I have a 1995 Z28. The auto trans fluid was a little low, so I put more in. As I was adding more fluid, I noticed that there was a substantial amount of fluid dripping down the trans dipstick tube. I looked under the car, and sure enough there was a small pool of liquid. I got in the car to start it and it would not turn over at all. I have no idea where the starter is located on the car, but my only guess is that the fluid dripped onto the starter and from what I have heard is that if a starter gets wet or gets any fluid on it, it goes bad. Can anyone shed some light on the problem?

Thanks in advance,

Randy.

 

the starter is right under the trany dip stick. it should be sealed fairly well but if its been getting a trany fluid shower on a regular schedule then im sure it would mess it up. it cant be good for an electric motor, if it was old and worn it could be the last straw for the starter. so no click or nothing? if thats it u need to check the wire connections, may be worth it to clean the start up and test it.

 

For starters (no pun intended) you checked your transmission fluid level incorrectly, never check the trans fluid with the engine off. Your fluid is now at the wrong level, and it could very well be too high since the fluid expands as it gets hot. To check it the right way, warm the engine and trans up to running temp by driving it some. Then stop the car, keep your foot on the brake pedal, run the trans through all the gears a couple of times, put it in park, and THEN check the level (with the engine still running). Use a funnel that fits into the filler tube too, and fill it slowly. After following all that, you shouldn't have a mess at all.

 

Well, I had ran the car a few times around the block to get it up to temperature before checking. I shut it off while i was checking it though. The car was working fine prior to me putting the fluid in and leaking it everywhere. Do you guys happen to know what else could be the problem?

Thanks,
Randy.

 

It could be anything really. Do you get any noise at all? A click? You should start by making sure that your battery cables are clean and tight. Starters are pretty tough but it could be just your luck that this one didn't want the lube job and quit. Gotta start with the basics, good luck.

 

Yeah, you checked the fluid level with the engine off. First, you need to know where your level is at. Then clean everything off and look for other leaks as it's running. If it's too high, it could be burping out where the filler tube goes into the trans. It sounds like you may have drenched the starter.

 

Well as long as you have means of transportation to a parts store. You can alwasy jack up the car, take the starter out, and go get it tested. In my opinion, its not that hard to get the starter out.