AlabasterE55

Hey All,

I started up my '05 E55 after it was parked for 2 weeks this morning. Drove it at 15mph to another parking spot, pulled in and when I backed it out of that spot noticed a small puddle of ATF on the ground (maybe 1/8-1/4 cup). The puddle was on the driver's side of the car, underneath the engine bay. Anyone had this issue before?

Rocman8

most likely the 13 pin connector. worst case scenario is front pump leaking.

AlabasterE55

Ok.. If it matters, the fluid smokes while accelerating. I think I'm gonna bring it into a mechanic tomorrow to find the leak - I just want to go in as educated as possible so I don't get ripped off.

Rocman8

It's getting onto the exhaust and burning. If you can get under there and take a couple pictures most of us here could help you out.

AlabasterE55

I took a pic this morning. There's a box in the center of the car just behind the engine (probably the tranny) that's soaked with ATF. The fluid is dripping off that to make a puddle. The car has shifted kind of awkwardly the whole time I've owned it (3k miles), I'm hoping the transmission isn't bad. It's not throwing any codes. Any advice would be appreciated.

Rocman8

Wow that's a lot of oil. It's probably shifting poorly due to the fluid being low. You will need to take those under panels off and get some closer pics. Look towards the front passenger side of the transmission and hope the leak is coming from that connector.

2000UZJ

Mine was shifting a bit slow and just didn't feel that "crisp" when shifting. I had the dealer change the 13-pin connector (it was leaking like yours), reset the TCU and changed the fluid. It shifts MUCH better. I then did a TCU tune with new blue tops and it shifts even better! I didn't have puddles but I did have a few spots develop over the past few months. Nothing like yours though.

AlabasterE55

Thanks everyone for the help. Just to follow up - I got the work finished an hour ago.. The 13-pin connector was leaking as well as the gasket. Total cost to repair those things and replace the fluid was $260. It shifts better than it ever has now, kind of cool.