why is my transmission temp low

why is my transmission temp low

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Low Transmission Temp? | Dodge Challenger Forum

Can the transmission temp be too low? | The Diesel Stop

What Is The Normal Or Average Transmission Temperature?

Trans temp low? | Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Forum

What Is The Normal Operating Automatic Transmission Temp?

Automatic transmission temperature too low after cooler …

Transmission temperature reading low – Ford Truck Enthusiasts

The Effect of Cold Weather on Your Transmission

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Can a transmission temp be too low?

The ideal temperature for it is 175 degrees, plus or minus 25 degrees, and when the transmission gets below zero degrees, it gets too thick. The fluid can also fail to lubricate parts when it is too cold, wearing parts down unnecessarily.31 thg 12, 2018

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What happens if your transmission is too cold?

The cold can make the transmission fluid thicker. The ideal transmission fluid is between 150 degrees to 200 degrees. When a transmission is below 0 degrees, it results in too thick of transmission fluid. If transmission fluid is too thick it will be unable to lubricate parts, and prematurely wear out parts.28 thg 12, 2020

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How do you fix transmission temperature?

Maintain the Car’s Cooling System The vehicle’s radiator reduces the transmission temperature by passing coolant through metal fins, allowing the heat to flow to the air outside your vehicle. If you tow heavy loads, consider adding an extra cooler.

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What should a normal transmission temperature be?

Normal operating temperature for an automatic transmission is about the same as the engine temperature, i.e., about 195°F. The temperature inside the torque converter, while pulling a big load from a standing start, could easily rise above 350°F. Fluid breakdown often results in harsh shifting and slip-bump concerns.

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Does idling warm up transmission?

When your engine is running at idle speeds, it isn’t cooling as efficiently as it should be, and your transmission fluid is circulating slowly. As a result, your fluid retains more heat, and your transmission isn’t lubricating as effectively as it should be.

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How do you warm up an automatic transmission?

Start the engine, allow it to stabilize and idle for perhaps 15 seconds, shift into gear, wait a few seconds for the transmission to fully engage then drive the vehicle up to temperature gently.

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What affects transmission temperature?

A number of different things could be causing your transmission to overheat: Your Driving Habits (accelerating too fast, carrying too heavy of a load, etc.) External Factors (high heat/humidity, extreme uphill grades, stop-and-go traffic, etc.)

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Can low coolant cause transmission problems?

On some occasions, transmission fluid may be contaminated from coolant in the radiator. This is called cross-contamination and does occur on occasion. Generally speaking, symptoms of low fluid levels or fluid leaks will include gear slippage or slow shifting.

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How does antifreeze get in transmission?

When the fluid passes through a small tank inside the engine’s radiator it cools the engine. If there was a rupture of the internal radiator tank can cause the coolant to mix with and contaminate transmission fluid.

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How much does it cost to replace a transmission fluid temperature sensor?

Labor costs are estimated between $141 and $178 while parts are priced between $122 and $138. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed. This range is an average across all vehicles on the road.

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When should transmission fluid be changed?

Automatic: Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles

If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There’s no harm in changing your fluid early.

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Low Transmission Temp? | Dodge Challenger Forum

