Transmission Leak- Safe to Drive?

2015 6 cyl. Noticed a leak trail in the garage yesterday, today there's about a 3' diameter puddle under the transmission. I started it and checked underneath and there's a rust perforation leak in one of the pipes going up to the cooler in the radiator (Upstate NY truck).

My wife took it to the store yesterday and there are "going and coming" drip trails in the road, so it's gone a few miles while leaking (and the puddle). I'm guessing if I pull the level check plug I won't be able to feel the level.

Our mechanic is about 12 miles away, I'm wondering if it would be safe to drive it there, or should I have it towed? Will low level cause damage, or just leave us stranded? I could add a quart to provide better odds?

 

If it's leaving a trail I wouldn't reccomend driving it as low fluid can cause damage very quickly, for sure you want to check the fluid level and fill it before driving it anymore.

 

Checking and adding fluid is a bit more complicated than feeling for the level. Toyota made it more difficult than it needed to be.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/#post-1184093
Your best option is to get it towed and make sure your mechanic knows what he is doing.

 

Thanks. Yeah, I know- I did a few drain and refills by the book after our 8000 mile trip towing a travel trailer a few years ago.

I think I'll try and hose clamp some tubing over the leak and add a quart or two to get me to the shop.

 

Seconded, drip prob ok, leak and puddle not good

 

Had this exact issue a couple years ago. You could probably drive it, but I'd throw a quart in first... or maybe 2 with a bigger leak... and not bother with the formal level check procedure. That's what I did with mine until I could get it fixed. Drive slow, and if it gets too funky, stop. It might slip a shift or 2 and mine did that several days before I figured it out. But no harm was done. I did the repair DIY and it was a bit of a PITA but not the hardest thing I have ever done. But before you head off, run it and see how much is coming out. If it is a really fast leak get it towed.

Oh, I also tried the rubber hose with silicone sealant and some hose clamps. Didn't work for me.

 

Well, I got some 1/2"ID transmission hose and hose clamped a patch over the perforation using 3 clamps. I was able to get the overflow plug and fill plug loose (northeast rust.....again) and added two quarts. Got her to the shop without leaving a trail. They have both pipes coming from Toyota and estimate about $300 for parts, materials and labor. I shouda coulda, but my energy now is focused on the restoration of my 1968 Porsche 912. A multi-decade project and I'm actually starting to put it back together!

Thanks for the advice.

 

That's a good price for P&L for this job.

 

I'd be examining the rest of the frame quite closely. Cooling lines would be one of the later points of failure, and I'm *guessing* the undercarriage has not been annually cleaned and protected.......

 

He should definitely examine his frame, but these cooling lines can and do fail long before the frame gets critical. Mine did. You Florida guys... sheesh! ;-0 Hope Ian didn't mess you too much.