Hello all.
I have a stock 96 XJ 4x4 4.0.

On my way to work a few days ago she dumped all her trans fluid - I was crossing a 3 lane highway to get into the parking lot of my job and barely made it because it just wouldn't get into drive.

I pulled in and parked it less than 30 seconds later and next thing I know it had puked out all the fluid.

I let it cool my whole over night in my jobs parking lot, got some more trans fluid, and went to start her up the next day.

All was good before I shifted into drive (I let it just run on to make sure I didn't have any lights pop up on the dash - my brake lights on but nothing else). As soon as I put it in drive, all the fluid dumped again. I didn't even drive maybe 50 feet before it was empty again.

I checked under and I don't see any cracks anywhere - when it dumps out it comes from the overflow hole.

My cooling system was just repaired a month or two ago and its been fine (replaced water pump, new coolant, new hoses, etc) and my engine hasn't been overheating.

I do know i have a small exhaust leak, but Im not sure if that would really have anything to do with the problem now.

Im thinking a bad solenoid or catalytic converter issue?

 

This doesn't sound like a solenoid or cat converter issue. By overflow hole, are you talking about the gap at the front bottom of the bell housing? That would be a failed torque converter or front seal on the trans. Are the trans cooler lines from the transmission to the radiator and back intact? Just wondering if one of them got damaged.

 

I agree with the previous answer

check the cooler lines havent popped their fitting on the trans

if its the TC oil seal, it will run out between bellhousing and gearbox

You need yo get under while its running to see

both can be fixed, but the front oil seal requires removal of the GB

 

I try to get under while its running - but the second I start up the fluid starts dumping out quick. Its fine when Its off when i fill it but the second i turn it over it starts pouring out (i'm definitely not a mechanic - I just do what I can from reading other people similar issues on here lol - so Im not sure if that could be a part of the issue)

It looked like its leaking somewhere up top on the right side somewhere, but the lines run along the left side so im not thinking its one of them - ill double check when im home

 

That seems way too fast of a leak for a bad seal, more like it's being pumped out of a disconnected or broken cooler line. The cooler lines connect on the right-hand side of the trans. There are also some quick connects up by the trans on the left side. I marked the connections below in red. If the connectors are still attached, inspect the steel lines where they run alongside the oil pan as sometimes the clamps can rub through the line.

 

The lines are on the RHS side on mine, They can popr right out, the steel can crack, or the quick disconnect can fail

I replaced all these items with a barbed M14 fitting, rubber hydraulic hose and clamps

You just got get under an see, dont wear your Sunday best, and be aware ATF gives the hair a much better lustre and body than any hair conditioner

( found this out when I was a golden-haired lad), dont think it would work on the cat mange that doubles for hair I got these days

 

So I was able to take a look underneath finally - since 99.99% of the fluid has finished dripping out.
All of the cooler lines were checked and are in place/not damaged.

Im stumped 😂

And yes - I did also dunk my head a massive puddle of ATF when my car originally dumped all the fluid, and it added a nice wet, sheen look to my already auburn hair 😂

 

A tip on oil in hair. Always apply and work in shampoo/soap to your hair BEFORE wetting it with water.

 

You need to look and see where it's coming from. We're just guessing here. It might not be obvious, but the metal clips that hold the line can wear through the line and cause a leak.

 

So ive got everything cleaned up a little and im looking underneath. the only place fluid is coming from is the inspection plate - which is about the general area the fluid was initially dumping out of...

Winner winner to those who guessed failed torque converter or front seal...

edit : im got the plate off and got to take a look in the bell housing. im not sure if it makes a difference in anything - but the trans fluid is leaking from the drivers side - the passenger side is completely dry...

I wish i could figure out how to post the video of when it dumped out all the ATF. it was like Niagara falls underneath my car 😅