Low Transmission Temp? Joined Oct 23, 2017 ·10 Posts Discussion Starter · #1 · Mar 5, 2019 I have a 2016 SXT, 43K miles. Last night, once I hit the expressway I thought I smelled something burning. I scrolled through the gauges, one of which looked abnormal. The trans temp gauge. It was at 96F. And it stayed there for 15+ minutes while I’m driving at 70mph. In this 70 minute drive at 70mph, the temp slowly crawled to 131F, still way off to the left of gauge middle. I searched around and reviewed the owners manual. Is this normal? This is the first time I’ve checked that gauge. Thanks! Steve Joined Aug 12, 2008 ·18,120 Posts what area are you in? Low ambient winter temperatures?? The reason being is that in cold temperatures (Northeast, Great Lakes area, Midwest) that are presently going on could be the influence. I’ll notice that my coolant will just get to 199* and engine oil temperatures will run on the lower side when in the low 20s (I’ve never lived in areas that got any colder than 15* F on rare occasions). I don’t recall if the A8 has a cooler running to the radiator (the A5 models for ’08 – ’14 didn’t). Usually the applications that have a cooler tank within the radiator would at the minimum run at least what coolant temperatures are at. If its solely an external trans cooler used, it could run on the lower end of the range with really low ambient temperatures. I have an M6, so I don’t have first-hand experience with the intricacies of all the things the A8 setup has. Joined Oct 23, 2017 ·10 Posts Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 5, 2019 Thanks Hal. At drivetime, the outside temp was 9F. Joined Jan 25, 2019 ·1,873 Posts Yeah, I would say that is completely normal in colder temperatures like 9F… Joined Aug 12, 2008 ·18,120 Posts Thanks Hal. At drivetime, the outside temp was 9F. that probalby is the reason. See what it runs like when temps get to 30s or so. Probably would be in the “normal” range – if so, you’re okay. 2020 Dodge Challenger Hellraisin Scat Pack Joined Jan 23, 2015 ·5,507 Posts Agree with Hal. Based on my observing coolant and oil temperatures courtesy of the Performance Gauges app and transmission temperature called up and displayed between the tach and speedo, the A8 transmission temperature in my Hellcat runs pretty darn cool even in warmer temperatures. Starting out from cold (say 50F) and driving some distance on the freeway the coolant temperature can (finally) get up to around 200F, the oil temperature not even up to 160F and the transmission temperature even less than that. Around town, in stop and go driving, coolant temperature can go higher, as can and will oil temperature and transmission temperature. I don’t get any real cold weather here — most of the time when I use my Hellcat the ambient temperature is at least above 40F but more often than not 50F or higher — and coolant temperature will get maybe up to 210F/212F, oil can get to 212F and higher (I pay closer attention to oil temperature cause I like to see it get to 212F+ once in a while to boil out the water it has accumulated) and the transmission fluid temperature can approach 200F. As for the burning smell you might have smelled something burning. My experience is once in a while — it is rare but not unknown — apparently something like a piece of plastic can blow up and if it hits the hot exhaust can stick and char and one then smells something burning if he comes to a stop. This was much more common — but still quite rare — with my previous cars, one with the engine mid-ships the other with the engine at the…

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Can the transmission temp be too low? | The Diesel Stop

Can the transmission temp be too low? Joined Apr 3, 2000 ·281 Posts Discussion Starter · #1 · Sep 7, 2007 I’m seeing 155-160 max and am wondering if this temperature is high enough. I imagine that when the outside temperature isn’t 90+ I’ll see temps that are lower still, how warm does the transmission need to be? Thanks, Mike Joined Mar 21, 2007 ·200 Posts sounds a little cool unless your running a big trans cooler I’ve got a pretty big cooler and seen -20 without wind chill and only been down to about 100-120 so I wouldn’t be too concerned Joined Aug 16, 1999 ·6,940 Posts 100 is the minimum continuous operating for Allison, widely published. Temperature where pre-heat is required is much, much lower than that. I think Ford’s number for the new transmission is a bit lower than 100 but I don’t know if there was ever anything published for the E4OD/4R100. Birken Joined Apr 3, 2000 ·281 Posts Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 7, 2007 Thanks for the feedback, I do have a Tru-cool Max installed (Thanks Dieselsite.com !) as an upgrade to the factory junk. I know that the engine really should be operated within a fairly narrow temperature range, and wasn’t sure about the transmission. I’ll just watch it as winter approaches and see what it does, as long as the gauge moves at all then I guess I won’t worry about it since the range is 100-280. Thanks, Mike Joined Dec 1, 2003 ·597 Posts Mine usually runs around 145-160 running without my camper during the summer. A little cooler during the winter. I’ve never seen mine over 180 and that was a hundred degree day pulling a 7500# camper through town. (My new camper is heavier but I still haven’t seen it over 180 yet) During the winter, my guage will barely move off of 100 degrees during my 15 minute ride to work. Just thought I would give you some of my reference points to compare yours to. Chris Joined Aug 28, 2006 ·1,035 Posts I asked Brian (BTS) the same question, and his response was not until it is so thick it won’t move. Joined Apr 1, 1999 ·2,763 Posts Interesting question. But depending on where you have your temp probe installed you may never know what your high & lows are. I have seen 3 different locations (pan,pre-cooler, return line) people have installed the probe. This doesn’t change the answer to your question, just might change what you should expect to see on the gauge. Someone feel free to correct any of this if it’s wrong but 1) In the pan will get you the temp of fluid BEFORE it enters the tranny therefore you will never know how hot the tranny gets 2) pre-cooler should get you about the highest temp the fluid ever reaches. Might also alert you to being too cool, just not how cool. 3) Return line won’t get you a max temp since it has dropped the heat at the cooler. They say it will inform you if the cooler is stopped up, not sure how that would work. Probably best location for getting lowest temp, but worst location for most conditions. Joined Jul 5, 1999 ·1,589 Posts You forgot one spot: On the driver’s side, there is a 1/8 plug for the pressure port. I have my temp probe in that spot. You have to use a short probe. Billy T. [email protected] Joined Apr 3, 2000 ·281 Posts Discussion Starter · #9 · Sep 10, 2007 Originally Posted By: Mark E.Interesting question. But depending on where you have your temp probe installed you may never know what your high & lows are. Thanks for the frame of reference, I have my temperature probe mounted in the pressure…

