Yikes... Leaking some sort of fluid

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 9:34 pm

Hi all,I had one heck of a weekend. We got hit with super cold(12*f), snow, sleet and then RAIN.... Anyhow , I got the Vibe "sorta" stuck in a few places and found a very BRIGHT almost Flourcesnt YELLOW, not green, fluid coming out of the car... I'm guessing it's A/C system fluid, as the coolant is pink, the trans is red, and oil is oil colored... Could someone confirm this for me???

kevera · Post by **kevera** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 9:40 pm

Was there a lot of fluid or just a few drips.And was it more of a urine color,because if it is,mine always does that in deep snow.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 10:01 pm

Quote, originally posted by kevera Â»Was there a lot of fluid or just a few drips.And was it more of a urine color,because if it is,mine always does that in deep snow.Yep, it was a VERY bright urine color yellow... And there was QUITE a bit, both in my driveway and at the end of my parents road where I got stuck(which I got out of after 5-10min)

blue_can · Post by **blue_can** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:05 am

The refrigerant from the A/C system does not stay liquid at atmosperic pressure so it would boil off as a gas at it comes out. It could be the lubricating oil from the A/C system but there is not much of that (most of it lives in the compressor) and at least the ones I've seem are light colored and have an oily feel. it is possible they may have dyed it to help detect leaks.

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:22 am

i thought the yellow was power steering.......

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:23 am

What color is your windshield wiper fluid?

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:40 am

Quote, originally posted by northvibe Â»i thought the yellow was power steering.......right, you had similar yellow snow reported in http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=27398 Atomb's yellow snow post was http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=15180I don't have any snow here, but perhaps some one who does have snow could do a quick test and drop some brake fluid and some power steering fluid onto some nice white snow and see if either looks really bright yellow

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:57 am

i was just parked in some snow sunday...i should go check after work if it hasnt been plowed yet...

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 5:48 am

if you use that de-icer stuff in your wiper fluid it can be yellowish if it mixed with some of the regular blue fluid.

prathman · Post by **prathman** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:24 am

Power steering fluid is very light yellowish - i.e. light oil colored. That doesn't seem to match the description. If there isn't any reservoir that's low or other symptom of a problem I'd be inclined to blame a neighborhood cat, dog, or other animal.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 9:47 pm

Thanks guys, and no i'm not seeing a low res of any sort anywhere... And the yellow is like a really good "curry" yellow, like really really yellow... More yellow than washer fluid, it's does seem to be some sort of an oil, but not really oily when rubbed between the fingers.. I know i've seen A/C system using much more of an oil based substance, rather than a freon like substance (my dad is retired HVAC guy) Power steering would be more red, like tranny fluid, wouldn't it?

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 9:51 pm

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»Power steering would be more red, like tranny fluid, wouldn't it? I could have sworn our power steering fluid is clear... now I'm second guessing myself...(I know our brake fluid is clear...) now I can't remember... damn.

kevera · Post by **kevera** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 9:53 pm

I know I can't explain where comes from.But it always happens to me when the vibe is in deep snow.No fluids are low and there hasn't been any problems in the 4 years I've had the Vibe.So,I wouldn't worry too much about it.It looks more like the Vibe took a whiz. Just don't eat like I was going to do.

VforVIBE · Post by **VforVIBE** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 12:02 am

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»found a very BRIGHT almost Flourcesnt YELLOW, not green, fluid coming out of the car...So... can your Vibe write it's name in the snow?

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 12:35 am

Quote, originally posted by VforVIBE Â»So... can your Vibe write it's name in the snow? Mine can, it's special...

blue_can · Post by **blue_can** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 2:42 am

The A/C system has 2 components - the refrigerent and the lubricating oil. The refrigerent only remains as a liquid under high pressure so that is not something we can normally touch. But the oil is also mixed with it so when it evaporates it leaves behind the oily residue.Probably the best way to figure this out would be to draw a sample of all the fluids with a dropper, put it on the snow and look at the color.

jasonvibe · Post by **jasonvibe** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:55 am

In all the posts. I do not see you saying it's at the front or back , left or right? Dirty old brake fluid goes from clear to yellow to brown. If your brakes work and the reservoir is full...then you can rule this out. But again...a more exact area would help us help you. Power steering fluid on these Vibes is NOT yellow.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:35 pm

