Transmission fluid is vital to keeping the transmission cool and functioning correctly. The temperature of the fluid is monitored by the computers to ensure there are no mechanical failures. So, what transmission temperature is considered normal and when should you start to worry?
We answer your top transmission temperature questions in this article. We look at the average temperatures and discuss the symptoms you should watch for. We also give you some tips to keep the transmission cooler. At the end of our article, we touch on some steps for prevention since that’s most important.
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What Transmission Temperature Is Considered Normal?
Most modern automatic transmissions are meant to operate at temperatures between 175 and 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If it gets any hotter than this, there’s a mechanical problem that should be dealt with. With proper prevention, you can keep the transmission from getting too hot.
The transmission fluid gets the hottest when it is inside the torque converter. Temperatures can get over 350 degrees Fahrenheit, especially when under a major load.
The trouble with transmission fluid temperature is that most cars don’t have a special alert for overheating. There aren’t transmission temperature gauges on most vehicles. Instead, the Check Engine Light will come on or you will get a transmission warning if your car is equipped with one.
What Is a Normal Transmission Temp When Towing?
If you tow with your vehicle, you can expect the transmission to work harder. The additional drag and weight of the towed vehicle cause your transmission to work harder. As a result, the temperature of the transmission fluid will rise.
Still, it shouldn’t exceed the top limits of what’s normal. While it may hit 225 degrees Fahrenheit, it shouldn’t regularly get above that. If it does, you are causing more wear on the transmission than necessary.
How Do I Know If My Transmission Is Overheating?
Without a temperature gauge on the dashboard, you won’t know if the transmission is overheating unless you pay attention to the symptoms. Here are a few to watch for.
1. Transmission Warning Light
If your vehicle is equipped with a transmission warning light, this dashboard symbol will keep you informed. It’s designed to go off when there’s a defect or malfunction in the transmission. If your car doesn’t come with this, you may see the Check Engine Light instead.
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Keep in mind that the transmission light doesn’t come on just because of overheating. It can also alert you when there’s low fluid, a shift interlock failure, a malfunctioning torque converter, a faulty valve body or an electrical malfunction. A complete diagnosis is needed to fix the problem.
2. Burning Smell
There are many malfunctions that can lead to a burning smell in your car. It could be a sign of an electrical malfunction or an overheating transmission.
Either way, it’s important that you don’t ignore this symptom. At worst, whatever is burning could start a fire, leaving you in serious trouble.
3. Trouble Shifting Gears
When the transmission fluid gets too hot, it doesn’t work as effectively as intended. Because the fluid must maintain a certain consistency, you could notice issues when the transmission shifts gears.
The clutches could start slipping or it may feel like it’s stuck in one gear. Either way, you should stop driving to troubleshoot the issue.
4. Grinding/Vibration
Transmission fluid has lubricating properties, similar to motor oil. When operating at its proper viscosity, it’s going to lubricate the gears and ensure that everything runs smoothly. However, when the fluid gets too hot, it can no longer lubricate properly.
What you are left with is grinding gears that make an awful sound. You may also notice an increase in vibration, especially while the transmission is shifting. The trouble with both of these symptoms is that damage may already be occurring. That’s why it’s important to take notice of earlier symptoms and stop driving as soon as you can.
5. Overheating Engine
When the transmission is overworked, you can bet the engine is working harder too. As a result, you may notice that the engine begins to overheat.
Once the engine temperature gets too high, serious damage can occur. Stop driving before a cracked cylinder head or blown head gasket occurs. The last thing you need is a damaged engine and transmission. Depending on the value of your car, it may end up in the junkyard after these issues.
What Are the Causes of High Transmission Temperature?
There are several reasons that the transmission can get too hot. Here are a few possible causes.
- Old, contaminated transmission fluid
- Low transmission fluid levels
- Leaking transmission cooler lines
- Worn seals or gasket
- Clogged transmission filter
- Overheating engine
- Overworking the transmission beyond its capacity
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At the first sign of the transmission overheating, it’s important to take action. By ignoring the problem, you will only allow serious mechanical malfunctions.
How Do I Cool Down My Transmission?
Once you know the transmission is overheating, you want to pull over in a safe location. Don’t keep driving.
In some cases, you may be able to cool off the transmission by putting the vehicle in Neutral and revving the engine. Otherwise, you want to turn off the car until it is cooled off.
If you are towing too much or driving in extreme heat, find a way to take a load off of the vehicle. You don’t want to continue pushing the car too hard.
To reduce the problem in the future, you may want to put a transmission cooler on. This unique device helps when towing to keep the transmission cooler.
At worst, you may need to call a tow truck to get your vehicle to a local service station. You shouldn’t keep driving it with an overheated transmission because mechanical failure could occur. If you’ve ever priced a new transmission, you know how important it is to protect this vital part.
How To Prevent An Overheating Transmission
You know what causes the transmission to overheat, so it’s pretty simple to figure out the best ways to prevent the condition from occurring. Here are a few ways to protect the transmission.
- Check the fluid level regularly and top off when needed.
- Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your transmission. Some transmissions are only meant to be maintained by a professional mechanic.
- Watch for leaks and have them repaired immediately.
- Install an aftermarket transmission cooler if you push your vehicle to the limits.
- Replace the transmission filter at the appropriate times.
- Try not to tow heavy loads regularly.
- Avoid driving in stop-and-go traffic during excessive heat conditions.
- Take your car to a qualified mechanic if there are any problems.
If you take care of your transmission, it will provide you with many years of driving.
Conclusion
There’s a normal situation for everything that occurs with cars, and the transmission temperature is no different. Knowing that the temperature of the transmission fluid should remain between 175 and 225 degrees Fahrenheit helps you figure out if there’s a problem before damage occurs.
If you are watching for the possible symptoms and think the transmission is overheating, it’s best to have a professional check the vehicle. If it hasn’t been maintained properly, a simple fluid and filter change may be all that’s needed. Otherwise, there could be damage done that needs to be resolved before you start driving again.
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