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What Is The Normal Or Average Transmission Temperature?

What Is The Normal Or Average Transmission Temperature? – Car, Truck And Vehicle How To Guides – Vehicle Freak What is the normal or average transmission temperature? This is a question that many people ask, but it is not always easy to find an answer. The reason for this is that there are many different factors that can affect transmission temperature. The normal or average transmission temperature is between 175-200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, most transmissions will operate within a range of 130-220 degrees Fahrenheit. If your transmission temperature is outside of this range, it could be an indication of a problem. How Do I Check My Transmission Temperature? To check your car’s transmission temperature, you will need a transmission temperature gauge or infrared temperature gun. You can purchase one at most auto parts stores. When using the gauge, follow these steps: Park your car on level ground and turn off the engine. Remove the dipstick from the transmission fluid reservoir and wipe it clean with a rag. Insert the transmission temperature gauge into the reservoir and push it all the way in. Start the engine and let it idle for two to three minutes. Read the transmission temperature on the gauge and note it down. Remove the gauge from the reservoir and replace the dipstick. In case you’re using an infrared temperature gun, point the gun at the side of the transmission and pull the trigger. The reading on the gun will tell you what the transmission temperature is. Where Is the Transmission Temperature Sensor Located? The transmission temperature sensor is located on the side of the transmission. It is usually mounted on the side of the bell housing, near the front of the engine. What Do You Do When the Transmission Temperature Light Comes On? When the transmission temperature light comes on, it is an indication that the fluid temperature is too high. You should pull over as soon as possible, and turn off the engine. Once the engine is turned off, check the transmission fluid level. If it is low, add transmission fluid until it reaches the proper level. If the transmission fluid level is fine, then you may need to have the transmission checked by a mechanic. What Are the Causes of High Transmission Temperature? There are several factors that can cause high transmission temperature. Here are some: Poor quality transmission fluid Leaking or damaged transmission cooler lines Clogged transmission filter Worn or damaged seals and gaskets in the transmission Overheating engine In case you notice that your transmission temperature is higher than normal, it is important to have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem could lead to serious damage to your transmission. What Is Considered High Transmission Temperature? High transmission temperatures can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, in general, anything over 220 degrees Fahrenheit is considered high. If your transmission temperature exceeds this threshold, it’s a good idea to take action immediately. What Are the Symptoms of High Transmission Temperature? There are several signs and symptoms that may help you to know when your transmission temperatures increases. Here are some: Shifting problems Delay in the engagement of gears Burning smell Check Engine Light comes on How Can You Prevent High Transmission Temperature? Since already know the causes of high transmission temperatures, there are several things you can do to prevent high transmission temperatures. These include: Check the level and condition of the transmission fluid regularly. Inspect the transmission cooler lines for leaks. Replace the transmission filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Have the transmission serviced regularly by a qualified mechanic. Keep the engine properly tuned. Following these tips, you can help prevent high transmission temperatures and keep your car running smoothly. What Does High Transmission Temperature Mean? When your transmission temperature is high, it means that…

