What does it mean when it says transmission overheated?
Reasons for overheating include low fluid levels, leaks, burned, old or dirty fluid, or problems with the solenoid. You can ensure the long life and efficient performance of your transmission – and your car – by doing some things to make sure it does not run too hot.
Can you drive with a hot transmission?
In other words, if you hit 220 degrees, you can expect to get about half the normal life out of your transmission. At 240 degrees, your transmission will last about 1/4 the time that it should. And if you get up to 260 degrees, you are down to 1/8 the normal life. Hot transmissions give off an odor.
What is the normal operating temperature for a transmission?
175 degrees F.
It doesn’t take long for the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to heat up once the vehicle is in motion. Normal driving will raise fluid temperatures to 175 degrees F., which is the usual temperature range at which most fluids are designed to operate.
What to do if your transmission temperature warning light?
Just like you can check your oil, there is a separate dipstick under the hood that allows you to check the depth and consistency of your transmission fluid. It should be bright red in color. If it looks/smells burnt or the levels are low, you’ll want to get a standard transmission service as soon as possible.
How can you tell if your transmission is overheating?
Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your transmission. It cools and lubricates the many moving parts of the transmission. You can check fluid levels by pulling the transmission dipstick. Refer to your owner’s manual for location of the dipstick and the right levels to look for. If you have low fluid levels, you’ll need to add more fluid.
What can cause the check transmission light to come on?
As stated, stop immediately. Turn off the engine and wait for a couple of minutes. Then pull out the dipstick for the transmission to check the oil level. If the oil is half way up the dipstick the transmission fluid is likely not the problem. But, in any case, you still should get your vehicle towed.
What causes a car’s transmission to overheat while driving?
Low transmission fluid is the number one cause of an overheating transmission. Allowing your transmission to overheat for any period of time can damage it in the same way that driving with an overheating engine can damage the engine. It is important to know the symptoms and causes of an overheating transmission.