Key Takeaways
The following are the key takeaways from this article:
- Transmission fluid lubricates different gear components to alleviate friction and wear and tear.
- Transmission fluid is filled in the transmission fluid reservoir located with the engine oil reservoir under the hood.
- From the reservoir, fluid travels to the fluid pan and the transmission components.
- The common causes of low transmission fluid include damaged transmission pans, transmission seals, pan gaskets, and torque converters.
- The low fluid level will result in the grinding sounds of gears, a burning smell, and a delay in acceleration.
- You should repair the transmission pan, seals, and gaskets and replace the fluid and filter.
- If the issue persists, it is recommended to replace the torque converter.
- The cost of resolving transmission fluid problems can be between $60 to $1000.
Introduction
Like an engine, transmission components also require lubrication for effective movement. It is where transmission fluid becomes important. Transmission fluid flows through the transmission fluid pan below the car with transmission (1).
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The ECU sends signals that create enough pressure for the flow of fluid across the transmission and back to the gasket/pan. However, if the fluid level becomes low, the transmission components will starve, and their wear and tear will increase.
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So, knowing the causes and symptoms of low transmission fluid is particularly important. Therefore, this article will highlight some key causes of low transmission fluid along with symptoms and solutions to this problem.
Causes of Low Transmission Fluid
Damage Transmission Pan
The transmission fluid plays an important role in power transmission and is present in the transmission pan. The purpose of the transmission fluid is to lubricate all the metal components and bearings in the gearbox. The transmission fluid prevents the hard gear from shifting. Shifting gears is the most difficult part, but the transmission fluid easily allows for shifting off the gears (1). This is because the transmission fluid allows to development of the required amount of hydraulic pressure. But the transmission fluid usually gets low due to the damaged transmission pan.
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The transmission pan usually gets damaged due to rough roads. The rough surfaces of the road damage the undercarriage of the vehicles. Moreover, excessive heat damages the transmission pan and causes leakage in the transmission pan.
Damaged Transmission Seals
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Transmission seals are an important part of the transmission system, and the main purpose of the transmission seals is to prevent the transmission fluid from entering the shafts. Damage seals overall impact the transmission process.
This is because damaged seals will result in the leakage of fluid and can cause multiple problems. Due to the damaged transmission seals, fluid enters different cylinders and combustion chambers, which results in oil burning. Moreover, the transmission seals prevent dirt and debris from entering the transmission system and maintain performance (1). Due to the damaged seal, blockage occurs between the transmission lines and it resulting in poor acceleration. The major reason for damage to transmission seals is the excessive heat and vibrations produced in the engine.
Damage Pan Gaskets and Transmission Lines
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Another reason for the low transmission fluid is the damaged pan gaskets and the transmission lines. The pan gasket is an essential component in the transmission system.
It is between the transmission pan and transmission housing and did not allow the transmission fluid to leak. Thus, it helps maintain the transmission fluid level (2). A low amount of transmission fluid can create multiple errors, such as a misfire can occur in the cylinder. Moreover, the low transmission fluid will fail to produce the required hydraulic pressure, and less power will be produced (3). This happens because minimum hydraulic pressure will create problems in the piston movement and shifting of gears. The pan gasket usually gets damaged due to road debris and excessive heat.
Damage Torque Converter
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Defected torque convertors are another reason for low transmission fluid. The role of the torque converter is to push all the transmission fluid toward the metal parts and the bearings.
This part behaves as a pump in the transmission system. When the pan develops cracks, the transmission fluid starts leaking, and ultimately, the level of the fluid falls below the level. Besides, there is a needle in a torque converter, and breakage of the needle also becomes a major reason for leakage (2). The contaminated fluid and dirt in the torque converter create a hole in the converter and create multiple issues for the vehicle.
Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid
Grinding Gears
The transmission fluid has a major role in the transmission of power. The transmission fluid generates the required amount of hydraulic pressure that helps in smoothening the friction of metal parts, and gears can be switched easily. But the leakage in the transmission pan lowers the level of the fluid.
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The low amount of fluid will fail to develop the hydraulic pressure, making it difficult to shift the gears. Also, the functioning of the clutch will be impacted. The driver experiences sudden vibrations due to a hard gear shifting issue.
Burning Smells
The major symptom of the low transmission fluid is the burning smell. The transmission fluid becomes low due to leakage in the system. This leakage can be external due to a damaged transmission pan or internal due to defective seals (3). Due to external damage, the transmission fluid accumulates under the vehicle and creates a puddle. This happens when there is a hole in the transmission pan situated under the vehicle. As a result, the strong smell of fluid spreads around the vehicle. In addition, burning smells are produced when there is an internal leakage.