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Trans temp low? | Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Forum

Trans temp low? Joined Mar 17, 2019 ·3 Posts Discussion Starter · #1 · Mar 19, 2019 Hey Gang. I took a long trip last weekend and out of sheer boredom I decided to scroll through the info / odometer display. After 3 hours on the highway at 75mph or so, with engine temp at 210 degrees like it always is, trans temp reads between 104 and 109 degrees F. Or…about the same as a typical shower. Ambient temp was about 30 degrees. So either the sensor is bad, or the sensor is reporting “something else”. Has anyone ever run into a situation where their trans temp sensor reported low like this? 2011 1500 W/T 4.8 4×4 with 220k miles. 3.3 MB Views: 3,633 Joined Aug 16, 2015 ·8,050 Posts My 6 sp trans temp runs about 135*F 99% of the time, for whatever that’s worth. Joined Mar 17, 2019 ·3 Posts Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 20, 2019 Interesting. That even seems low, as it seems like I remember it being 165*+ last time I looked at it…several years ago. Maybe on an unloaded highway trip in cooler weather on flat terrain with the converter locked up, there just isn’t much heat being generated. I’ll keep an eye on it. Joined Aug 16, 2015 ·8,050 Posts That’s exactly what I was thinking. TCC locked, very little load on the trans, cool temps = cool trans. But 111*F does seem lower than normal. Even when I’m plowing, my trans only gets up to about 175*F. My truck has the OEM external trans cooler (rpo KNP). 2012 Silverado 2500HD 4×4 Joined Nov 16, 2013 ·2,079 Posts Maybe confirm with a hand held IR thermometer? They are cheap at Harbor freight. just drive it, look at the DIC and shoot it,, it should give you a good pan temp. Joined Jan 12, 2015 ·3,880 Posts My 12 has trans cooler/max tow package. I leave work at almost midnight. Lately in cool weather runs between 110 to 130 half hour highway times. Seen it get to 185 in heat of summer. Anything under 100 trans temp and my tune doesnt like it, shifts funny 2 to the 3 or maybe its 3 to 4. Normally runs around 133 or so in normal weather. Joined Jan 16, 2017 ·2,520 Posts While the 6 speeds are known to run rather cool, and mine did as well, I do not know much about the 4 speeds like yours has. However, with that being said, the 6l80 generally runs (least mine did and by postings here that is seeming as consensus) around 80-100 over ambient on the flat. So at 30 outside you are about in the range I’d guess for the 4 speed being locked up cruising with little resistance. Heck, there were days headed to work my trans was averaging around 135 after going through hills with it being 75 ambient. Highest I ever saw my trans was 208, that was at the time when I had 33s, 3.08 gears, was towing a 2500lbs boat with another 500-750 in the bed up one of the steepest grades in California with ambient being into the 90s while trying to maintain 65 (just about everything you can do to get a trans hot other than going crazy overloaded)….

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What Is The Normal Operating Automatic Transmission Temp?

