Buick Regal: Fluid Leak Diagnosis
General Method
1. Verify that the leak is transmission fluid.
2. Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area.
3. Operate the vehicle for 24 km (15 mi), or until normal operating temperatures
are reached.
4. Park the vehicle over clean paper or cardboard.
5. Shut OFF the engine.
6. Look for fluid spots on the paper.
7. Make the necessary repairs.
Powder Method
1. Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area with solvent.
2. Apply an aerosol type leak tracing powder to the suspected leak area.
3. Operate the vehicle for 24 km (15 mi), or until normal operating temperatures
are reached.
4. Shut OFF the engine.
5. Inspect the suspected leak area.
6. Trace the leak path through the powder in order to find the source of the
leak.
7. Make the necessary repairs.
Dye and Black Light Method
A fluid dye and black light kit is available from various tool manufacturers.
1. Follow the manufacturer instructions in order to determine the amount of
dye to use.
2. Operate the vehicle for 24 km (15 mi) or until normal operating temperatures
are reached.
3. Detect the leak with the black light.
4. Make the necessary repairs.
Find the Cause of the Leak
Pinpoint the leak and trace the leak back to the source. You must determine
the cause of the leak in order to repair
the leak properly. For example, if you replace a gasket, but the sealing flange
is bent, the new gasket will not repair
the leak. You must also repair the bent flange. Before you attempt to repair a
leak, check for the following
conditions, and make repairs as necessary:
Gaskets
- Fluid level/pressure is too high.
- Plugged vent or drain-back holes.
- Improperly tightened fasteners.
- Dirty or damaged threads.
- Warped flanges or sealing surface.
- Scratches, burrs, or other damage to the sealing surface.
- Damaged or worn gasket.
- Cracking or porosity of the component.
- Improper sealant used, where applicable.
- Incorrect gasket.
Seals
- Fluid level/pressure is too high.
- Plugged vent or drain-back holes.
- Damaged or worn seal.
- Cracks in component.
- Manual shaft or output shaft surface is scratched, nicked, or damaged.
- Loose or worn bearing causing excess seal wear.
Possible Points of Fluid Leaks
Transmission Valve Body Cover
- Incorrectly tightened bolts.
- Improperly installed or damaged gasket/seal.
- Damaged mounting face.
- Incorrect gasket seal.
Transmission Case Leak
- Loose or damaged oil cooler lines/seals.
- Worn or damaged axle shaft oil seal.
- Loose line pressure pipe plug or fluid level pipe plug.
Leak at the Transmission Vent
- Overfilled system.
- Water or coolant in the fluid. The fluid will appear milky. Check vent
hose mounting.
- Plugged vent.
READ NEXT:
"N" to "D"
ATF Level/Condition
TCM
Shift Cable Adjustment
Valve Body
"N" to "R"
ATF Level/Condition
TCM
Shift Cable Adjustment
Valve Body
ERRATIC SHIFT
Erratic Shifting
Output Speed Sens
Diagnostic Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic System Check prior to using this diagnostic
procedure: Refer to Diagnostic System
Check - Vehicle
Review the description of Strategy Based Diagnosi
SEE MORE:
Diagnostic Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this
diagnostic procedure.
Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic
approach.
Refer to Diagnostic Procedure Instructions for an overview of each
diagnostic category.
DTC Descripto
Preliminary Procedures
Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement - Remove [2x].
Air Inlet Grille Panel Retainer [6x]
Air Inlet Grille Panel
Procedure
Unlock the retaining tabs.
AIR INLET GRILLE PANEL WATER DEFLECTOR REPLACEMENT
Preliminary Procedure
Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement.
Air Inlet Gri