " since you are a transmission repairer what have you seen with the black fluid condition to cause this overheating" ...?

[quote=Jeremy-WI;6055534] I am sure he means that the black fluid is the result of the overheating condition.

quote]

exactly ! this is why I would appreciate the experts observations of what was found should the black fluid show up , with all conditions normal..

that is why this question was asked!!!! " since you are a transmission repairer what have you seen with the black fluid condition to cause this overheating" ...?

Jcat, take a deeeeep breath and let it out slowly.......that's it!

Relax man, Transman18 owns and operates his own shop and judging from his post time he still was willing to sit down and take the time to help the OP.

He doesn't post here regularly so it may be sometime before an answer comes forth.

Thanks again for the replies, I have a shop who will pull and rebuild for 1050 with one year unlimited warranty. Is that a fair price?

There may be a few problems there.

First no way a shop can give a true price on rebuild without a tear down and inspection.

One year warranty is a little short.
As in first post it was already rebuilt a little over a yer ago.
In a little a year from now you could be in the same boat with oinly a year warranty.
Most good quality rebuilts come with a 2-3 year or more warranty.

Does the shop have a good rep?

Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.

[quote=roadrunner2;6055643][quote=j cAT;6055560]

Jcat, take a deeeeep breath and let it out slowly.......that's it!


unless the transmission overheating causes are addressed, rebuilding the transmission is not a reliable cure,long term...

so this forum member must first get to the overheating issue first..

this failure after one year is not correct..

Any chance that the lines going to or from the radiator are clogged causing the high pressure and heat, the filter should prevent this unless something from within the filter is the cause?

Just a random guess

I agree with you j cAT.

As with most (if not all) problems the diagnosis must be correct (which in most cases on the NET is practically impossible) and the cause of the problem corrected first before continuing.

thats what I thought ,BUT everything is working correctly ...If the transmission overheats on this vehicle wouldn't this cause service engine light to come on..?

I was thinking if overfilled/or coolant entered the transmission to raise the level of fluid too high it would create air bubbles increase slippage cause overheating.....

since you are a transmission repairer what have you seen with the black fluid condition to cause this overheating...?

Several things would cause trans fluid to overheat. Towing without adequate cooling i.e. no towing package, no external add on cooler, a TCC not locking up or faulty torque converter, driver riding brake pedal which will keep the TCC from locking, engine running hot, coolant entering transmission, blocked up vent on top of transmission case, fluid over/under filled causing slippage on the friction elements, engine cooling fan not working, radiator plugged up inside and outside...............When the transmission reaches a certain temperature it will lock the TCC. The CEL wont illuminate all the time so I wouldnt bet my dollars on it.

When the transmission shop does the rebuild they need to check the cooler flow to make sure it is not restricted, al;so with these transmissions it is highly recommended that he install a secondary external cooler for better cooling, they are cheap insurance.

I hope this answers your question j cat
transman