Quote, originally posted by jasonvibe Â»In all the posts. I do not see you saying it's at the front or back , left or right? Dirty old brake fluid goes from clear to yellow to brown. If your brakes work and the reservoir is full...then you can rule this out. But again...a more exact area would help us help you. Power steering fluid on these Vibes is NOT yellow.Jason, sorry, it seems it would be coming from either right behind the engine, or from directly below the A/C compressor... and again, it's BRIGHT yellow, not green at all, just yellow, but like CURRY yellow, really bright... I haven't seen anymore, but i'm also not driving it now for a few months (the subaru has snow tires, the vibe don't)

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:12 am

It's either brake fluid or power steering fluid, drop some of each in snow and see which best matches what you saw before. Keep an eye on the fluid levelsand drive the vibe some, don't let it sit abandoned until spring

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:08 am

Quote, originally posted by joatmon Â» It's either brake fluid or power steering fluid, drop some of each in snow and see which best matches what you saw before. Keep an eye on the fluid levelsand drive the vibe some, don't let it sit abandoned until springI guess i'll have to give that a try..... It's soooo hard to drive the Vibe now, heck, I don't know if it i'll even get out of it's parking spot, we got another 6" of snow last night (forgot to bring in pics)When you got a car with AWD and snow tires, the one with A/S and FWD, just doesn't compair.... I got some driving vids last night to, but the sound is a farked up.... the mic in my camera overdrives with the smallest of odd sounds...

jasonvibe · Post by **jasonvibe** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:24 am

I believe you said you noticed it in the SNOW. So I remembered what happened last year..................LISTEN...it's rust. Rust does not leave a brown stain on things ...it leaves a yellow one. I believe if you only see it in or on the snow. It is the snow contacting the rusted part...possibly the subframe or A-arm. Or there is melting ice or water with the rust in it dripping in the snow. There was fresh snow in my driveway. I found the same small YELLOW spot after backing up in deep snow, then pulled forward to park. I also first thought it was a leak from the rear diff...it was not a leak. There was a bit of rust on my rear subframe of my AWD. I have found these subframes to be poorly painted or is it powder coat. In any case the paint or powdercoat it is poor by my standards. I have since put a stop to the rust...for now. ALso it is not power steering fluid. These Vibe do not use GM type steering fluid. It is actually a Dextron III type H tranny type fluid...redish in color. Which is what the manual says even though the fluid starts out clear. Quite confusing I say. As said before the only liquid in the VIBE that is yellow is the brake fluid. A/C oil/fluid...I am not sure.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 11:32 pm

Quote, originally posted by jasonvibe Â»I believe you said you noticed it in the SNOW. So I remembered what happened last year..................LISTEN...it's rust. Rust does not leave a brown stain on things ...it leaves a yellow one. I believe if you only see it in or on the snow. It is the snow contacting the rusted part...possibly the subframe or A-arm. Or there is melting ice or water with the rust in it dripping in the snow. There was fresh snow in my driveway. I found the same small YELLOW spot after backing up in deep snow, then pulled forward to park. I also first thought it was a leak from the rear diff...it was not a leak. There was a bit of rust on my rear subframe of my AWD. I have found these subframes to be poorly painted or is it powder coat. In any case the paint or powdercoat it is poor by my standards. I have since put a stop to the rust...for now. ALso it is not power steering fluid. These Vibe do not use GM type steering fluid. It is actually a Dextron tranny type fluid...redish in color. As said before the only liquid in the VIBE that is yellow is the brake fluid. A/C oil/fluid...I am not sure.thanks, But I can almost guarentee that it's not rust.... it was fluoroesent yellow... Like antifreeze(not ours though) but yellow not green and there was a LOT of it... I know the "yellow" of brake fluid, a very pale yellow, not it either... I'm hoping to get my garage back this weekend, hopefully i'll get a chance to get the Vibe in and get under him for a look

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 11:48 pm

This thread is useless without pics. Can you get a picture of this next time you see it.?

