Leaking Fluid - Question

Hi all.

I've got a 2010 TRD Sport automatic with 66K miles on it. The last inspection (October), they told me I had a slight leak from a transmission cooler line. I passed on getting it fixed at that time because there was nothing on my driveway (plus I'm an idiot).

After I saw fluid on my driveway, I figured I'd start to take it seriously. I popped the hood and saw liquid sitting on top of my skid plate. I reached up and felt it and to me, it seemed like trans fluid. Of course it was mixed with dirt, water, and debris so I could be wrong.

My question is, if my transmission cooler lines were leaking, are they in a place where my skid plate would collect it? I just assumed it would be farther back than that.

And the big question is, if it is transmission fluid, without knowing how much I've lost, would you drive it 15 miles to the dealer?

Thanks!

 

You should get it fixed asap because you don’t know how much has leaked out. Your tranny needs all the fluid.
It doesn’t sound like it’s effected it yet, so drive it 15 miles to dealer and get it fixed.

 

If it’s been leaking since Oct, and you haven’t noticed the transmission acting strange.
It will probably fine for 15 miles.

I believe the skid plate uses 4x 12 mm bolts.
Is not hard to remove or put on. If you are really worried about it, pull the skid plate and take a look.

See here for the locations of the lines.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-full-flush-for-automatic-transmission.68462/

 

I bet the dealer will rape you on the cost of replacement
Find a good local mom n pop garage they will genuinely thank you for your business and treat you right
I replaced mine but then I had a lift which made all the difference
Good luck

 

^This.

OP, between what you witnessed on your driveway and skid plate, any rough idea on how much fluid we're talking here? Unless for whatever reason you're not able to, until you do a little more leg work on your end by dropping the skid plate, taking photos, etc., you're just throwing darts at a board with your fellow TW members. Noticing that you're located in PA, and with little info to go off of, my guess is the lower tranny line(s) hidden behind the skid plate running across the front frame braces have rusted thru.