If you are reading this article, it simply means you want learn about dirty transmission fluid problems and dirty transmission fluid symptoms.
In this contemporary time, vehicles require transmission fluid, whether automatic or manual. So far, a vehicle’s transmission fluid is one of the most vital components of the transmission’s well-being and, perchance, is indispensable to providing the hydraulic lubrication and strength required for its parts to perform functionally. It is imperative that no vehicle part lasts forever, and transmission is no exception to that.
The major components of your transmission shed and wear into the transmission fluid over time, bringing about dirt into the transmission fluid.
Similarly, when your transmission goes on its function of lubricating your vehicle’s transmission, it picks up grunge and grit.
Thus, it also begins to lose its strength as it ages. If your transmission becomes dirty, it will not flow appropriately, jeopardizing your transmission. So, replacing and flushing the dirt transmission fluid would be the best take to increase the chances of your vehicle’s health.
However, this article will examine and explore these typical questions; what does dirty transmission fluid mean, what are some common dirty transmission fluid problems, what are dirty transmission fluid symptoms, can dirty transmission fluid cause shifting problems, how does dirty transmission fluid affect your car to enable you to have the proper understanding as regards your transmission mechanism and maintenance.
Be patient as I get started without much ado!
What Does Dirty Transmission Fluid Mean?
Diving into this as quickly as!
A dirty transmission fluid would mean your transmission fluid is not working as it is lubricating or strengthening the transmission properly because of debris and dirt contamination.
Additionally, the color of suitable transmission fluid is supposed to be pink-tinted, so eventually, it becomes deep red, gray, brown, or even black. It is evident that it is dirty due to worn and shed metal pieces, or it is a sign of burnt transmission caused by overheating.
On the other hand, knowing some signs/symptoms or using a dipstick on the transmission fluid would help you determine when to change or replace your transmission fluid, especially when it is dirty.
What are Some Common Dirty Transmission Fluid Problems?
The transmission fluid is essential in both lifespan and the transmission’s performance. In essence, if you don’t check and regularly scrutinize its performance during its mileage range, your fluid will become dirty with contaminants and will surely lose its functional capabilities. So far, I will explore some common impure/dirty transmission fluid problems in this section.
Here you have them!
High RPM Before Shifting.
In as much as the transmission uses hydraulic abilities to make shifting gears very possible within the transmission system. If your vehicle’s transmission fluid is dirty or contaminated, the mechanism of the fluid would be affected, resulting in the shifting inability of the gear system.
In essence, it would take too long to shift gears, indicating it is in a high RPM and an increase in engine noise. Similarly, the high RPM of dirty transmission fluid is accompanied by a lunge in your vehicle since the gears engage forcibly.
Overheated Transmission.
As an experienced mechanic, I clearly state that your transmission fluid shifts gear using the hydraulic principles and keep your vehicle’s transmission operating at acceptable temperatures.
Peradventure, your transmission fluid is dirty, and its cooling capabilities are affected and hence could result in overheated transmission. Overheating of the transmission fluid may affect other parts of your engine/transmission, thus affecting its cooling system and mechanism.
Shuddering Motion Of The Vehicle.
If your vehicle takes a long time to shift the gears, your transmission fluid is filthy and could cause your transmission to shudder or jerk while in motion.
However, you may need to comprehend how the gear mechanism works in automatic transmission as you operate the brake pedal and the gas.
Perchance, the transmission might have shifted hundreds of times without you noticing, but this depends on your driving habit, in any case.
Finally, with a dirty transmission fluid, turning a gear would result in a slight shuddering of your vehicle. So be careful to observe your car correctly.
High Pitched Noise (Whine).
A specific whining noise emanating from the transmission would mean your transmission fluid is dirty. This sign can likely occur when your vehicle’s transmission fluid is low. Similarly, if your transmission filter is dirty, your car will not have enough pressure to perform its function, and the whining noise will ensue.
Leaking Transmission Fluid.