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:25 am

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic Â»This thread is useless without pics. Can you get a picture of this next time you see it.?Yup... I was going to that day it happened, but so many other things happened, I forgot...

baetke · Post by **baetke** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:24 am

Well I have a 2003 Astek that does the same thing. Seems to run from the center of windshield to rear axel. All fluids look good, but nothing that is this color of yellow. Anyone have more ideas what it is?

ajeffrey · Post by **ajeffrey** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:44 am

I saw this too. I was very skeptical at first, but I did a bit of checking it out for awhile. I believe the neon colored liquid is coming from out of the catalytic converter. Its main purpose is to filter the byproducts of burning petroleum out of the emissions. I believe it would normally dry or evaporate, but the snow prevents that from happening, and as your car warms up. the fluids warm up and drip leaving a highly visible yellow mark on the snow. Until it is washed clean from the snow. You can second guess me I would expect that, but I think these traces are caused by the byproducts built up in your CAT.

jasonvibe · Post by **jasonvibe** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 8:38 am

I guess you really have not owned enough stuff to see what iron oxide, and snow can do. I have. Or just grab something rusty and stick it in the snow. Let it sit, See what happens. As far as it having something to do with the exhaust. These exhausts are NOT 100% stainless. You know water, rust and sulfur dioxide(yellow) are what comes out the pipe. Snow can make anything that you can see through look brighter than it really is.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:59 pm

I've seen enought to know that "what" i saw was not RUST related what-so-ever.... The thought of sulfur dioxide is an interesting one though... I know sulfur is a nice bright yellow, but there was quite a bit of it, more than just a few drips... not like a broken radiator or anything, but enough that it was not just dripping off something casually..

baetke · Post by **baetke** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 8:10 am

My spot was about 8 inches wide and 4 inches long. Then it extended to the front of the car which was parked on a incline. Whatever came out had to run on the body or something. Since no one seems to know for sure what it is and there are a few more people with it I guess I won't worry to much about it. Does make for interesting reading though.

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 5:16 am

Just saw this...If you would not Dukes Of hazard your Vibe, things like this would not happen! All kidding aside here is what I think. Have you checked your CV Joint Boots? The grease in those is a strange color, I suspect one may be torn and leaking. Things I do not suspect but you never know are the AC Compressor Oil. Not the freon, but the oil... You may have seepage.Lastly, did you buy this car used? If so, someone may have put ultraviolet leak die in one of the systems like the AC to try and find a leak. If you did not by it used, either way if you take a Black Light and shine it around the area, the fluid may glow and pinpoint the leak.You have done brakes on the car so I am assuming the mileage on it is over 60,000 so really it could be the AC or the CV joint.

kevera · Post by **kevera** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 5:23 am

I had it again this morning,and last Friday.Nothings leaking from the vibe,and it has happened ever since I bought the vibe.It only happens in deep snow for me.Looks more like condensation and dirt from the exhaust.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 11:26 pm

Quote, originally posted by ToolGuy Â»Just saw this...If you would not Dukes Of hazard your Vibe, things like this would not happen! All kidding aside here is what I think. Have you checked your CV Joint Boots? The grease in those is a strange color, I suspect one may be torn and leaking. Things I do not suspect but you never know are the AC Compressor Oil. Not the freon, but the oil... You may have seepage.Lastly, did you buy this car used? If so, someone may have put ultraviolet leak die in one of the systems like the AC to try and find a leak. If you did not by it used, either way if you take a Black Light and shine it around the area, the fluid may glow and pinpoint the leak.You have done brakes on the car so I am assuming the mileage on it is over 60,000 so really it could be the AC or the CV joint.I don't Wyatt89 my car if that's what you are saying ...lol.... And no I haven't checked the CV boots, but I can't imagine that the color of the grease in them is anything close to what I've seen... AND I got more of it this morning, much like Kevera, I only got it backing out of my parking spot over ~15" of snow we got last night..This time I think I got a decent pic of it... although it's not nearly as yellow as it was before.. now, it looks like brake fluid, but i've felt no change in the brakes..

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 10:25 pm

Ok, I got some pics... the fluid I'm seeing ISN'T as yellow as it was the first time.. Now it looks much more like brake fluid... No brake problems, and it's right down the center of the car...???

kevera · Post by **kevera** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 5:59 am

That's the stuff.I just get a few drips though.It's a mystery to where it's coming from.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:22 am

Well to me, it now looks like brake fluid, but like I said, no issues with the brakes at all.. and it's an Auto, so it's not clutch related either... I wonder, someone mentioned it could possibly be comming off from the cat... like mybe dragging the cat though the snow, allowing enough to melt to create enough "drippage" to come off like that...?? Maybe...?? Last time it was like BRIGHT yellow though... ??

prathman · Post by **prathman** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:12 am

I'll add another vote to the rusty water hypothesis. The degree of color will depend on how long the water has been sitting on the rust before dripping off and also on the type of iron/steel. On snow it can look like anything from a dirty brown to a pretty bright yellow or orange.I wouldn't worry about it as long as your fluid levels are staying ok.

