[missk]

OK.. I was gone for a couple of days. Came back and tahoe wouldn't start. We condluded it was a battery issue. Even though batteries don't cost much, we have been on a very tight budget... son started college and we've been spending every dime on him right now. So I put the tahoe on hold since we have another vehicle. It has been sitting for several weeks. We have planned on taking care of it in a couple of weeks. Since it has been sitting, I recently noticed one night when lights were shining that there was a large puddle underneath. It appears that the puddle is coming from the center of the vehicle... like between the front and driver seat.. underneath of course. Puddle isn't coming from under the hood.
The puddle is reddish brownish.. like burnt red.. kind of pretty color..
It rained recently and in the rain puddles following the leak... the rain puddles are rainbow color.
Please give me any information on what you think this may be and what I should/can/can't do.
Thanks so much..

[missk]

*concluded

[missk]

I touched it and rubbed my fingers in together.. it is slightly watery... slightly oily... and thin... if that helps...

[missk]

... didn't notice a smell, but nose isn't working well right now... I can test again if you have any suggestions...

[ma0641]

Transmission fluid.

[odinn7]

It sounds like coolant/antifreeze or possibly transmission fluid.

You will have to check the coolant level and see if it's low.

[missk]

I thought antifreeze was green

[odinn7]

Dirty antifreeze is reddish if there is rust in it. GM antifreeze (Dexcool) is red as well.

[missk]

If it's transmission can I just check the dipstick and pour some in?. and go about my business driving as usual and check every so often or do I need to do something else. I never noticed a leak before and was driving it every day... and now all of the sudden a big puddle of the stuff...

[missk]

OK thank you odinn

[odinn7]

Transmission needs to be running and warmed up to check the fluid level.

[missk]

... and if it is coolant do I just put more in? I do remember having a leak in the coolant section and when I got my oil change one of the guys put a sealer in it... that was several years ago..

[missk]

OK thank you.. I found a good informational page on internet on how to check it..

[Handyman2007]

The vehicle sat, correct? Is it the first time is sat without being used for that long. What has happened is the gasket around the pan of the transmission has begun to dry out, and fluid is leaking from the transmission. You really should not check the Tranny fluid with the engine cold but, pull the dip stick and check it anyway,, there may be a mark that says "FULL/COLD". If it is at that mark, it's probably fine. You must remember, oil spreads out on surfaces especially a blacktop or paved driveway. A Table spoon of oil can look like three quarts especially if there is water around,, oil spreads on water and it is a false indicator of a bad leak. Ih fluid ppes a dark brownish red, it does need o be changed and at the time that is done, a new gasket is installed. I does not sound like a major leak.

[Handyman2007]

PS: That "battery issue could really be as simple as dirty battery connections. Clean them really well then jump start the truck and see what happens.

[missk]

OK thanks so much for your replies.. I'm still patiently waiting to take care of this.. we have been so very busy.