puddle of red fluid under my car?

Question

I just bought a used '07 charger. a "brake" light started coming on and beeps every so often. this morning there was a puddle of red fluid under my car (towards the front ).

I have 2 questions.

1. Am I correct in assuming this is brake fluid?

2. If it is brake fluid, then I assume I have a leak somewhere... will this mean a major repair needs to be done or is it a relatively easy (not costly) fix?

Thanks in advance

Okay, so this is transmission fluid then? How in the world can this thing be leaking trans fluid when its an '07?

Well then assume my question is about trans fluid, not brake fluid

Answer 1

First off, read this:
Chrysler Recalls 62,400 Vehicles For Faulty ABS, Traction Control

December 26, 2006
Chrysler is recalling 62,400 2007 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles because the braking system may fail to work. The recall includes 62,369 model-year 2007 Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 300, Jeep Commander, Jeep Compass, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger and Dodge Caliber vehicles to re-program the system Electronic Control Unit. In recalled vehicles, instrument panel warning lamps may illuminate and be followed by loss of the anti-lock brake system, traction control and speedometer functions. While the problem could result in a loss of control, no accidents or injuries have been reported. Owners will be notified in February 2007. Consumers who experience the faulty warning lamp illumination should take their vehicle to a certified dealer for inspection.

And this:
Dodge Charger, Magnum, Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler Recall (Consumer Affairs) May 8, 2006 -- DaimlerChrysler is recalling 45,000 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Magnum sedans with 2.7 liter engines because leaking brake fluid may cause an engine compartment fire. The vehicle's exhaust recirculation pipe may touch the brake lines causing brake fluid to leak and setting a fire.


Red fluids can be anything from transmission fluid to power steering fluid to antifreeze. Based on the above recall notice, I think that it's not brake fluid. In any case, it shouldn't be more than a couple of hundred to fix, but if the car is a 2007, it should be under warranty anyway. Get it into a dealer soon.

Answer 2

No brake fluid that I know of is red, because transmission fluid usually is, and that would create confusion.
If you leaked enough brake fluid to make a noticeable puddle, you would almost certainly know something is wrong the first time you hit the brake pedal.
Stick your head under the car after it has sat for a while, and look for signs of a leak around the edge of the transmission pan, the drain plug, and any transmission lines and fittings you can see. Those are the likely areas for a leak. Good news is, it should not be a terribly difficult or expensive thing to fix, but could be if you let it go, i.e. big time transmission problems.

Answer 3

Your red puddle is most likely ATF(automatic transmission fluid). Brake systems do not use ATF, though some steering systems do. Brake fluid is typically a tan/clear, or purple, but not often. I would guess that since it is towards the front of the vehicle, you have a tranny cooler line leak, or a leak at the cooler itself; the cooler is right up against the radiator. If your transmission leaks enough fluid, it won't work. It won't cause damage, but your car won't move. Check your transmission fluid level to see if it is low. If you have a cooler or cooler line leak, it shouldn't be too much to fix it.

Answer 4

It can be either brake fluid or transmission fluid as both are red in color. Neither of these are considered as expensive unless you are driving a BMW, Mercedes, Mazda ETC! Generally when a brake booster is leaking it means a replacment is needed. A transmission seal if not front wheel drive is simple to repair. You are wise in asking some basic questions prior to having a professional look at it. Most consumers need to befriend a good trustworthy mechanic.

Answer 5

This is an 07 Cougar. Take it back to where you bought it. They are responsible for this. But yes it does sound like brake fluid to me. The cost will depend on what is wrong. If it is just a leak in the line cheap enough. BUT if it is more than this it can become costly quickly. I still say take it back to where you bought it. It is an 07 there has to be some kind of warranty. Take it back.

Answer 6

brake fluid is a darker shade of kinda brown your leakin tranny fluid seems to me very odd an 07 vehicle would be doing this

Answer 7

No, if its red it is transmission fluid, brake fluid is almost clear.

Answer 8

Transmission fluid. Get it to the shop.

Answer 9

it sound like tranny fluid is the problem. if you just purchased the vehicle you are probably covered by the manufactures warranty. you might have to pay out of pocket but not as much if you did not have a warranty

Answer 10

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