Vibe_dude · Post by **Vibe_dude** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:28 am

i have the bright yellow stuff under mine in the snow too.......i can see the pattern in the snow when i move the car..it is the same pattern in the snow as the route that our exhaust takes under the car.,,it starts at the front all the way to the muffler.....so what ever it is its from the heat of the exhaust.....either burnt gases leaking or undercoating from the factory dripping off.

wyatt89 · Post by **wyatt89** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 9:21 am

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â» I don't Wyatt89 my car if that's what you are saying ...lol.... i heard that >_>anywho, i just saw this...why dont you just start the friggin car up, go back and forth with the steering, see if its harder than normal, start up the ac, see if it works, take your car out for a drive then park it someplace else and see it you get it again. sounds like cat p*ss to me...

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 9:53 pm

I got another pic... IDK how well it shows up, but this cannot be "rusty' water... it;s just to bright... Would anyone know the color of the AC "oil"..???

kevera · Post by **kevera** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 10:10 pm

I heard some news on this,but needs to be confirmed on Wednesday.But it seems that the oil pressure switch is the cause of this,and that it dribbles a little.It does seem to be from the right area,but I will find out more on Wednesday,and I will let you guys know then.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:11 pm

Well, what would it "dribble"? Oils is brown and coolant is pink... Again, I ask, anyone know what color the AC "oil" is? If it's castor based it might be that color??

prathman · Post by **prathman** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:36 pm

Easy to test if it's any kind of oil. Gather up a sample and put it in a glass to melt. If it's oil then it'll separate from the water of the snow and form a layer on top with a clear separation line. OTOH, if it's rust-based or from an animal then you'll just get slightly colored water (with maybe an oily film on the surface sheen if it picked up a trace of oil from the engine area).

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:53 am

I would have to look but I "think" that last time I was looking around the brake lines run down the center (or close to it) of the firewall... Take a look, I may be wrong but if they do you may have an issue there. I would expect to see darker fluid if brake due to it usually is brown from dirt.And the bottle of PAG AC oil I used to have was a clear/slight brown oil... AC Compressors will still probably run if low on oil but you could try and turn the compressor on in general. If it kicks on, then the leak is very small or it is not AC related. If it is AC oil then I am sure freon has escaped too because it is a closed system oil & freon together. If it does not kick on at all then it is protecting itself and the issue is there...

kevera · Post by **kevera** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:04 am

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»Well, what would it "dribble"? Oils is brown and coolant is pink... Again, I ask, anyone know what color the AC "oil" is? If it's castor based it might be that color?? Dude,I'm just tellin ya what I heard.Just FYI,anything AC related does not run in the center of the Vibe.You can do whatever you want,good luck on your search.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:29 am

Quote, originally posted by kevera Â»Dude,I'm just tellin ya what I heard.Just FYI,anything AC related does not run in the center of the Vibe.You can do whatever you want,good luck on your search.I sure hope your not thinking i'm doggin "what you herd" sound like your a bit miffed, over nothing really.. at least I hope..

Atomb · Post by **Atomb** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 12:36 am

so i saw these yellow drops this morning and it reminded me of the last time this happened (see link to my post earlier in this thread).the ONLY thing i can think of...I practically NEVER use the front windshield defrost setting in my car. I don't need to!However last night on the way home in the snowstorm, i flipped it over to window defrost to help remove some ice.All winter, i haven't seen these yellow drops in the snow....this morning, they're there!I am now leaning heavily on the opinion that it has something to do with the A/C.the drops occur toward the back of the engine and a couple more toward the right back side of the engine bay.The weird thing...i backed my car up (to shovel the driveway) and so my car was on a bit of an incline. When i moved my car forward again, there was one drop around the 'back of the engine' location...and a second drop back between my rear wheels?!?! could some have traveled back along the exhaust/etc. while my car was on the incline?I'm just glad it isn't transmission/brake/steering/etc. fluid that would hamper my car from driving. A/C lube can wait to be fixed in the spring!

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