So I was out fixing out what I thought was the leaking vacuum pump behind the (M271) engine and noticed this.

My car had started shifting funny (occasional rough gear change and missed gear) about a month ago. Decided to check the fluid, and sure enough, it was low.

So here are my questions.

1. Does that look like oil, or does it look more like transmission fluid? Yes I know I'm overdue so the fluid is old and will therefore be brownish. Was actually going to attempt the transmission fluid flush today, but this is really making things go sideways. The reason I suspect it's transmission fluid is becuase the fluid seems to be right along the seam there, but on the other hand, that stain there is also directly below the mating surface between the vacuum pump and motor, where I consistently had issues with leaking engine oil in the past.

2. If it was the transmission seal, is it a particularly difficult or nasty job? I'll probably pass it to an indie to take care of, but also don't want to pay more than the car is worth, which is a real possibility.

Car is at 178k km.

Thanks.

 

I looks like small amount of fluid spilled while pouring into tranns fill neck( which by the way is tiny, so it's easy to spill ) , as for leak you should check under the car, especially near transs connector ( 13 pin) if its wet , also check TCM that is inside car , pass side fwd, if that connector has oil that explains why car shifts funny, clean it immediately, hope you TCM is not shorted. Good luck

 

+1 on the tcm