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The transmission fluid enters the combustion chamber due to the broken seals. This fluid is burned along the fuel and results in black smoke with having rotten egg smell.
Delay in Acceleration
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Due to fewer transmission fluids, the transmission process is slowed, and transmission slips occur.
The power generated is not transmitted to the vehicle’s wheels due to a poor transmission system, and the vehicle fails to accelerate properly (4). Also, the engine light turns on to indicate the low level of the transmission fluids.
Solution of Low Transmission Fluid
Following are a few solutions for low transmission fluid:
Repair the Transmission Pan
The first solution to low transmission fluid is repairing the transmission pan. The transmission pan can leak due to a road impact. Sometimes, transmission pan damage can be less severe, so the rate of fluid leakage is low.
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In this case, you can drive the car for a few miles before replacing the transmission pan. However, if the leakage is rapid, you are recommended to replace the transmission pan at the earliest. The transmission pan is generally located at the bottom of the vehicle near the transmission section in most vehicles (5). You can consult your vehicle’s instruction manual if you need help locating the transmission pan. In addition, damaged seals and gaskets can also result in a rapid decrease in transmission fluid. You can check for visual damage to the gasket and seals before replacing them. After replacing any component, it is recommended to test drive the vehicle to check for transmission fluid leakage.
Refill Transmission Fluid Reservoir
Another solution for low transmission fluid can be to refill the transmission fluid reservoir. Transmission fluid needs to be replaced after a particular mileage.
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Most vehicle manufacturers recommend drivers replace transmission fluid after every 30,000 miles in the case of a sedan or hatchback. In some trucks and jeeps, transmission fluid can sustain for 50,000 miles. After this mileage, the transmission fluid becomes less due to transmission heat (5). Or it becomes contaminated due to different metals, debris, and other contaminants. This fluid is insufficient to lubricate gears and other transmission components. So, replacing the transmission fluid at recommended service maintenance is recommended for optimum transmission performance. You are also recommended to replace the transmission filter and the transmission fluid.
Replace the Damaged Torque Converter
The first step should be to refill the transmission reservoir.
If you are again experiencing a rapid decrease in fluid level, it is time to replace the transmission seals, gasket, and pan. If the rapid decrease in fluid level persists, it is time to replace the torque converter.
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An average torque converter is designed to last for 150,000-200,000 miles. However, certain problems can impact the functioning of the torque converter (4). It is recommended to replace the faulty torque converter as it exerts pressure on the engine and transmission. So, driving a long distance with a faulty torque converter can damage the transmission system.
Cost to Resolve Low Transmission Fluid Issues
The following table illustrates the cost required to resolve low transmission fluid issues:
| Common Transmission Seal Problems | Cost to Resolve the Problems |
|---|
| Bad Transmission Seals | $150 to replace bad transmission seals |
| Transmission Sealer | $60-100 to get transmission sealer liquid |
| Bad Transmission Gasket | $150-300 to replace the transmission gasket |
| Bad Transmission Pan | $1000-1500 to replace the transmission pan |
| Torque Converter Issues | $600-1000 to replace the faulty torque converter |
Conclusion
To conclude, transmission fluid is essential for lubrication and optimum performance of different transmission components. For this purpose, a driver should ensure that the transmission fluid reservoir is filled and the fluid is not contaminated. Fresh transmission fluid color is light red, while contaminated fluid gets brown or darker. Therefore, it is recommended that drivers replace the transmission fluid at around 30,000-50,000 miles. If the issue persists, the drivers can check for leakage in the transmission gasket, seals, and pan. Finally, issues in torque converter can also increase the chances of rapid leakage of transmission fluid. Therefore, you are recommended to resolve the leakage issue as soon as it can damage the transmission system.
FAQs
No, transmission sealers are designed to seal the leaks temporarily. Sealers have adhesive properties that can cover small leaks. But the sealers are impacted by the excessive heat produced by transmission components. So, seals can leak once again after driving a few hundred miles. Therefore using a transmission sealer is a cheap but temporary solution to fluid leakage. Of course, it would help if you replaced leaked seals afterward for optimum driving performance.
Common signs of bad transmission are refusal to switch gears or late/early gear switch. This is common in vehicles with automatic transmissions. In the manual transmission case, the burning smell indicates that the clutch plate is burning, so there would be a problem engaging different gears in the car. Similarly, transmission oil leakage, slipping gears, check engine lights, etc., are other common signs indicating a malfunctioning transmission system.
It depends upon the level of transmission fluid in the reservoir. If the reservoir is above half level, you can drive for a few miles before refilling the reservoir. However, if the reservoir is below half level, it is recommended to refill it before traveling. It is because starved gear components will result in increased friction. This can increase wear and tear, and you might be required to replace the considerably expensive transmission system.
