2013 Ford Edge Transmission Fluid Cooler Leak

[Jason Schroeder]

My in-laws have a 2013 Ford Edge with about 26,000 miles on it (3.5 liter, AWD). It has been leaking transmission fluid for some time. Unfortunately, they don't put many miles on it per year, so they first noticed the leak after the warranty had expired. They took it into the same Ford dealer that they bought it from to have it fixed. So far, the dealer service department has replaced one of the lines between the transmission and the transmission fluid cooler, and also the cooler itself. The leak has decreased significantly, but it is still there. The first time they knew they had a problem, they pulled into their garage and the car was smoking badly due to fluid leaking directly on the front exhaust manifold heat shield and burning off. It would also leak onto their garage floor. After the repairs, it doesn't smoke anymore, but it will still leak a drop onto the floor overnight. There is a film of fluid on the radiator fans and also the frame member directly below them. They have already spent over $1300 getting it worked on at their local Ford dealer, and the problem is not fixed. Anyone here have similar issues? Any help would be appreciated!

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

Could be the other tube/hose that is leaking, and/or the thermal bypass valve. Once the engine/transmission are cool, you can spray down (not with a pressure washer though) the cooler and radiator to get rid of old deposited fluid. Once the water is dried off, check for the leak again.

 

 

A fluid exchange might help if it is an issue with line pressures. Fluids can gum up mechanicals and electricals if left sitting too often. After that, may need to add a stabilizer meant for stored fluid, like they have for gasoline.