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Home / Symptoms / Pink Fluid Leaking

Hey, Why Is Pink Fluid Leaking From My Car?

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Four common causes for a pink fluid leaking from the vehicle and their related parts.
Anytime you have fluid leaking on the ground of some color, you need to investigate as soon as possible. If the fluid is a pink color, there are three different places that this could have come from. The power steering fluid can be red and look pink when puddled on the ground. The transmission fluid is red and looks pink when puddled on the ground. Some engine coolant is colored pink as well. The important thing is that if a fluid that is colored is leaking out of the vehicle, you should immediately investigate where it is coming from.

Is There Pink Fluid Leaking From Your Car?

A pink fluid leak is commonly caused by a seep in the transmission, power steering, or coolant system since they typically use a pink-colored fluid to operate. The most common culprits are seal issues or cracks in the transmission cooler, heater hoses, or power steering cooler.

Moreover, you might want to get this checked quickly. Leaking issues typically cause progressive damage in car parts and components depending on the chemical reactions they cause.

In addition, car systems that require the leaking fluid might overstress by working without a proper liquid volume; this results in further repairs. Consider having a professional technician check into this; they're quick to join you in finding the root cause, preventing it from developing, and ensuring your car's health.

Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!

Is the vehicle's transmission slipping or dragging to shift gears?

Transmission fluid is essential for smooth transmission in your vehicle. It helps connect different parts inside the transmission, allowing the car to move forward. However, when the transmission fluid is low, there isn't enough pressure to properly engage the clutch plates, which can cause the transmission to slip. This means it might take longer for the vehicle to shift into the desired gear.

Is the engine overheating unusually?

Engine coolant is responsible for carrying away the heat produced by combustion and releasing it into the air outside. A leak in the cooling system results in coolant level drops. Ultimately, the engine can overheat, even becoming dangerous and showing high temperatures on the dashboard.

Does the steering wheel sometimes feel stiff and other times feel light to handle?

The power steering fluid is a special fluid that helps the steering system perform smoothly. It uses hydraulic pressure from the power steering pump to assist the driver in steering the vehicle, especially at slow speeds. However, if there's a leak in the power steering system and the fluid level gets low, it can make the steering feel challenging to turn. Sometimes, when the fluid pressure builds up, the power steering may work temporarily, but it usually doesn't last long.

Is the "check engine" light active on the dashboard?

The transmission fluid has two critical roles: it helps keep the transmission cool and provides hydraulic pressure to control the clutches and gears inside the transmission. When the transmission fluid is low, it can't work correctly. It won't be able to lubricate the transmission or cool it down effectively. This can increase friction, causing the transmission to overheat. When the transmission overheats, it triggers the check engine light, indicating a concerning problem.

Do you hear a whining noise when turning the steering wheel?

Power steering fluid makes steering more effortless in your vehicle. It works by using pressure from the power steering pump to help with steering in the steering gear. However, if there's a leak in the power steering cooler line and the power steering fluid becomes low, the remaining fluid in the power steering pump can create a noise called cavitation when you turn the steering wheel. This noise is often a whining sound.

Do you notice a sweet-like smell from inside the vehicle?

The heater hoses have an essential job in your vehicle. They carry the hot coolant from the engine to the heater core, which provides heat for the vehicle's inside. However, if the heater hoses start to leak coolant, you may notice a sweet smell inside the car. This smell is related to the chemical composition of the fluid.

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Vehicle Health Inspection Proof

Explore the following typical inspection results that show a potential cause for the symptom and select the one you believe is similar to your vehicle's issue.

A faulty axle seal allowing transmission fluid leaks, causing the shifter to stuck

The image provided supports the conclusion that the transmission fluid leakage from the axle seal was the cause of the low fluid level, resulting in the delay when shifting gears.

When the customer brought their vehicle in, they mentioned a problem with the automatic transmission taking a while to engage when they shifted gears. They also noticed some pink-colored fluid on their garage floor.

During the test drive, the technician confirmed that there was indeed a delay in the transmission engaging the gears during shifting.

The technician observed a low transmission fluid level during the vehicle health inspection. Additionally, they noticed oil leaking around the bottom of the transmission, specifically near the axle seal.

The technician cleaned up the oil residue and dried the transmission to address the issue. Then, they proceeded to fill the transmission fluid to the appropriate level.

After completing these initial steps, the technician took the vehicle for another test drive. This time, the transmission engaged the gears immediately, indicating improved performance.

Upon returning from the test drive, the technician raised the vehicle on the lift for further inspection. It was confirmed that the transmission fluid was leaking from the left axle seal. This seal will need to be replaced to resolve the issue.

The check engine light is popping up because of a transmission fluid leak around the transmission cooler

The proof image shows the transmission fluid leaking from the cooler. This leak is the reason behind the check engine light on the dashboard.

When the customer brought their vehicle in, they expressed concern about the transmission not shifting correctly and the check engine light being active on the dashboard.

The technician confirmed that the check engine light was on during a test drive. However, they also noticed that the transmission seemed slipping, so it was not changing gears smoothly.

As part of a thorough inspection, the technician checked the transmission fluid and found it low. Additionally, they observed transmission fluid leaking and covering the bottom of the radiator.

The technician requested authorization for additional diagnostic procedures to diagnose the issue further. They used a specialized scanner for the specific vehicle to check for any trouble codes and monitor the transmission temperature.

At that moment, the temperature was within the normal range. The technician then topped off the transmission fluid and cleaned the oil residue from the radiator and transmission lines.

After starting the vehicle, they confirmed that the leak originated from the transmission cooler, a part of the radiator. As a result, the radiator and the transmission cooler will need to be replaced as an assembly.

