What do I do about Automatic Transmission Fluid having been put into Differential Gear Oil reservoir?

Elessar
Sat, 15 Aug 2020 02:27:06 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

Hi,

I have a 91 Subaru Loyale with the 4wd clicker. I just got it. It’s an automatic (i’ve owned the manual before and loved it, but I’m less pleased with this auto).

Anyway, the guy that sold it to me told me about the “transmission leak”, said it wasn’t too bad, just top it off every couple weeks. It eats a quart every 3 or 4 months.

Well what I just realized is that it’s the “Differential Gear Oil” [DGO] that’s leaking, not the Automatic Transmission Fluid [ATF]. Furthermore, he’s been putting ATF where the DGO goes, instead of DGO.

What I want to know is - does it matter? And will it maybe stop leaking if i put the correct fluid in? I kind of doubt it will stop leaking, so I’d also like to know, will ATF with leak-stop possibly help with the DGO leak (assuming it’s okay afterall to put ATF in there).

For this car the owner’s manual specifies for ATF:“Dexron II” Type, and for DGO: API classification GL-5

Can anyone help me sort out these oils, what I can and can’t get away with, or any easy tips on treating this leak?

TIA!

2 posts - 2 participants