What Is The Normal Operating Automatic Transmission Temp? Often drivers monitor the temperature of the car engine, ensuring that everything is running correctly, but rarely is the normal operating automatic transmission temperature considered. Despite the importance of the transmission, it’s easy to overlook its basic care. To ensure your vehicle continues to get you from Point A to Point B, you want to have a well-running engine and transmission. That’s why we are going to look at the temperatures within the transmission and determine the symptoms of an overheated transmission. We will also provide some steps you can take to prevent transmission wear.  A normal automatic transmission temperature should range from 170 to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If the transmission is slipping or you are pushing the vehicle hard, the temperature could rise above 240 degrees. However, with every 20-degree drop, your transmission remains better protected.  The temperature inside the torque converter runs the hottest. Sometimes, the temperatures can hit over 350 degrees Fahrenheit while pulling heavier loads.  It can be difficult to monitor the temperature of the transmission fluid because most modern cars don’t come equipped with gauges. Instead, the cars use a Check Engine Light or other warning light to tell you if the transmission is overheating.  Symptoms of Overheating Transmission 1. Burning Smell The transmission uses gears to create power. This hydraulic system relies on the liquid to properly transfer force. The automatic transmission fluid keeps the system well-lubricated and working its best. The fluid is also needed to regulate internal temperature.  However, the fluid degrades as it gets older. As it oxidizes, the internal composition begins to break down. When this occurs, the fluid is less capable of reducing the heat and reducing friction. It also makes it easier for the transmission to overheat. When the transmission fluid is no longer red, you will notice unusual smells coming from under the hood. This darker fluid starts to burn, leading to a strong odor you won’t be able to deny.  2. Slower Response Time When the fluid levels drop, the temperature won’t be kept in check and the gears won’t operate as they should. Because of this lack of fluid, the gears can’t respond as quickly as normal. You will notice a delay occurring when the transmission shifts because there isn’t enough fluid to transmit pressure. However, a slower transmission can also be a sign of a mechanical failure that should be diagnosed promptly.  3. Slipping Transmission When the fluid loses its ability to lubricate the internal components, the gears might slip. The same is true if any contaminants get into the fluid. However, a slipping transmission is also a sign of worn gears, a failing clutch or malfunctioning transmission bands. To be sure it isn’t a major mechanical issue, you will want to have the transmission evaluated.  4. Limp Mode Sometimes you notice no symptoms of the overheating transmission until the car goes into a limp mode. This limp-home mode gets activated whenever the onboard computer detects an issue that could cause severe damage to the transmission or engine. Limp mode reduces the power to ensure there is less of a load on these vital parts. It affords you the opportunity to drive home or to the nearest service center.  Prevent the Transmission from Overheating Transmission Temperature Warning LightOnce the transmission overheats, permanent…

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Automatic transmission temperature too low after cooler …

Automatic transmission temperature too low after cooler installation? – JK-Forum.com – The top destination for Jeep JK and JL Wrangler news, rumors, and discussion Automatic transmission temperature too low after cooler installation? 01-11-2013, 08:43 AM   #1   JK Freak Thread Starter   Join Date: May 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 512 Likes: 0 Automatic transmission temperature too low after cooler installation? Like so many others, I had lots of problems with the “Hot Oil” idiot light on my 2007 Rubicon Unlimited. I installed the popular B&M transmission cooler and haven’t had a problem since. I recently added a transmission temperature gauge and noticed that the transmission is running very cool. The highest temperature I’ve seen so far is about 105 degrees Fahrenheit (street and highway driving). Does anyone have a good idea of what operating temperature range is ideal for these transmissions? Thanks!   The following users liked this post: 01-11-2013, 09:07 AM   #2   JK Jedi   Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: REDONDO BEACH, CA Posts: 5,192 Likes: 0 105 is good. Mine gets as hot as 200 in the city, which is why I have a Mopar aux cooler waiting for me to install. A lot of guys report their trans temp in the 130-160 range.   01-11-2013, 09:13 AM   #3   JK Jedi Master   Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 12,799 Likes: 0 Where is the temp reading taken from? Normal operating temp for the 42RLE is anything over 80F. The computer prevents torque converter lock-up until that temp is reached. Preventing it from locking up shortens the time it takes to reach 80F. Mine, with an aux cooler, and an engine driven fan, will run in the 90F to 130F range, no matter what the outside air temp is. Even when the temp is -10F, it will get there in less than 3 miles. Some people will chime in saying it’s too cool, but that is not the case. The transmission and its ATF+4 love being that cool. Last edited by ronjenx; 01-11-2013 at 09:16 AM.   01-11-2013, 09:38 AM   #4   JK Jedi   Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NORTH JERSEY Posts: 4,038 Likes: 0 Received 1 Like on 1 Post Quote: Originally Posted by ronjenx Where is the temp reading taken from? Normal operating temp for the 42RLE is anything over 80F. The computer prevents torque converter lock-up until that temp is reached. Preventing it from locking up shortens the time it takes to reach 80F. Mine, with an aux cooler, and an engine driven fan, will run in the 90F to 130F range, no matter what the outside air temp is. Even when the temp is -10F, it will get there in less than 3 miles. Some people will chime in saying it’s too cool, but that is not the case. The transmission and its ATF+4 love being that cool. I agree 100 %. The main killer of an auto trans is heat.. the cooler she can run the better and longer it will run. Heat breakes down the additives in atf and once that happens clutches start to burn and u get a slipping trans. I would say your temp is excellent.   01-11-2013, 10:24 AM   #5   JK Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: location location location Posts: 401 Likes: 0 Received 1 Like on 1 Post just thought id add a lil here… a tranny cooler is nice but for even bigger gains in thermal reduction, a good 1″ body lift does a lot to reduce temps too   01-11-2013, 10:26 AM   #6   JK Freak Thread Starter   Join Date: May 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 512 Likes: 0 The temperature reading is from the computer via an OBD-II adapter so the reading is from wherever Chrysler chose…

