Transmission fluid is important because it helps keep the transmission cool and working properly. The fluid’s temperature is monitored by the computers to ensure it doesn’t malfunction in a tight situation. What transmission temperature is considered normal and when should you worry?
We answer the most common questions related to transmission temperature in this article. We discuss average temperatures, the signs experienced, and how to keep the transmission cooler.
We discuss some of the preventative measures for avoiding a costly failure at the end of our article, which is the most important.
What Is the Normal Transmission Temperature?
Most modern automatic transmissions are designed to work within the range of 175°F to 225°F (80°C to 107°C). If the temperature exceeds this range, then a mechanical issue exists that should be addressed. With preventative care, you can avoid damaging the transmission by overheating.
The hottest temperatures of the transmission fluid occur when inside the torque converter. In fact, under heavy loads it could exceed 350°F.
The problem with transmission fluid temperatures is that most cars do not have a specific overheating caution. Most cars do not have a transmission temperature gauge, so the Check Engine Light will come on, or the transmission warning will be displayed if one is equipped.
What Is a Normal Transmission Temp When Towing?
When you tow with your vehicle, there is added drag and weight your vehicle’s transmission will have to deal with. This means the transmission will have to work harder, thus the transmission fluid temperature will rise.
That said, the temperatures should not exceed the normal top normal limits. It is still possible for the the temp to exceed 225°F. If it does exceed this on a regular basis, you are putting more wear on the transmission than needed.
How to Know If Your Transmission is Overheating?
If your dashboard doesn’t have a temperature gauge, you won’t know if your transmission is overheating unless you recognize the symptoms. Here are some that you can watch for.
#1. Transmission Warning Light.
If your car has a transmission warning light, it is a great way to know what is going on. It is meant to come on when there is an issue or malfunction in the transmission, If your car does not have either a transmission light, you will at least know it by a Check Engine Light.
The transmission light does not come on solely for overheating of the fluid, it will also come on for issues with low fluid, shift interlock failure, bad torque converter, faulty valve body, or electrical malfunction. fix this, and any other condition will require a proper, complete diagnostic to solve.
#2. Burning Smell.
There are many failures and conditions that can have a burning odor in your car. It might just be a sign of an electrical malfunction, and also transmission overheating.
Either way, you should never ignore this symptom. At worst, what is burning could start a fire, and in an unexpected place, and leave you in a mess of trouble.
#3. Trouble Shifting Gears.
When the transmission fluid gets too hot, it stops lubricating like it is supposed to. Because the fluid must meet a viscosity specification to simply work, you might see something wrong occur if it doesn’t shift gears properly.
Things begin slip, like torque converter clutch. You might feel like your car is stuck in gear. Either way, you should stop driving, because it just doesn’t feel right.
#4. Grinding and/or Vibration.
Transmission fluid is lubricating, just like engine oil. It will lubricate the gears, allowing them to turn satisfactorily, when the fluid is warm and at its viscosity. However, when it becomes too hot, the transmission fluid will not provide lubrication at the required level or area.
The likely outcome, will be gear grinding that makes a horrible sound. You might have more vibration during a gear shift. The fact here, is that you could be creating damage based on those two symptoms. That’s why it is so much better to pay attention to some of the symptoms and stop at the first chance.
#5. Overheating Engine.
If the transmission is being overworked, you should expect that the engine will be slugging through extra torque, and burning up more fuel than needed. This can become obvious and may lead to a hot and possibly overheating engine.
The issue with that is that once you have a temperature too high, there can be significant damage in the engine. To not drive it and risk a cracked cylinder head or blown head gasket is critical. You do not want one half of your job to have a bad engine and transmission.
Depending on the value of your project car, it may end up as salvaged junk if you have manufacturer water or transmission oil mixed with the engine oil in the crankcase.
What Causes High Transmission Temperature?
