Leaking trans fluid near bell housing

[donC]

Hi, I have a 2014 2L Ecoboost Automatic with only about 53k km. No major issues until recently I started getting transmission faults. Diagnostic scans keep getting errors on different solenoids (B,C,D). Even though I did trans fluid service at 3 year 32k km I assumed I was having the usual clogging issues and was preparing to remove the mechatronic unit. However, when I got under the car it was clear that there is a serious trans fluid leak. I assume the low fluid is leading to the issues (though not sure why they generally go away when the car is fully up to temp).

This is usually some internal seal, correct? So is there any reasonable home mechanic fix or is it a full on gearbox out service?

Thanks for the help

[SirDavidAlhambra]

Good morning, Mr D. Corleone! I kiss your ring to show my respect.

What a problem to have on this, the day of the fuel crisis.

I expect a gasket has gone.

I used to have a Saab that would give gearbox problems in ice cold weather. I think the gearbox oil is very thick and the solenoids move more freely when it?s all warmed up.

I?d take it to a gearbox specialist, to be honest. Find a small independent one and test them out by phone before going there. If they?re anything but helpful, immediately call the next garage as these sorts of places could rip you off.

But I?d get a specialist to look at it. It?s tricky to get to and with all those cogs and springs and stuff it would be properly fiddly to put back together. If they do it day in day out they should have the right facilities to do it properly.

Thank you, and please pass on our sincere loyalty and respect to the Administration. We remain your loyal consigliere. No wiseguys here.

[johnnyroper]

Looking at picture is that coming out of the bell housing where it meets the engine?
Is it powershift or standard auto box? Either way that?s a box out job to sort the problem.
Low fluid level will be the cause of the issues I would say.

[donC]

thanks for the replies. Yes, it's almost definitely the main seal. According to the local transmission shop this leak usually results in clutch contamination and requires a rebuild. Does that make sense? I would question his expertise but when I went in he had a Mondeo and S-max up on lifts having transmission repairs, so I think he is pretty familiar with this cursed DCT450.

[SirDavidAlhambra]

You're welcome, Boss.

It sounds like this goombah at the garage is giving you good advice, my 'Capo dei capi'.

If he is familiar also with your particular type of transmission, I'd get a price from him and book it in.

Hopefully your lovely motor car will be back on the road and purring along nicely in no time!

We kiss your ring in respect, Mr Corleone.