So parked in the garage over the recent really cold spell, the car seems to have vomited a large quantity of red fluid, which I assume by location and color is transmission fluid.

Now, I know this is not good, but how bad is it? Did something shrink in the cold or did something just crack and give up? It doesn't seem to be dripping anymore, can i just add transmission fluid? Is there a relatively simple seal to replace if I shimmy under the car?

thanks, bryan.

 

With the car sitting unused the ATF drains from the transmission innards into the pan. As the fluid level rises it finds its way thru any and all weak seals an gaskets. It leaks until the fluid level drops below the offending seals and gaskets.

In many cases it's the pan gasket that's the worst offender but it could be several smaller leaks

You'll have to take a good look to determine how many and how bad the leaks are.

And, yes, cold weather doesn't help.

The easiest fix is to start the car every couple days to keep more ATF in the transmission itself ...and out of the pan

Cheers
DD