TEXARADO

Need some help folks: I have a '97 XJ with the AW4 auto transmission. I have read through several threads on transmission fluid level issues. I followed the directions on the dip stick which states to check the transmission fluid level with the engine at operating temp, idling in Neutral, on level ground. I did all of this and no fluid registered on the dip stick. I added a quart of DEX 111 until the level registered up near the max line. After driving the vehicle for a while, fluid began leaking onto the exhaust pipe and creating heavy smoke. I parked the vehicle, and noticed that a sizeable puddle of fluid leaked out under the car. Now, if I check the level with the engine/transmission cold, the fluid level registers in the "add" range... when I heat the vehicle up to operating temperature, and check the fluid level idling in neutral, on level ground, no fluid registers on the dip stick. Everything I have read in the threads regarding transmission fluid indicate that the fluid expands with heat. How can my transmission register fluid level when cold, but nothing when hot?

EZEARL

Welcome to CF.
Check out post #23 on this link:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/tra...239909/index2/

Where is the fluid leaking from? Could be you have pressure building up due to a clogged vent.
https://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/aw4-vent-561631/

dzywicki

Been there, done that. Turned out to be the transmission seal. Make sure it's trans fluid. Clean everything on top of the engine and under the bell housing, In my case, it was the same as yours. Trans fluid dripping and when warm and hitting the exhaust. I pulled the trans and the front seal was brittle and done. The fluid was fine when cold. When it gets warm, it expands and the level rises. Hits the seal and pours out.
One of those things that's $5 in parts and $1000 in labor for a shop to do it. Or, get a second jack, put it under the trans and take it out yourself and replace the seal. It's a tough job, but doable if you want to try. The hardest part is the E12 inverted torx bolts at the top of the transmission. Google it and you can get a plan around it.

fb97xj1

Transmission fluid will register when cold because the fluid drains back into the pan. Once the engine is started, the pump in the transmission circulates the fluid, and fluid level drops. Once the transmission reaches operating temps, the fluid heats up and expands. If its not registering at all at operating temps, youre low on fluid.