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Transmission temperature reading low – Ford Truck Enthusiasts

Transmission temperature reading low – Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums Transmission temperature reading low   #1   12-16-2015, 06:34 AM Posting Guru Thread Starter Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arizona/Texas Posts: 1,490 Transmission temperature reading low With the colder temperature, I noticed the temperature for the transmission is not getting up to normal as quickly as before. Yesterday I switched to gauge mode and it showed 145 degrees after 20 miles of driving at an outside temperature of 42 degrees. Does anyone know what the minimum temperature should be? It’s not showing a check engine light and shifts good. Thanks.   #2   12-16-2015, 06:40 AM Moderator Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Stephensville WI Posts: 21,436 Minimum temp would be ambient air temp. You’re over thinking this. Too hot is bad. Everything else is OK.   #3   12-16-2015, 01:40 PM Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 613 Likes: 0 Received 1 Like on 1 Post unless it’s cold enough that the fluid is frozen solid…but then most people would have different worries…   #4   12-16-2015, 02:17 PM Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kent Station, WA Posts: 7,427 140 +/- is about right. Ambient + 80-100 is where you should be.   #5   12-16-2015, 04:02 PM Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Isanti, MN Posts: 24,801 Quote: Originally Posted by Bently_Coop 140 +/- is about right. Ambient + 80-100 is where you should be. Not for this one, the 6R140 has a thermostat that regulates its temperature. Quote: Originally Posted by msgtord With the colder temperature, I noticed the temperature for the transmission is not getting up to normal as quickly as before. Yesterday I switched to gauge mode and it showed 145 degrees after 20 miles of driving at an outside temperature of 42 degrees. Sounds perfectly normal to me. The transmission takes much longer than the engine to come up to temperature, and that gets worse in cold weather. The 6R140 in my ’11 would settle in around 195 degrees, but not for at least 30 miles in cold weather. My new F150 behaves very similar.   #6   12-16-2015, 05:53 PM Posting Guru Thread Starter Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arizona/Texas Posts: 1,490 Quote: Originally Posted by Tom Not for this one, the 6R140 has a thermostat that regulates its temperature. Sounds perfectly normal to me. The transmission takes much longer than the engine to come up to temperature, and that gets worse in cold weather. The 6R140 in my ’11 would settle in around 195 degrees, but not for at least 30 miles in cold weather. My new F150 behaves very similar. Thanks. I’m just accustomed to older transmissions that warmed up allot quicker. I don’t remember it taking this long to warm up last winter and we spent some nights in the teens. Thanks again.   #7   12-16-2015, 06:05 PM Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Isanti, MN Posts: 24,801 Quote: Originally Posted by msgtord Thanks. I’m just accustomed to older transmissions that warmed up allot quicker. I don’t remember it taking this long to warm up last winter and we spent some nights in the teens. They really didn’t, they just looked like they did. The previous generation transmission temperature “gauge” would read mid-range normal when the trans was above 50 degrees. Every truck I’ve ever monitored temps on has taken >20 miles for the transmission temp to come up and stabilize. Older designs didn’t use a thermostat and would settle in a temperature dependent on load conditions, volume of air through the coolers, and ambient air temp. Modern transmissions are much more consistent…