There are a few reasons that the transmission can get too hot. Here are a few of the possible causes:
- Old and contaminated transmission fluid
- Low transmission fluid
- Leaking transmission cooler lines
- Worn seals or gasket
- Clogged transmission filter
- Overheating engine
- Overworking the transmission beyond the rated capacity
At the first sign of the transmission overheating, it is important to take action. The longer you wait to deal with the problem, the more serious mechanical malfunctions you will have to deal with.
How Do I Cool Down My Transmission?
If you realize that the transmission is hot, you should find a safe location to pull over. Continue driving is not ideal.
In some situations, you can cool down the transmission by putting the vehicle in Neutral and revving the motor. If that doesn’t work, you should turn off the car until the transmission has cooled down.
If you are towing too much, or driving in extreme heat, you need to find a way to take a load off of the vehicle. You do not need to continue pushing the car to its limits.
To help reduce the problem in the future, you can consider adding a transmission cooler. This specific device helps while towing to allow cooler transmission temperatures.
If worse comes to worst, you may need to call a tow truck to tow the vehicle to a local service station. You do not want to drive a vehicle which has an overheated transmission as you run the risk of a mechanical failure. If you have ever priced a new transmission, you understand how important protecting this component is.
How To Prevent an Overheating Transmission?
Even though you know what causes a transmission to overheat, it is pretty simple to determine the best way to prevent the condition. These are a few ways to protect the transmission.
Make sure you check the fluid level on a regular basis, and fill as needed! If you want your transmission to last, you need to follow a proper maintenance schedule. Some transmissions are only meant to be serviced by a qualified mechanic.
- Pay attention for leaks and repair them immediately.
- If you push your vehicle hard, install an aftermarket transmission cooler.
- Change the transmission filter on schedule.
- Don’t tow heavy loads often.
- Don’t rigidly drive in stop-and-go traffic at excessive heat.
- If you have a problem, take your car to a qualified transmission mechanic.
If you take care of your transmission, you will be rewarded with many years of driving.
FAQ’s
Does idling warm up the transmission?
Yes, it does. But you don’t have to warm the transmission up before you drive. Cars today are designed to start an engine and get moving. Bringing is only going to cause more damage, and should never be done unless it’s necessary.
How do I keep a transmission cool?
You need to have maintenance performed on a regular basis as recommended by the manufacturer. The transmission fluid and filter should be changed regularly and at the right intervals.
…and you should let the mechanic look at it if you notice something not quite right away. Even the smallest leak can develop into something significant if left unattended.
What is considered a low transmission temperature?
When it is especially cold outside, the transmission fluid temperature can be lower than the normal operating range.
Not only does the fluid shrink but the viscosity changes, which results in an unprotected transmission. You may notice problems shifting or performance delays in the winter.
Can you drive a car with a hot transmission?
No. You will want to stop driving if you notice any signs of the transmission overheating. Any continued driving with a hot transmission could cause permanent failure.
Instead, pull over to a safe area and allow the transmission to cool off before you venture into it again. If your transmission continues to overheat, have a mechanic check it out.
At what temp does transmission fluid burn?
Under normal conditions, your vehicle will not burn any transmission fluid. Also, transmission fluid is not combustible. It can ignite; all you have to do is heat it to the flashpoint. The flashpoints for most transmission fluids are between 302°F – 383°F (150 – 195°C).
There is a normal situation for everything that occurs with vehicles; transmission temperature running too hot or low is no different. A normal transmission temperature generally ranges from 175°F to 225°F (80°C to 107°C).
This range allows for the optimal balance between fluid viscosity and heat transfer. Exceeding this range can lead to transmission damage, now you know how to identify a problem before damage occurs to the transmission.
If you are aware of possible symptoms and think your transmission is overheating, take it to a professional. If the maintenance hasn’t been followed as it should, the only thing needed may be a fluid and filter change. Otherwise, there could be damage that has already occurred that needs resolving before you start driving again.