2011 Ecoboost 4x4 over the last 3 or 4 days after like the slip bump issue was getting a little worse, I attributed it to the cold weather and made a note to get the kit and finally address the issue. Well today going down the interstate I noticed the trans engine rpms would increase ever so little for just a second or two then it would go right back to normal. I jumped off the interstate and I was going to check the fluid until I figured out how, (stupid), then I decided to try and limp the truck home. I got it home without much issue but once I got it home and got underneath it, I noticed at some point the trans had leaked all its fluid. The entire underside of the truck as well as the running boards and tailgate are covered in trans fluid. Any known issues with fluid leaks that I should start with? Since everything is covered in fluid I can't pinpoint a leak location yet. I'll try and get into town tomorrow to find fluid and figure out how to get the stuff in the trans and hopefully it diurnal do any damage.

 

Inspect the transmission lines from/to the transmission cooler and transmission.

As for how to fill the transmission...

 

most common leak is the bulkhead electrical connector sleeve. Look on the rear of the trans on the passenger side of the vehicle where the big wiring harness goes into the transmission. It will leak from there and drip down to the pan and a lot of people mistake it for pan gasket leak. It is an easy repair just hope the trans didn't get damaged running too long without enough fluid.

 

That's my fear, I bet these aren't cheap to rebuild.

 

I got under the truck this morning and it's wet from the front end back which tells me it's either the cooler or less from the cooler leaking. Since my dakota is on my lift I'm just going to have it towed to a friend's transmission shop and let him check it out. There is no fluid on the dipstick at all but it doesn't smell burnt like it cooked anything.

 

My transmission cooler and lines are rusted horribly and is the source of my leak. I see replacement coolers from $50 to $350 that all day they fit. Does anyone know which replacement works? I plan on changing the cooler and lines then decide if I need to take it to the shop.