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The Effect of Cold Weather on Your Transmission

The Effect of Cold Weather on Your TransmissionYou are told all the time not to let your transmission overheat because it breaks down the fluid, leading to a whole lot of problems. No one could blame you if you thought there’s nothing to worry about in winter. Unfortunately, that’s untrue. Before you throw your hands in the air out of frustration and say, “Then what is the effect of cold weather on your transmission?”, below are some things to look for. Problems Unique to Cold Temperatures Some transmission problems really are unique to the cold weather, while others just get worse than they would any other time of year. You may be surprised to discover a few of the following: Contraction: Parts contract, or get smaller, when they are cold. The result is components loosening up, parts wearing faster, and leaks developing because seals shrink harden. Viscosity change: The viscosity of transmission fluid changes and gets thicker in the cold. The ideal temperature for it is 175 degrees, plus or minus 25 degrees, and when the transmission gets below zero degrees, it gets too thick. The fluid can also fail to lubricate parts when it is too cold, wearing parts down unnecessarily. This characteristic can be mitigated with synthetic fluid that is often less viscous in cold temperatures. Shifting problems: When it’s cold, the transmission will shift harder and shift points can become delayed which can lead to yet harder shifting. These hard shifts can create increased pressure on numerous parts which increase the risk of failure at a later point. Delayed overdrive: The computer can delay the use of overdrive until the transmission reaches the proper operating temperature. This delay not only impacts the comfort of driving your vehicle, but it also accelerates use and pressure on other forward gears that are being relied on because OD is not available per OEM specifications. Water: Water in the transmission is never a good thing. Actually, it’s terrible and can cause a massive repair bill. If water is in it when cold, it will freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When it freezes, it expands, and that can cause damage to the case and valve body in the transmission by creating cracks. If those cracks appear, the transmission cannot be rebuilt. This issue tends to be a major problem on certain Nissan vehicles holding an RE5 transmission. The transmission itself runs well. However, radiator fluid can find its way into the transmission, causing substantial damaged to a vehicle that often requires rebuilding the transmission with a new valve body, changing out the radiator and reprogramming the transmission control module. Behavior Problems You might only think of behavior problems in terms of children and school…but your transmission, if it wasn’t shivering in the cold, could point a finger at a few of your habits that need changing, at least in the winter. Drivers should keep in mind that transmissions are increasingly controlled by computer systems and have adaptive capabilities. If the transmission is acting up, the ability of the unit to adapt to external or internal conditions has been exhausted. To prolong the life of your transmission, follow these steps during cold months, particularly in the morning when the parts and fluid within the vehicle are at its coldest. Drive slowly: For the first few miles, drive slowly, letting your engine and transmission reach normal temperatures. Avoid excessive idling: A long idle can cause problems. Doing this means your car is running rich, creating additional pollution, damaging your catalytic converter, using expensive fuel, and possibly damaging internal parts. This can happen because some transmissions don’t lubricate parts while in park, so ice cold parts are spinning with no fluid lubricating them. Minimize shifting: If a vehicle is stuck in snow, an automatic transmission should not be excessively shifted between park, reverse, and drive. This type of activity can put undue pressure on a cold transmission and lead to increased deterioration to internal parts. If at all possible, avoid driving your vehicle out of and in snow, especially if…

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