Help! My Transmission Is Overheating

Transmission Running Hot?

Your vehicle’s health is much like your health. When you get a fever, you visit a doctor. And when you notice your car overheating, you take it to an expert. Transmission overheating problems are not new; nearly 90% of all transmission issues stem from a single problem: overheating. If you fail to address this problem immediately, it could lead to expensive damages for your vehicle. This silent killer could be wreaking havoc right under your nose every time you engage a gear. Fortunately, spotting transmission overheating issues early enough could prevent expensive repairs down the line.
It is important to note that, regardless of what might cause overheating, the damage escalates as your transmission temperature rises above 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why Is My Transmission Overheating?

Unfortunately, many car owners fail to notice the early signs of overheating until it’s too late. When you get behind the wheel, all you want to do is get from point A to Point B safely. If you suspect that your transmission is overheating, don’t panic, while it could be catastrophic, it’s the most common problem with transmission systems.
Unlike your engine oil, transmission fluid doesn’t burn off; therefore, if your transmission is overheating, there’s likely a problem with your vehicle’s lubrication system. Some of the common reasons why your transmission could be overheating include:

  • When there is a lot of stop and go traffic
  • Extremely hot weather
  • Heavy towing
  • Poor driving habits
  • Transmission maintenance neglect
  • Defective solenoid
  • Transmission system leakage

It’s important to note that older vehicles will be more susceptible to transmission overheating. In case your transmission overheats once, it might be situational due to traffic or hot weather. However, if it’s a regular occurrence, then you need to be concerned and visit an expert transmission repair mechanic or shop immediately. Routine maintenance and, and regular transmission service is essential for keeping your vehicle’s system healthy.

Signs and Symptoms of Overheating transmission

Burning Smell

The first line of defense of an overheating transmission is a conspicuous burning smell. Burnt fluids are often an indicator of an overheating transmission. The moment you notice a burning smell from your system, have it checked or drained immediately. Some indicators of ineffective transmission fluid include; loss of viscosity, dark brown coloring (instead of pink) or contaminants.

Slow Transmission Response

When your transmission system fails, it could be due to a host of problems; overheating could be one of them. You might experience slipping, delayed, or no shifts at all. If your automatic transmission vehicle has a manual lever, you’ll realize that it will only shift gears moving this lever.

Fluid Leak

Your transmission stands a greater chance of overheating if your fluid levels are below optimum levels. Your vehicle’s transmission fluid is what keeps your transmission parts properly lubricated, offering the right amount of cooling to prevents its internal parts from burning. If you have a fluid leak, the system won’t have enough fluid to keep the internal parts from heating due to friction. A rule of thumb is to check your transmission fluid levels regularly.

My Transmission Service Indicator Is On, What Does It Mean?

A normal running healthy lubricated transmission operates below 175 degrees, anything above that will damage your transmission system. Your transmission service indicator comes on when your vehicle’s transmission is operating above 250 degrees Fahrenheit. At 250 degrees and over, it is considered to be running at dangerous, and pushing your vehicle any further could ruin your transmission for good.

The difference between a $50 repair and a $6000 repair is your ability to take action now or later. At AAMCO Minnesota, our expert transmission repair technicians will check your transmission for codes as well as your fluid levels to determine what transmission repair services to execute.

What Should I Do When My Transmission Service Indicator Comes On?

You can detect transmission problems early enough to prevent further problems. Therefore, do not wholly rely on your transmission indicator, but also, do not disregard it. While it is possible to drive to your destination safely with the lights on, you want to have your transmission checked as soon as possible.

The secret to keeping your transmission healthy is not rocket science; it’s as simple as regularly having an expert check it for maintenance. It’s also a wise idea to know the signs and symptoms of an overheating transmission. This knowledge will go a long way in extending the lifespan of your vehicle’s transmission.

AAMCO Minnesota, The Transmission Experts

Do you suspect your transmission is overheating? AAMCO Minnesota is a leading Minnesota car repair service specializing in Transmission Repair and Maintenance, Vehicle Air Conditioning Service, Suspension Service, and Repair, Auto Tune-Up Service, Battery Repair, Maintenance and Replacement, Radiator and Cooling Systems Service, Factory Recommended Service and many more.

Contact your nearest AAMCO Minnesota Location for a free quote. Our customer service representatives will be more than glad to help you out!

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