Sudden Automatic Transmission Fluid Leak?

[SteveKNY]

Yesterday, after a 35 mile drive, I parked my 2000 4Runner facing down on a steep hill and turned the engine off. About 15 minutes later I restarted the engine and backed up the hill (about 30 feet) and reparked on level ground.
I noticed a significant spill of fresh automatic transmission fluid where the car had just been, and crawled under the car to see what was going on (the car was now turned off again, and parked on a flat surface).
With the engine off, there was transmission fluid literally pouring (not dripping, POURING!) down both sides of the transmission - not leaking from the cooler lines or from seals at the end of the transmission, but apparently from the top of the transmission (I couldn't see back far enough under the firewall to see exactly where it was coming from - but it was pouring down BOTH sides - I'm guessing maybe a quart or so before it stopped leaking.
When the car cooled off, I started it again, and drove it to my home 1/4 mile away with no problems and no leaks. This morning I drove it a half mile, and again performance was normal and there were no leaks.
Anyone know what's going on? I don't want to drive it any farther before I have an idea of what's up. Thanks!

 

[Charlee78]

Hey, the description you give makes me think you where having a leak from the transmission vent. Did you had a fluid change or adjustment recently? Is the level ok now? If it's ok, did you check when hot or cold?

 

[SteveKNY]

Well, I just tried to drive it again tonight, and noticed that I wasn't getting any heat from the heater.....
Stopped the car, and checked the coolant in the radiator....there wasn't much there, and it smelled like ATF. Pulled the ATF dipstick, and it was all foamy.

So, I guess the radiator / trans cooling lines failed, right?

I'm too busy to monkey with it myself, but I guess it's radiator time, and trans flush time......

Hate to take it to the dealer, but I think the problem is pretty clear cut. Opinions?

 

[SteveKNY]

Sorry....I forgot to thank you, Charlee, for your reply. Thanks! Yep, I'm sure now it was from the vent.

 

[Charlee78]

The radiator issue has been discussed in this forum already, do a search and you'll find it, but in my opinion, you will most likely need a transmission overhaul too....

 

[SteveKNY]

Thanks again, Charlee - I got the car towed to a local Toyota dealer, and had a pretty good conversation with the service advisor there. They're going to look it over and give me an estimate....
Generally, I'd do the repair myself, but I'm busy right now. The symptoms point pretty directly to the cause, and I'm hoping that since I didn't drive far and the tranny was still working fine when I stopped that it will survive with a good flushing....I'll keep you posted. -Steve