Once your transmission is dirty, the transmission filter will be clogged and leak under your vehicle. This issue, in any case, would also indicate that you have a blown gasket or seal.
What Are Dirty Transmission Fluid Symptoms?
Transmission fluid has a range of mileage and a scheduled time frame for when you should replace it. However, when it becomes dirty, some symptoms would arise, indicating that it is filthy and could also need to be changed. Hence, dirty transmission symptoms include;
- Whining transmission noise.
- The inability of your vehicle to move in the reverse direction.
- Your vehicle’s engine is running too hot.
- Slipping out of gears.
- Check engine light comes on.
- Failure of the transmission.
- Clogged transmission filter.
Will Dirty Transmission Fluid Cause Shifting Problems?
The simple answer is yes! As I have elaborated in this guide, be it manual or automatic transmission systems, a clean transmission fluid would propel a smooth operation of your vehicle. But a dirty transmission fluid would cause a sluggish response within the gear system as you tend to shift it.
Therefore, changing or flushing the transmission fluid is paramount if you notice some signs of a dirty transmission fluid.
Can Dirty Transmission Fluid Cause Shifting Problems?
Of course, yes, it can! A vehicle with dirty transmission would entirely cause shifting problems. Remember that the function of the transmission fluid is to lubricate the transmission parts and enhance the smooth running of your vehicle as it provides the hydraulic power in its mechanism to shift gears and operate without wearing and tearing its features heavily.
So, if you observe a shifting problem in your vehicle, you should be ready to replace or change the transmission fluid effectively.
How Does Dirty Transmission Fluid Affect Your Car?
In normal circumstances, vehicle parts wear and tear over time, even with the help of the transmission fluid in good condition. Conversely, if the fluid is dirty due to contamination, it would speed up that wear and tear on your vehicle’s transmission components, especially your gears, and as much prevent proper shifting of the gears.
Hence, it could cause the gear system not to engage appropriately and lead to a slip in transmission. Similarly, this slip in transmission would also cause shuddering, strange noise, difficulty in acceleration, and more significant damage to the vehicle.
What Happens If Transmission Fluid Is Dirty?
To move straight in this section, the result of a dirty transmission fluid would be inoperable issues surrounding the transmission system like excessive heating of the transmission/vehicle, blockage/clogging of the transmission filter, car surging, usually noise due to high friction, burning smell due to faulty transmission filter, and so much more.
Finally, your vehicle would have a total failure as regards performance level.
How Long Can You Drive With A Dirty Transmission Fluid?
Although, the transmission fluid acts as a coolant, lubricant, and essentially the part that powers your vehicle’s transmission. Replacing your vehicle’s transmission fluid would be between 30,000 to 50,000 miles, but your manufacturer’s mileage should be the best guide.
Perchance, if you have a dirty transmission/low fluid, it would take about 10 to 50 miles, depending on the vehicle, before your car heavily shudders, jerks, and interferes with transmission fluid flow as it loses hydraulic power completely.
However, I recommend you change the transmission fluid if you observe any of the symptoms, as mentioned earlier, so you may not end up stripping your gears, which might result in expensive fixing.
Conclusion
To summarize this guide, the transmission fluid for both manual and automatic transmission fluids has an outstanding efficacy of keeping your vehicle’s transmission lubricated and cooled simultaneously.
Similarly, the gearbox constantly grinds when your car is in motion, creating friction and immense pressure in the gears. The transmission fluid comes into play, as it prevents transmission overheating because of friction and high pressure.
Although I have detailed work on the symptoms of a dirty transmission. So, you wouldn’t wait until your vehicle begins to shudder, jerk, leak fluid, or even get significant damage in its components before you tend to replace or change the transmission fluid.
As an experienced mechanic, I recommend you have a regular check as a habit to avoid you spending many dollars on repairs and rebuilding of your transmission components shortly. Always remember to integrate your manufacturer’s guide in your checklist to ensure that you meet the specific and required quantity of transmission fluid at the appropriate mileage. Do like and share this informative guide with others!