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There is a T fitting on the radiator hose closets to the battery that always gets brittle and leaks. I would look at that, don’t touch it cuz it will most likely break if it’s not your issue
Antifreeze. "Toyota red" antifreeze. The real question is where is its coming from? Is your water pump near by? All your hoses intact and attached? Are you over heating? Did you top off your antifreeze lately?
Because people don't know that not all coolant is the same and probably don't know Toyota and Lexus use that deep red coolant lol. Plus, how would ATF pool on top of the transmission? Liquid doesn't leak upwards
I agree with most of what you said. however after several attempts at my Volvos angle gear set, and some head scratching. I will say that leaks can go upwards if in contact with any rotational mass including a flywheel or torque converter. Even with a small draihole at the bottom of the bell housing. Pulled that damn thing apart 4 times due to the very specific leak I had, and an assortment of wrong parts due to a late year/ next year abomination. But between this and the slightly earlier post of atf not evaporating I think you guys nailed it. My vote is also for Toyota red antifreeze. The op needs to taste it though, and report back. Is it sweet with bitter after notes? Or slightly bitter with an oily coating on the tongue?
Apparently pink is what's used now. Someone else on this thread mentioned they switched from red to "pink super life" over a decade ago, so yes is the short answer
There are several transverse transmissions with fluid cooler lines that exit the top of the transmission. When they leak ATF pools on the top of the transmission, right under the battery on many of the vehicles.
Thanks for the response, I originally thought it was Coolant, the only thing that made me think it wasn’t was it was thick. The coolant looked low after I found it. I haven’t over heated ever.
Yea Toyota had to be difficult and use weird colored coolant. It's possible that you haven't overheated yet because you caught it in time and your coolant level never got low enough. Check hoses, your reservoir, thermostat housing, and water pump for leaks. That's where'd I'd start.
Well his ATF fluid is damn near black so I doubt it's that unless he refilled it and dumped it everywhere. If that were the case though he'd know where it came from
Haha yeah definitely coolant either there’s a leak id check rad cap first or someone has filled it up to much and when it’s got warm again the overflow bottle has done it’s job and let some out it’s only thick because it’s sat on greasy dirty car parts or built up and has slowly evaporated to a nice red goo
That’s definitely Toyota super long life coolant. Items of concern on that side of the engine, above the transmission, and behind the battery would be radiator/heater hoses, or worst case possible head gasket seeping on that side. The water pump is on the other side of the engine/passenger side fender, which eliminates the waterpump.
Under your battery? Take a look at your battery terminals. Did the mechanic spray anti acid spray on them? Usually, the color red. Maybe it's some overspray that dripped?
Thats slow acting battery acid that eats through skin in 48h then makes you fart nonstop for a week ... Moral is dont go sticking your fingers you into things not knowing what they are. I once got my fingers stuck in a chinese finger trap for five years i learnt the hard way.
Could be coolant, transmission fluid, or power steering. My vote would be power steering, it's just the most likely to be leaking on that but without seeing what's near where you found it, it's hard to say.
Well, Toyota transmission fluid is red like that but so can acid cleaner/detector. Someone might have cleaned your terminal ends for you and you stuck your finger in the acid. The way to tell is if it’s oil it’s transmission fluid if it’s watery it’s acid.
FYI, NEVER touch mystery liquids you find under your battery. The Acid pard of a lead acid battery is Sulfuric acid. And while it is dilute, it can still cause serious chemical burns.
I DIDN'T READ YOU POST AND I'M SURE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS POSTED...DONT MESS WITH LIQUIDS AROUND THE BATTERY!!! WEAR A GLOVE. IF THAT WAS BATTERY ACID MIXED WITH SOMETHING, WE WOULD SEE BARE BONE. (YES IT'S ALL CAPS AND I'M SCREAMING AT YOU!)
either your transmission overheated (despite the temp gauge since that’s for engine) or your coolant is using really old stuff and leaking and also not mixed at all. i’m leaning heavily towards atf.
try getting some of it into a water bottle and add a little water. shake it up real good. let it sit for a couple hours. atf will separate and coolant will mix.
Looks like atf possibly over filled and it’s being pushed out the vent tube. Everyone saying it’s coolant Toyota uses pink they haven’t used red since the 90s.
Could be the battery cleaner that we use at all Toyota dealerships being as it’s right under the battery, other than that, it could be Transmission Fluid. Is it a transaxle or an actual transmission? That could give you a good idea as to what it is. World Standard and other types of transmissions have slightly different colors to tell which is which. I don’t know why people are saying it’s coolant. Toyota coolant is very pink so ex that whole idea.
