• I have a leak. Can you tell me how much it will cost to repair it?
   
• Can you tell me how much to overhaul my transmission?
   
• How long will a transmission normally last?
   
• Will it hurt to overfill my transmission?
   
• Will overfilling "blow" my transmission seals?
   
• If I tell you my symptoms, can you tell me what will repair my problem?
   
• Can I drive with a transmission leak?
   
• What are my driving conditions?
   

There are numerous places that a transmission can leak. They include: the pump, shift lever seals, kickdown seal, electrical connection/s, governor cover, speedometer, rear output seal or axle seals, servo cover/s, filler tube, throttle cable, pan, side cover, cooler lines, and differential cover.  The real question is: What is/are the source/s of the leak/s. Most people can only see the bottom of the unit, and therefore conclude that the bottom pan gasket is leaking when, in reality, the leak is from above and running down and around the pan. It is therefore imperative that the unit be visually inspected to evaluate the leak situation! So, the answer to the question is: No, I can't without seeing the vehicle.
 

My first question back to you is: Which model transmission do you have and how do you know it needs to be overhauled? Occasionally, a poorly running engine, restricted exhaust, computer or sensor, poor electrical ground, or other problem not internal to the transmission will be the cause of abnormal operation. Tragically, I have had numerous vehicles brought into the shop having had major work done on the transmission itself or the unit replaced, but the operation problem is still present. This usually turns out that the problem was never in the transmission, therefore never resolved. What a waste!
 

The is no accurate answer to that question. The mileage or time of use before major problems occur will vary greatly, and therefore, I don't see a correlation between mileage and expected transmission failure. It is not unusual that the first few years after a newly designed transmission hits the road, that early failures occur. But, in later years with updates to the original design, the units become more reliable. The three major factors in the life expectancy are periodic maintenance, maintaining proper fluid level, and driving habits.
 

In a word, no! It is possible that gross overfilling can cause the fluid to be subjected to moving parts and become aerated which could cause abnormal operation. You may also notice leaks that ordinarily would not occur.
 

In a word, no! The transmission case is vented preventing pressure buildup in normally unpressured areas. Severe overfilling can raise the fluid level such that the transmission may lose fluid through the vent or leak from seals that are above the normal fluid level
 

I won't even try. Don't get me wrong, but rarely have I had such an accurate description from a customer covering all needed information that the conclusion reached from that description was the correct one. In most cases, if I performed the repair based solely on the customer's perception, the problem would not have been resolved. Most people, including general technicians, don't have the depth of knowledge to adequately diagnose transmission problems.
 

It depends on the rate of fluid loss. A minor or slow leak will allow you to drive as long as you maintain the level in the normal range. You will have to establish the rate of loss and replenish as necessary. It should be obvious that if fluid is running out as a stream, that you won't go very far. A transmission will usually operate "normal" until the fluid loss is a quart or more. Then the unit will exhibit abnormal operating symptoms and internal damage is occurring. What started as only a leak can result in a major repair bill if ignored!