The Dangers of an Overheating Transmission

A transmission can overheat just like an engine and cause major problems for a vehicle and its driver. Granted, this kind of problem doesn’t happen nearly as often as an overheating engine, but it’s important to know it can occur. There are many moving parts inside a transmission. When your transmission overheats, internal components can seize up or fail completely. You may experience shifting issues, or the vehicle may not move at all.

There are numerous causes of an overheating transmission, and some common symptoms that you can look out for when operating your vehicle. In today’s article, we will discuss some of the most important things you need to know about maintaining a proper temperature for your transmission system.

Signs of an Overheating Transmission

First, let’s discuss some of the signs of an overheating transmission. These issues could also be signs of other transmission damage, so it’s best to get your vehicle’s transmission inspected and tested at the first sign of trouble.

Transmission Temperature Gauge

Your transmission will have a separate temperature gauge from the engine. If it starts to overheat, a warning light should display on your dashboard (it looks like a little transmission). Modern vehicles will have a more specific computer message or other ways of warning you that there is a transmission problem. If the transmission light illuminates, you should take it very seriously. Get your vehicle checked out as soon as you can and think twice before driving much further.

Low/Burnt Transmission Fluid

You may notice the transmission fluid level is low, or the fluid itself is past its prime (burnt, dirty, thick consistency, etc.). These are both signs and causes of a failing transmission. You may simply need a standard transmission service to replace the fluid and filter. Or, there may be another internal problem that needs addressing. Your transmission needs clean fluid running through the system to work properly. If there’s not enough fluid or the fluid has gone bad, you are at a high risk of an overheating transmission or other internal damage.

Shifting Issues

If your vehicle feels sluggish, is slipping between gears, or is having trouble shifting into certain gears, you may be on the verge of the transmission overheating. There is likely some sort of internal damage or a fluid issue at play, so don’t wait too long to get it looked at by a transmission expert.

Causes of an Overheating Transmission

Here are some of the most common causes of a failing or overheating transmission:

Fluid Issues

As mentioned earlier, your transmission fluid plays a very important role in the overall health and performance of your transmission system. The fluid should be replaced periodically. It provides critical lubrication and cooling properties during operation. A lack of fresh transmission fluid (or using the wrong type of fluid for your transmission) is the most common cause of transmission problems like overheating.

External Conditions

Hot weather, driving up steep grades, towing/carrying heavy loads and excess stop-and-go traffic will all put added stress on your vehicle’s transmission. Eventually, pushing your vehicle too hard can cause transmission damage or lead to overheating. This is why transmission maintenance is so important to help prevent issues from occurring. You may need to change out your fluid and filter more often if you drive in tougher conditions like these.

Mechanical Failures

There may be a mechanical problem inside the transmission that can lead to overheating. A failing torque converter or damaged internal component may be to blame. Ultimately, the transmission will start to experience performance issues.

These are some of the things you need to know about transmission health and the dangers of an overheating transmission. For all your transmission care needs in the Central Valley, call Ralph’s Transmission today at 209.526.1909 or schedule your service appointment online.

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