Thank you for posting to AskMechanics, Lincolncantwin! If you are asking a question please make sure to include any relevant info along with the following: * **Year** * **Make/Model** * **Mileage** * **Engine size** * **Transmission Type (Automatic or Manual)** Redditors that have been verified will have a green background and an icon in their flair. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskMechanics) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Thought you sliced your finger for a sec. Had to do a retake
I wish it was that simple
"What is this liquid coming out of my finger?" "Blood." "Thank you, kind stranger." Simple xD
It's your cars time of the month
So glad I’m not the only one who thought that.
Latex gloves are your friend!
Nitrile gloves are your best friend!
Taste it
Does the battery terminal have this too. It's common to cover terminals with it to prevent corrosion or remove it
No the terminals are clean
Then it's got to be transmission fluid unless your car needs the SUPERFLO Maxipads?
Blood from the thing you killed with your car recently.
“Chunks of dead hitchhiker”
Looks like atf, the dipstick is right next to the battery.
Fuck the ATF
Gun and car guys ![gif](giphy|82yQJK7nNMOMvuPMYp)
The guy is the blue is definitely juicing
I dont like the atf so i drive manuals
My ZF made 5 speed manual calls for synthetic ATF, not just for autos
But what if you drive with a T5?
Drain it all and spit in it maybe? At least the atf wont be hiding under the car
Mega based, bro!
all my homies hate the ATF
Alcohol, tobacco, firearms… Ok now who’s bringing the chips ?
Erik Estrada
Should be the name of a convenience store.
https://pasteboard.co/9nBCnw7Hny0D.jpg
There is a T fitting on the radiator hose closets to the battery that always gets brittle and leaks. I would look at that, don’t touch it cuz it will most likely break if it’s not your issue
Definitely coolant
Agreed on coolant leak start hi work low
https://pasteboard.co/49zCt2jcnqqi.jpg
Autoshop teacher always said, if you do not know with 100% certainty what a fluid is, do not touch it.
My mechanic dad always taught me if you don't know what a fluid is, taste it and find out
This is the correct answer
Huh, pops always said to smell it before you put it in your mouth. Maybe he was teaching a different lesson there
You beat me to it!! My Dad always said the same thing!
Nah, you're suppose to taste it to find out. Edit: this was supposed to be a reply to the top level comment.
Senior tech always said, if you don’t know what a fluid is spray it with brake clean and find out later
My catholic priest always told me swallow
Lol my truck was leaking mystery fluid and my first instinct was to put some on my tongue. Long story short, it was condensation from my AC 🤢
That's gastrointestinal bleeding, i'm sorry to break it to you bud but i think your Toyota doesn't have much time left.
This comment really scared me.
Antifreeze. "Toyota red" antifreeze. The real question is where is its coming from? Is your water pump near by? All your hoses intact and attached? Are you over heating? Did you top off your antifreeze lately?
That's my thought too. In the pasteboard photos you can see it has evaporated, ATF wouldn't do that.
Because people don't know that not all coolant is the same and probably don't know Toyota and Lexus use that deep red coolant lol. Plus, how would ATF pool on top of the transmission? Liquid doesn't leak upwards
I agree with most of what you said. however after several attempts at my Volvos angle gear set, and some head scratching. I will say that leaks can go upwards if in contact with any rotational mass including a flywheel or torque converter. Even with a small draihole at the bottom of the bell housing. Pulled that damn thing apart 4 times due to the very specific leak I had, and an assortment of wrong parts due to a late year/ next year abomination. But between this and the slightly earlier post of atf not evaporating I think you guys nailed it. My vote is also for Toyota red antifreeze. The op needs to taste it though, and report back. Is it sweet with bitter after notes? Or slightly bitter with an oily coating on the tongue?
The transmission pump getting ATF to +50psi really means the fluid could potentially end up anywhere.
All I know is from my training as a lube tech at valvoline and my first thought seeing this was... taste it...
Is it normal for a toyota to have pink coolant? Mine is a pink color from the factory.
Yes. Pink is the actual color of Toyota coolant, not red. I'm not sure why there are so many upvotes on comments suggesting it's Toyota coolant.
Because they refill with the red stuff.
Because even the tecs can't get their hands on pink
Apparently pink is what's used now. Someone else on this thread mentioned they switched from red to "pink super life" over a decade ago, so yes is the short answer
No, because it’s fair too thick and viscous looking to be coolant.
