Woke up today with transmission fluid all over the garage. Leak starts from below engine bay. Thinking back to yesterday, there was a slight jerk in downshifting on the freeway. Smelled SOMETHING but didn't think too hard about it. Pretty sure it was transmission fluid now. Thoughts on driving 5 miles to closest mechanic (not dealer even tho i stated that in title)?

 

I don't think that would be the wisest move you could make.

 

I didn't think so either : / I just needed confirmation I guess. Thanks

 

Are you sure its transmission fluid?

 

Pretty sure. Red and smelled like transmission fluid. Altho google images shows ZF fluid isn't red. I got it towed, though.

 

PS fluid is red.

(Coolant is, too, but not an oil.)

 

False alarm. It was coolant I panicked too quickly I guess ~_~ Now just need to figure out where and how to fix it. Should be waaaay easier than doing transmission work tho.

 

No, it is a real alarm. Coolant loss can damage an engine in less than one minute. Finding the leak should be easy unless you have a coolant recovery tank UNDER a cowl panel

 

It's probably a hose that has a hole, a hose clamp that is loose or a cracked res.