I have a 2007 Honda Ridgeline with 136,000 miles. While accelerating after a stop light I noticed the transaxle was slipping. I pulled over to have a look, and on the passenger side underneath where the radiator sits, in the wheel well and down the passenger side running board there was an oily substance where obviously something had ruptured. The dipstick showed there wasn't much transmission fluid in the case, so I assumed I had a ruptured cooling line and had the truck towed home.

Today I decided to go ahead and drain the remainder of the transmission fluid and just fill it up with new. When I drained the fluid, it looked like chocolate milk. I checked the radiator and the coolant in the radiator looked exactly the same. Like chocolate milk.

Has anyone come across this situation before? I'm going to have to work on this over the weekend. I'm thinking I'll have to repair the ruptured line (which I have not located yet) and replace the radiator and the fluids. Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

RBrooks

 

Transmission fluid and engine coolant can mix in one area
That is the radiator.
Engine coolant goes to the upper portion of the radiator
And tranny fluid goes to the lower portion of the radiator
If the separator in the radiator which keeps the two apart broke then they could mix

I am not sure if there is another place where they could have come in contact with each other

 

Thanks for the reply. I figured I would have to replace the radiator and then flush both systems and refill. I know the torque converter will have some of the mixed coolant/transmission fluid in it as well.

Any tips on the best way to flush the goop out of the torque converter?

RBrooks

 

only way i've done this on another vehicle is to drain the fluid, replace the filter, replenish and drive the vehicle for a bit, then redo all again, each time the fluid gets less mixture and becomes pure trans fluid. be sure to use Honda fluid only.

 

@acmech52
Thanks for the info. I have another question for you. I don't have any Honda fluid and won't be able to get to the dealer until Tuesday or Thursday, but I do have a lot the multi-vehicle DW-1 fluid that says it meets the requirements for the Ridgeline. What happens if I use that instead of the Honda fluid? Can I use that fluid to do the flush and then replace it with Honda fluid? I'm about ready to refill the fluid levels
Appreciate the fruit of the spirit reference too.

RBrooks

 

many members have used other fluids than Honda, and majority have ended up with problems, slipping, none shift, and if caught quickly saved their transmission by going back to Honda fluid. so i would advise you not to use other fluids. i send my Honda's to a transmission shop here local and they use Honda fluid to flush or overhaul. Honda's fluids have less caustic and creates less foaming when running vs other fluids.( research on Honda fluids vs other fluids). stay with Honda trans fluid to avoid problems down line. Happy New Year.

 

Well, I don't want to create extra risks. I'll take your advise and get some Honda fluid and use that. Thanks again.

RBrooks

 

Sorry everyone, I forgot to come back in and give the update on how this turned out. It turned out good and and the coolant and tranny fluid are clear. I bought the tranny fluid at the Honda dealer. I originally asked for six quarts and the cost was $8.25 a quart. I asked if I would get a discount if I bought a case and they discounted the price down to $5.35 a quart. Six quarts would have been $53.49 but with the discount I got twelve quarts for $69.33.