Mercedes vehicles have a reputable performance with high standards, but without a properly working transmission, your vehicle is liable to sustain permanent damage. In order for your vehicle’s transmission to function correctly, it needs an adequate amount of transmission fluid, which means that a transmission leak could be detrimental to your vehicle. If you ignore a transmission fluid leak for too long, you could end up spending a lot of money on a number of significant repairs.
Causes of a Transmission Leak
The following are common causes for a transmission leak in a Mercedes:
- The Drain Plug was Not Tightened Correctly: The drain plug is located at the bottom of the transmission drain pain. When the plug is tightened back on after changing transmission fluid, it could potentially cause a leak if not done correctly. If the plug is too loose, it poses a risk of a leak because it is not completely sealed. If the plug is too tight, it can damage the threading on the plug and cause a leak by ruining the seal.
- A Hole in the Transmission Pan: The transmission pan holds the transmission fluid and is located underneath the car. This location makes it vulnerable to damage due to rocks or other debris striking it while driving. If punctured, the transmission fluid will leak from the pan.
- A Broken Transmission Pan Gasket: The transmission pan gasket is a small piece of rubber located between the transmission pan and the transmission housing. If it is broken or torn, then transmission fluid will leak from the pan.
- A Crack in the Torque Converter: The torque converter is responsible for sending the transmission fluid around the vehicle transmission to keep it lubricated. Transmission fluid can leak out if there is a crack in the torque converter’s body.
- Worn or Cracked Seals, Valves, Fluid Lines, or Fluid Pumps: Transmission fluid comes into contact with all of these parts, so if even one of them is damaged or cracked or worn from time, then transmission fluid can leak out.
Signs of a Transmission Leak
While some signs of a transmission leak could also point to another issue, it is important for you to recognize the following as signs of a potential transmission fluid leak:
- A Puddle Under your Mercedes: It is critical that you can tell the difference between various fluids for your vehicle, so you can be aware of what fluid may be leaking. Transmission fluid is slippery and usually has a red-brown color with an oily smell.
If the leak only occurs while the vehicle is running, then you may not see a puddle under your car after being parked, but you may see fluid on the undercarriage from splashing back against the road while driving.
- Metal on Metal Grinding: Transmission fluid is intended to help lubricate the parts of the vehicle’s transmission, so when there is a leak and the fluid is low, you will hear the noise of metal grinding on metal.
- Burning Smell: This could be a sign that your transmission is overheating due to lack of transmission fluid.
- Problems Shifting Gears: If it feels like your vehicle is jerking when you shift, or you notice that the vehicle is reaching higher than normal RPMs when shifting, then you may be experiencing transmission problems and/or a leak. Another gear issue could be the transmission slipping, meaning after you shift gears it shifts back down.
- Slowed Acceleration: If your acceleration seems to be slowed down or stumbling to accelerate, you may have a transmission fluid issue.
What to Do When Transmission Leaks
If your vehicle is experiencing any sign of a transmission leak, it is crucial to try and avoid driving until you can have your vehicle looked at and serviced. Mercedes can be prone to have transmission fluid leaks, so it is important to be aware and regularly inspect your vehicle’s transmission fluid to make sure it is full.
Manfred’s Import Auto
If your vehicle is experiencing any sign of 
transmission issues or it is in need of its routine maintenance, contact Mandred’s Import Auto for help. Our qualified technicians will provide you with expert service and make sure your vehicle is safe and properly maintained. Manfred’s Import Auto serves the communities in and around Barrington, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, and Cary, IL. Call us today.
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