If you've investigated a dashboard warning light on your car and found out that your automatic transmission is overheating, you may be wondering what's going on. You will need to go through a process of elimination to get to the bottom of it, and while a faulty or ineffective part may cause the issue, it may also have something to do with the way you drive. Where should you start?
Fluid Levels and Quality
The easiest place to begin is to check the fluid level and quality. Your system will rely on sophisticated lubricant that is designed to perform at peak conditions. And as it is meant to cool down some of the internal components, low fluid levels could certainly be to blame. However, before you automatically add any fluid, take a close look at its quality. If you can see a myriad of tiny particles in suspension or if the fluid appears brown or has a burnt smell, you will definitely need to replace it. You should also carry out a full system flush to get rid of any remnants before adding any more.
Blocked Lines
If you have a transmission cooler fitted, then you also have a network of cooler lines going from one point to another and meant to distribute the coolant to hot spots. Some of these may be clogged, and if so, you will need to flush them out. But if they have deteriorated, you may have to replace the lines themselves.
Lack of Cooler
If you don't have a transmission cooler fitted, then perhaps it is time to do so. You should certainly consider this if you live in a hotter part of the country or if you tow a boat or car trailer on a regular basis. You are putting tremendous strain on the transmission without such a cooler in place, leading to overheating.
Faulty Solenoid
You may also want to look at a stand-alone part known as a cylinoid (or solenoid). This is a hydro/electric valve that regulates the flow of fluid throughout your automatic transmission. It's typically controlled by the ECU and should be in an open or closed position. If it is faulty or has failed, it could be blocking the flow of coolant.
Your Next Step
If you suspect that the problem is anything other than low fluid, you will need to entrust the work to a mechanic. They will carry out the necessary repair and road test the vehicle to ensure it is in perfect working condition. Contact a local transmission repairs service to learn more.
Share14 March 2022
Hi, my name is Katy, and I love to go on long road trips. However, I also know how scary it is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere when your car needs a repair. Because of that, I have figured out which repairs are essential before you go on a long journey. If you are planning a long journey, please explore these posts, tips and ideas. I hope they help you hone on which repairs or services your automobile needs before your next journey. In this blog, I cover everything from services to packing lists and more. Enjoy and thanks for reading!