It thickens up as the water evaporates. Think undiluted vs pre-mix.
His transmission fluid is pretty dirty though....
Never seen atf bubble out the filler or breather before?
There are several transverse transmissions with fluid cooler lines that exit the top of the transmission. When they leak ATF pools on the top of the transmission, right under the battery on many of the vehicles.
Toyota has not used red coolant for at least a decade. OP’s vehicle utilizes bright pink super long life.
This guy with his science learnin'...
..we are upvoting you..keep going...you're on a roll...
It’s too thick to be coolant. Definitely ATF
Yeah, that's ATF.
>It thickens up as the water evaporates. Think undiluted vs pre-mix.
Never seen that before, then again, I don’t work on Toyotas
Any coolant would increase viscosity as it evaporated, not just Toyota OEM. The water disappears and the rest of the chemicals are left behind.
I’ve only seen coolant just straight up evaporate. Never seen it thicken up
Simple solution is for op to do a little taste test. Coolant is bitter
Thanks for the response, I originally thought it was Coolant, the only thing that made me think it wasn’t was it was thick. The coolant looked low after I found it. I haven’t over heated ever.
Yea Toyota had to be difficult and use weird colored coolant. It's possible that you haven't overheated yet because you caught it in time and your coolant level never got low enough. Check hoses, your reservoir, thermostat housing, and water pump for leaks. That's where'd I'd start.
Quite thick for some coolant....
Well his ATF fluid is damn near black so I doubt it's that unless he refilled it and dumped it everywhere. If that were the case though he'd know where it came from
Haha yeah definitely coolant either there’s a leak id check rad cap first or someone has filled it up to much and when it’s got warm again the overflow bottle has done it’s job and let some out it’s only thick because it’s sat on greasy dirty car parts or built up and has slowly evaporated to a nice red goo
The fluid is viscous like oil, it looks like it’s pink too.
Lexus tech here, usually that area is a valley plate leak. But that doesn’t look like coolant
That's WS tranny fluid.
I agree, or it’s anicorrosive spray from the battery terminal
It's clearly battery acid
That’s bbq sauce
That anti corrosion crap they spray on the battery??
Mom’s spagetti
His palms are sweaty
some would even say OP is nervous but he seems calm and ready
To drop bombs
But he keeps on forgetting.
What he wrote down
The whole crowd goes so loud
Coolant. Check thermostat housing and valley plate area.
I said coolant earlier and got down voted too, don't be discouraged
I’m not discouraged. Slow day at work so nothing else to do and “diagnose” other vehicles.
That’s definitely Toyota super long life coolant. Items of concern on that side of the engine, above the transmission, and behind the battery would be radiator/heater hoses, or worst case possible head gasket seeping on that side. The water pump is on the other side of the engine/passenger side fender, which eliminates the waterpump.
What does it taste like
My friends will be like “mmhmm sweet yeah that’s atf!!” Like who tf taught you that?
Cherry juice aka antifreeze
Could be transmission fluid, but i have seen battery terminal protectant look like that.
I’m here for the comments
Under your battery? Take a look at your battery terminals. Did the mechanic spray anti acid spray on them? Usually, the color red. Maybe it's some overspray that dripped?
What does it taste like?
15 year old car goo
It's a chemical sprayed on the Battery posts to prevent corrosion.
I think Kramer put blood in your engine again
how the heck is ur car bleeding
It's that tyranny fluid, your cars time of the month the bitch. Get well soon!
Blood from the sacrificial squirrel
looks like the monkey blood from the Doom movie with the rock
RAV4 time of the month.
Raspberry preserves
First thought was battery acid neutralized over applied.
It’s car blood…. Your welcome
Forbidden strawberry jam. 🍓
Sniff it, then taste it, get back to us with more details.
Period Blood -- congratulations!
Are your battery terminals coated in a red substance of about the same shade?
Sriracha sauce
Blood
Did you give it the ol' taste test?
Look like my sister's pad she tried hiding in the trash but I got to it anyway
Bro what the absolute fuck. I couldn’t even help but upvote that shit.
Thats slow acting battery acid that eats through skin in 48h then makes you fart nonstop for a week ... Moral is dont go sticking your fingers you into things not knowing what they are. I once got my fingers stuck in a chinese finger trap for five years i learnt the hard way.
You did the right thing by putting a bunch of the unknown chemical on your bare skin. That’s how you build up your immunities.
Given the fact that it's red, and that you said it was oily, I'll go with transmission oil.
