Last night, I ran over what appeared to be an automotive part of some kind,
(looked like an alternator). I missed it with the wheels but it wound up
hitting my undercarriage with a violent thud.

This morning, I have a large puddle of some kind of oil, emanating from
the center area of the engine.

I cannot tell if it is engine oil or tranny oil. I guess I'm just trying to get
prepared for the worst.

It will definitely have to be towed to the shop.

What color is the tranny oil in this year and model?

Thanks, guys.

 

Most ATF is red.

If you have the Mercedes based transmission, it is RED for sure.

Put some newspaper under the car to see the true color, or just lay a white paper towel over the puddle and pick it up again.

 

With a 2003 XKR (like mine) you have the 6-speed ZF 6HP26 gearbox, which uses ZF Lifeguard 6 fluid. The fluid has a golden color. If it hasn't seen a fluid change recently, it is likely to be pretty much darker than gold/yellow.

 

Pull your engine dipstick and see the oil level and you can also smell it to compare the fluid on the ground.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. Did all of the recommended analysis.

Looks like tranny fluid. Bummer.

Thanks again guys.

 

It's the perfect and easier time to change the fluid than going thru an engine oil pan change.

 

The ZF pan/filter are disposable aren't they? So, the insurance company pays for a filter/fluid change.

 

Lifeguard Fluid. Gold - just like the cost!

It sounds like the impact has have cracked the plastic pan/filter unit. Other than an unscheduled fluid and filter change, you should have got away without major damage.

Graham