Open transmission cap?

[93mkviii]

While trying to clean all the oil from under the car to find where it is leaking oil from I came across this open cap where I can see the gears of the transmission. Is this how it's supposed to be? Also, to find a leak is it best to clean everything and see where it is leaking from?

 

[unity]

Um, thats not really a gear. The cap missing is not a big deal, but ideally to keep dust out it should be there.

 

[kustomizingkid]

That's the starter ring gear...

The ATF that is dripping out around there means that your front trans seal is starting to leak a bit...

 

[1bad4.6l]

Since you got such a technical response let me try. That big gear is the flywheel, the red fluid leakin from the hole is tranny fluid most likely from the pump seal, or the shaft seal [keep an eye on you're tranny fluid levels or you'll fry it quick. The plug probably got oil soaked and then came out when it got squishy. It does help to keep shat out of the seals in there wich kills them. And yes clean it all and remember if fluid is comin from the top you wont find the leak at the bottom so start at the valve covers and manifold areas and make sure its not comin from above. Damnit kk typed faster then me!