The whining noise is happening because of a leak in the cooler lines, affecting the vehicle steering

The proof image shows the leaking power steering cooler line causing the whining noise. This leak confirms the technician's findings and emphasizes replacing the power steering line to address the issue.

When the customer brought their vehicle in, they mentioned that the steering was becoming noisy. Then, they noticed the car whining when they turned the steering wheel. It became difficult to steer, although they didn't hear the noise when driving straight.

During a test drive, the technician confirmed that the power steering malfunctioned. They also observed a whining noise when turning the steering wheel, indicating an issue with the power steering system.

As part of a thorough inspection, the technician checked the power steering fluid and found it very low. Additionally, they noticed oil residue on the cross member and the power steering line cooler, which is located between the pump and the steering rack.

To diagnose the issue further, the technician cleaned the oil residue from the cross member and the power steering line. They then added more power steering fluid and started the vehicle.

After lifting the vehicle on a hoist, the technician confirmed that the power steering line, which runs along the cross member for cooling purposes, leaked, resulting in power steering fluid leakage. The power steering line will need to be replaced to resolve the problem.

Heater hoses can allow coolant leak, causing a sweet-scented smell in some cases

A proof image was taken, clearly showing the leaking heater hose, which is the cause of the sweet smell. This leak confirms the technician's findings and emphasizes replacing the heater hoses.

When the customer brought their vehicle in, they mentioned that the heater was not functioning as effectively as before. They also noticed a sweet smell while driving.

During a test drive, the technician confirmed the presence of the sweet smell, which indicated a potential issue with the vehicle's coolant.

As part of a thorough inspection, the technician checked the coolant level and found it low. Additionally, they noticed dried coolant residue around the heater hoses connecting to the heater core at the firewall.

The technician added more coolant to the system to diagnose the issue further. They then connected a coolant pressure tester to the radiator and pressurized it to 12 psi. By doing this, the technician verified that a coolant leak had occurred between the heater core and the hoses.

Based on their findings, the technician recommends replacing both heater hoses to resolve the issue. These hoses are responsible for carrying the coolant to and from the heater core, and their deterioration is likely causing the leak.

Faulty O-ring seals allowing the power steering fluid to leak

The proof image shows the power steering hose's O-ring seal leaking. This leak caused a low fluid level and steering difficulty.

When the customer brought their vehicle in, they mentioned that the power steering would sometimes work and other times become stiff. They noticed a whining noise under the hood when the steering was hard to turn. They suspected that the drive belt might be slipping.

During a test drive, the technician experienced the intermittent loss of power steering assist, confirming the customer's concern.

As part of a vehicle health inspection, the technician checked the power steering fluid and found it low. They also observed significant oil underneath the vehicle and around the steering gear.

The technician requested authorization for additional diagnostic procedures to diagnose the issue further. Next, they cleaned the area beneath the vehicle and around the steering rack, using compressed air to dry it.

Afterward, they added more power steering fluid and started the engine. The technician then lifted the vehicle to inspect the steering rack and identify the source of the leak.

During the inspection, the technician discovered that the leak originated from the hose seal, specifically an O-ring at the steering rack. To fix the problem, the O-ring will need to be replaced.

The engine is overheating because of a coolant leak from the valley pan

After removing the intake manifold, a visual proof image was taken, clearly showing the leaking coolant coming from the valley pan. This leak is the reason behind the engine running hot.

When the customer brought in their vehicle, they expressed concern about the engine running hotter than usual; this also caused a burning smell. In addition, they noticed the temperature gauge almost reached the red area, indicating a potential problem.

During a test drive, the technician confirmed that the engine temperature was indeed running high. Additionally, the technician discovered a low coolant level during the vehicle health inspection.

Upon closer examination, they found evidence of a coolant leak. This leak was traced to a line of coolant running down the back of the engine and ending at the bell housing. The leak became apparent when the vehicle was raised on the lift.

The technician requested authorization for additional diagnostic tests to diagnose the issue further. First, they used a cooling pressure system tester connected to the radiator. By pressurizing the system to 12 PSI, they observed that the pressure was dropping, and coolant was escaping onto the ground.

To pinpoint the exact source of the leak, the technician used mirrors and discovered that the coolant was leaking from the valley pan of the engine, flowing towards the back and reaching the bell housing. To access and repair the valley pan, the intake manifold must be removed, and the gasket must be replaced.

Typical Fixes to Address the Cause(s)

The following chapters bases themselves on experiences from our auto repair shop; we'll describe related problems' causes and fixes.

Sometimes a problem is more challenging to describe than it initially looked like. If you are not sure your problem is described by this article, please find below similar vehicle symptoms, which might describe better the issue you are experiencing.

Vehicle Symptoms

Below are just a few examples of typical Symptoms and Fixes your car might be experiencing

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Hey, Why is My Car Leaking Water?

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Hey, Why is My Car Leaking Gas?

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Four common causes for a vehicle leaking red fluid and their related parts.

Hey, Why is There Red Fluid Leaking from My Car?

The red fluid leak probably comes from the transmission or hydraulic p...
Four common causes for a vehicle leaking red fluid and their related parts.

Hey, Why Is My Car Battery Leaking?

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Four common causes for a vehicle EVAP system leak and their related parts.

Hey, Why Is My Evap System Leaking?

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Four common causes for a vehicle Radiator Leaking and their related parts.

Hey, Why Is My Radiator Leaking?

A radiator leak is commonly caused by a loosebroken radiator cap damag...
Four common causes for a vehicle with a Power Steering Leak and their related parts.

Hey, Why Is My Power Steering Fluid Leaking?

A power steering fluid leak is commonly caused by a faulty sealing in ...

Typical Fixes Pages