[KManiac]

Thank you for the description of your problem. Now, I am going to assume that the transmission operates correctly as long as it has fluid in it, because you did not mention a drivability problem and you drove the car both to the mechanic and back home again.

It is obvious from your description that you have a major transmission fluid leak. Leaks like this can come from a variety of places. The fix could be as simple as a $2 rubber hose you can replace in five minutes, an annoying $10 dollar seal you will need to pull the transmission to replace, or a crack in your transmission case that will require complete replacement of the unit. What you need to do now, is try to figure out for yourself where the fluid is leaking from.

You will need a couple things here. First, get a set of ramps so you can drive the car up, elevating the nose. Next, get a 12 pack of ATF-3 or Chrysler Type 7176 transmission fluid. This fluid specification is critical. Using anything else, like Dextron, Mercon or Type F, will ruin your transmission from the inside. With your car on the ramps, iding in Park with the parking brake set and the wheels blocked, top off the fluid in your transmission by adding through the dipstick hole. A funnel with the tube on the end is helpful here. Once full, start looking for the leak.

Transmission fluid circulates through portions of your transmission under high pressure. If the leak is from a high pressure area, you will quickly notice fluid spraying from the leak. Now your transmission does have two rubber hoses that run between the transmission itself and the radiator. The fluid in these hoses is under pressure. The hoses will crack and leak fluid if not changed periodically. Check these first. Otherwise, look under the hood and crawl under the car to see where the fluid is leaking. Once you figure it out, let us know, so we can help you further.

I was once young and loved old cars. I could not afford to pay someone to take care of my cars for me, so I just learned to do it myself. That's why I know so much today. I once had a mechanic friend who told me that you can't make any money being an "honest mechanic". Even though most mechanics are knowledgeable (some aren't), they often try to sell you things you don't necessarily need to pump up their bottom line and profits.