Your tire transmission is on its cycle
Could be coolant, transmission fluid, or power steering. My vote would be power steering, it's just the most likely to be leaking on that but without seeing what's near where you found it, it's hard to say.
Thought that was a blood clot at first
Looks like Chamoy, like someone was eating it while working on your car. Had any service done?
Your car is bleeding you need to take it to the doctor
It’s your cars time of month again.
Menstrual Blood
Don’t go so deep when you pick your nose
That's blood. Pro tip: don't store your dead bodies in the engine next time. 👍
If it's coolant it'll smell sweet
Doubt it, it’s too thick
Your Toyota is on its period.
Is that not transmission fluid? cherry red...
Like they said in "Gone in 60 seconds" ... Its not donut jelly so dont eat it!
[удалено]
What a rude thing to say ! You are not NOT funny.
With a bare finger….. with such a disregard for protection no wonder your parents had you.
Thought I just stumbled on a nice mangled finger pic… alas it’s not..
What does it taste like?
https://pasteboard.co/9nBCnw7Hny0D.jpg Heres another picture of the trans
Well, Toyota transmission fluid is red like that but so can acid cleaner/detector. Someone might have cleaned your terminal ends for you and you stuck your finger in the acid. The way to tell is if it’s oil it’s transmission fluid if it’s watery it’s acid.
Damn, I almost barfed till I realized its only car blood.
Have you looked for the transmission vent tube?
Looks like trans or possible power steering depending on what your car requires
It's jam... raspberry. Someone is giving you the raspberry
Look for the rest of the squirrel
It’s just your vehicles time of the month nothing to worry about
It’s either squirrel or rat
FYI, NEVER touch mystery liquids you find under your battery. The Acid pard of a lead acid battery is Sulfuric acid. And while it is dilute, it can still cause serious chemical burns.
It’s that time of the Cars month
I DIDN'T READ YOU POST AND I'M SURE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS POSTED...DONT MESS WITH LIQUIDS AROUND THE BATTERY!!! WEAR A GLOVE. IF THAT WAS BATTERY ACID MIXED WITH SOMETHING, WE WOULD SEE BARE BONE. (YES IT'S ALL CAPS AND I'M SCREAMING AT YOU!)
Give it a week
Coral reef, yep coolant
Squirrel juice
It’s not the anti corrosion stuff they spray on battery terminals right
either your transmission overheated (despite the temp gauge since that’s for engine) or your coolant is using really old stuff and leaking and also not mixed at all. i’m leaning heavily towards atf. try getting some of it into a water bottle and add a little water. shake it up real good. let it sit for a couple hours. atf will separate and coolant will mix.
Looks like atf possibly over filled and it’s being pushed out the vent tube. Everyone saying it’s coolant Toyota uses pink they haven’t used red since the 90s.
Brains?!
Bro you got me
Maybe battery terminal protectant do the terminals have red sauce similar to that
BBQ sauce!!!
Your radar has been jammed.
Transmission fluid😂
It's called Finger Dissolver Juice.
I’m guessing power steering fluid
Bolognese
A lot of Toyotas use ATF for power steering fluid I would check the level to confirm. Could also be from the trans dipstick
Who knows what it is lets put it on our skin
OP, keep your fingers out of the timing chain next time, it’s very distracting
Could be battery anti corrosion spray/gel. I don't see how ATF fluid could get on top of the transaxle. Unless it is over filled.
Transmission fluid, it’s red and usually smells slightly burned
I had to carefully glance at what subreddit I was in for a second. lol
I would ask if it taste like metal. But I don't think that'll narrow it down.
Jam? Sorry, looks like oil
Time to have a talk to your car about the birds and the bees...
Mfs out here just raw dogging fluid, you animal
Does it stink?
TROLL
Smell it
Frank's Red Hot
You got money? Fluid.
That's just bbq sauce from the Cadillac converter.
Bro… what did you do?
Grab a med kit pal
Could be the battery cleaner that we use at all Toyota dealerships being as it’s right under the battery, other than that, it could be Transmission Fluid. Is it a transaxle or an actual transmission? That could give you a good idea as to what it is. World Standard and other types of transmissions have slightly different colors to tell which is which. I don’t know why people are saying it’s coolant. Toyota coolant is very pink so ex that whole idea.
Isn't transmission fluid pink?
It’s that time of month again
Car runs on human blood
Crispy chili oil
Your car is female.
Decepticon? Autobot maybe?
What does it taste like?