Regarding my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500, V8, 4X4.I have noticed for the past year that my transmission has a very small fluid drip.I notice it on my garage floor. It’s very minor but I’m concerned because when ever I check my transmission fluid level, it is alway ok. I can’t remember ever adding fluid. Is there some other trans fluid that needs to be checked that does not show up on the dip stick? The dip stick reads ok but I’m afraid I might be running it dry somewhere else. I have a long trip planed soon and it bothers me.
Have you ever had to add engine oil. It could be that too.
A few drops of fluid will not show up on the dipstick. You need to lose a lot to have it show up. Almost every transmission leaks a little. Just put some kitty litter on the floor and keep an eye on the level. When the fluid is due for a change have them put on a new gasket and check for other leaks.
No. I really don’t remember ever having to add oil between oil changes. Also, I can actually see the drop on the bottom of the transmission before it eventually drop on the floor. It looks and feels like trans fluid.
It is good you monitor both the floor under the truck and the actual fluid levels. I would say there are two reasons that you see what looks like transmission fluid on the floor but the transmission is not low, first as you suggest the leak is very small and the dipstick method of checking fluid level is only moderately accurate. It may sound easy but even for professional mechanics interpeting dipstick displays are a bit of an art.
Second, perhaps the drops on the floor are from the steering as the fluids look similar. I am not familar with the steering system on the Ram but with a little poking around I think a very accurate conclusion can be made in regards to if your steering system is leaking anywhere.
I suggest a more in depth look at the underside of the truck and keep up with the monitoring.
Also, I can actually see the drop on the bottom of the transmission before it eventually drop on the floor. It looks and feels like trans fluid.
Where is this drip and where are you observing it from? Other than the pan, there are several pressure ports and the cooler lines (a few more) where it can come from.
I’m observing from under the truck. It is definitely not leaking from the pan. It more toward the main bulk of the transmission. About the area where the front drive shaft meets the transmission. I’ve heard my spanish mechanic call it a “Torbina”. I’m not sure if that translates to Turbine. It is not exactly where the front drive shaft connects to the transmision. It’s a read fluid so it’s got to be transmission fluid. I’ll just keep a close eye on my fluid level and have it checked out sometime by a professional. Thanks anyway for your info.