Service & Repair Manual

The transmission on my car, the 1991 Ford Explorer suddenly lose reverse and start leaking fluid out the over flow tube, It was -15 degrees that day. Does anyone know about this? Thanks.

Answer: Overheating of the transmission fluid will cause it to expand and be pushed out of the overflow tube. If the transmission slips, it can cause the transmission to overheat and heat the fluid. If the transmission was a bit overfull to start with that will worsen the problem. The loss of reverse may have caused the transmission to slip and the fluid to overheat. No mater what the outside temperature is a slipping transmission can overheat the internal fluid. You should also check the transmission fluid cooler for proper operation.