92 with transmission issues

[micheleemiller]

I have to add tranny fluid all the time. I'm up to a quart a week. There are little drops where I park but I don't know where it all goes. The mechanic who changed my oil for me told me I have twice as much as I'm supposed to. He put the right amount in (one month ago) and I'm way past the full mark on my dipstick.Is there any way tranny fluid to find its way there? I know it sounds stupid but nobody can tell me so I came here. HELP???? I guess I should mention I have 219,000 miles and by the way I just failed my smog test .I just had to buy a new battery because smog guy set off my alarm and killed mine. I was able to jump it the first two times but then it pooped out. Starting fine now

[molehole]

Sounds to me like the vacuum modulator crapped out in the transmission. When it goes transmission fluid is burned out the exhaust which may explain why you failed the smog test. Transmission fluid is probably in your oil so have the modulator replaced or at least looked at and change your oil and you'll be on your way. Modulators are a very common problem and are relatively inexpensive even with labor like 130$$ or so. Good Luck

[micheleemiller]

Thank you for the information. I can live with $130 price range. Sounds better than a new tranny and thats what I thought I would hear! I can't wait to take care of this and until I can stop buying tranny fluid so often. I have probably bought 50 quarts in the last year. Thanks again!

[molehole]

Good Luck with it and in any event you should be able to have it done for under $200 with everything including an oil change and transmission fluid service. It depends on where you go. Keep us posted on the outcome.

[micheleemiller]

I went back to work after reading your response and talked to the mechanic (I drive a school bus) and told him what you said. While I was doing my route he was checking out my Explorer. By the time I got back he had confirmed that my modulator was bad and had been pumping tranny fluid into the oil for a long time. He told me to buy the part and he would do the work for me. This day couldn't get much better! I am so glad I found this web site last night. This problem has been going on for a year. Thank you ! Thank you ! Thank you! Thank you ! What advice can you give me to help me raise 5 boys? Just Kidding. Have a great day

[molehole]

I'm a teenager myself so I'm sure I can't give you any advice on raising five sons. I just have a Ford Explorer that has little quirks that I try to figure out and help other people at the same time. Good Luck