Red fluid leak

[122 Turbo]

Hi there! Just did an oil change and noticed some red fluid at the bottom of the rad. Have any of you Badlands owners run into this?

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[BulldogHI]

 

[DWG]

I do not change my own oil so unfortunately I would not see an oil leak from th engine compartment because with the panels under the engine compartment leaking oil never gets to the ground. I have to rely on the dealer finding oil leaks. That said this is from a search of red fluid leaking outside radiator (Not Bronco Sport Specific):

AI response: A red fluid leak near the radiator is likely transmission fluid or coolant, often from a cracked hose, loose clamp, failing water pump seal, or a damaged transmission cooler line integrated into the radiator, requiring prompt professional inspection as it can signal serious issues like transmission failure or overheating, leading to costly repairs. Check the fluid's smell (sweet for coolant, oily for transmission) and texture (watery vs. slick) and if the leak appears more in the front (power steering/transmission) or middle (transmission) of the car.
What It Could Be:

• Transmission Fluid: Slick, oily, petroleum-smelling, from light red to brownish. Leaks often from cooler lines or seals.
• Coolant: Can be reddish, slightly sweet, and watery. Issues with radiator, hoses, or water pump.
• Power Steering Fluid: Also red, but usually closer to the front of the car.

Plus this: Yes, transmission cooler lines are almost always near or connected to the radiator because the radiator has an integrated heat exchanger to cool the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) before it returns to the transmission, with some vehicles adding an external cooler in front of the radiator for extra cooling. Hot fluid goes from the transmission to the radiator (or external cooler), gets cooled by the engine coolant and air, then flows back to the transmission to prevent overheating.

 

[thomasm23]

The only fluid that is red on your vehicle is ULV transmission fluid. You need to check the lines from the transmission into and out of the radiator.

The radiator itself could be leaking the fluid.

 

[Ernest T]

Hi there! Just did an oil change and noticed some red fluid at the bottom of the rad. Have any of you Badlands owners run into this?

I'm thinking transmission fluid if the color in the pic is close to what it looks like in person.