Why Do Transmission Overheat?

January 12, 2023

WHAT CAUSES TRANSMISSIONS TO OVERHEAT? 


Transmission overheats because of internal issues. These issues usually begin with neglected services and maintenance, such as leaks causing low fluid levels, worn-out fluid, clutch material and metal shavings in the liquid, and occasionally an overfilled transmission.


TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING 


There are a few signs that your transmission is overheating. The first sign is a smell of burning fluid, which doesn’t have a pleasing odor, which you may notice outside of your vehicle. Another sign is when you see your tranny slipping. And, if you feel harsh or elongated shifting, your transmission is probably overheating from the extra work it has to do.


The transmission will overheat when it reaches a temperature of 270 degrees or higher. Messages will last anywhere from 10,000 miles to 200,000 miles. It all depends on how well you maintain them. Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, your transmission fluid needs to be changed. If not, you risk your transmission failing, requiring transmission repair.

Back view of gray van in our garage | Tedious Auto Repair

TRANSMISSION SLIPPING

There are a few factors that may cause a transmission to slip. The most popular reason is because of your transmission fluid. Your transmission fluid could be empty, dirty, or, it could be burnt. Another reason for transmission slipping is because of broken or worn-out transmission bands. This factor is most common in older transaxles.
A malfunctioning torque converter is another possible reason for the transmission slipping. The torque converter is filled with transmission fluid. Its job is to create hydraulic pressure for the automobile. A slipping clutch is another reason for your transmission slipping. Faulty shift solenoids are yet another reason for your  transmission slipping.

WHAT TEMPERATURE DOES YOUR TRANSMISSION OVERHEAT?

At 240 degrees, your transmission fluid will begin to overheat. This will then cause varnish formation, seals will start to harden, plates will slip, clutches and seals will burn out, carbon will be formed, and in the end, your Transmission will fail.

Trans fluid lubricates the operating parts inside your Transmission. It also creates hydraulic pressure inside the unit. Transaxle fluid will overheat if it’s old, worn out, or burned. Later, this will cause your vehicle to slip and eventually fail to operate.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OVERHEATS? 

Transmission fluid is supposed to lubricate the moving parts inside your transmission; if it’s unable to do so, it could cause significant problems.

Some of these problems include transmission failure, engine failure, and gear spillage. We advise having transmission fluid service done every 60,000 miles so these things don’t happen.

If your transmission fluid overheats, it is most likely dirty or old. When it overheats, we recommend having it refilled immediately! This way, more challenging tasks don’t occur.

Chico transmission repair | Tedious Auto Repair
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS? 

Transmissions overheat because of many reasons. The most common cause is low trans fluid. When there is little to no fluid in your transaxle, there will be too much friction between the transmission’s moving parts, thus causing the transmission to overheat.

If the transmission cannot cool the engine, it could be a catastrophic failure, leading to heavy transmission service or even transmission replacement. Also, the information wouldn’t be able to perform such tasks it is supposed to do, which could lead to horrible, unsafe problems.

TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING IN CHICO, CA

If your transmission is overheating, bring your vehicle down to Tedious Repairs today! We offer transmission service and replacement on all makes and models. We have over 15 years of experience and are more than qualified to fix your automobile in any way you need. So, if you need any Chico auto repair , call or book an online appointment with us today!

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