Trying to identify the line here. It is wrapped and is leaking what appears to be oil. Can anyone confirm ? Undercarriage sketch would be very helpful.

 

It looks like it could be transmission fluid. If it is it could be leaking from the electrical connector plug on the transmission.

 

The leak may not be coming from there. It could be coming from another location. What side of the engine? It appears to be the right side. It could be the perverbial transmission connector leak. See threads on that to see if it matches up.

 

Yes, it is on the passenger side just behind the wheel. So, I take it there is a typical problem with the connector for the tranny fluid. Thanks. Any idea of $$ to fix ?

 

The part is only about 20 to 25 dollars. The repair, if all goes well, should only be about 100 to 150 dollars. If the connector doesn't come out and just spins (this is a potential problem with some of the older ones), then it could go up from there.

 

If you confirm that it's oil, it may also be the common Value Cover leak.

When this happens, oil will fly all over the place if unaddressed over time.

Also, whats the story with black electrical tape...???...

 

Thank you.
Ok, it is a newly acquired 2005 and the bandage makes me wonder if it was worse than just changing the part. So if it spins and the threads are stripped the box would have to be replaced also or can they be tapped out ? I don't have a mechanic yet and being a female, I don't want to go in sounding completely ignorant ! Love, love the car and want to be a good owner.

 

They can just replace the whole connector if needed.... it is just more parts and labor(both halves of the connector)..... they dont have to do any special drilling, tapping or anything like that..... find a good independent MB shop and it will be a simple job for them....

Edit: MB uses that cloth tape all over the car. Mine has the same tape on that wiring and show a similar, but not as much, wetting from the leaking tranny connector..... mine got fixed when I had to have the flex plate replaced.

 

I feel better now ! (I think) Not sure about the history of the bandaid, looks like a quick fix tournequet (sp?) that was applied by field medic. The fluid is not as red as I would expect trans. fluid to be, but I am not familiar with layout of undercarriage and haven't got ramps to get a better look.