Engine overheating? It happens from time to time. Transmission overheating? Believe it or not, it can happen. When a diesel truck’s transmission temperature is too hot, you might notice the presence of strong burning odors, difficulty shifting gears, or potential transmission failure.
The best way to recognize an overheating transmission is to familiarize yourself with its symptoms.
If you’re looking to figure out what causes a transmission to overheat as well as what to look for to prevent transmissions from overheating, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, our diesel repair technicians break down:
- What a transmission’s temperature can tell you
- Causes of an overheating transmission
- Signs that your transmission is overheating
- What to do if you notice your transmission is overheating
What transmission temperatures can indicate
If you think your transmission is heating up, most trucks include a transmission temperature sensor that helps you monitor the temperature of transmission fluid. The sensor is designed to let you know if the fluid is above what it should be.
If the warning signal or light turns on, stop what you’re doing. Pull over, and give your vehicle time to cool down.
Most transmission fluid hovers in the 175 to 220-degree range. For every 20 degrees beyond 220 degrees Fahrenheit, the following can happen:
- Varnish begins to form at 240 degrees or higher
- Seals harden
- Plates slip
- Seals and clutches burn out
- Carbon deposits form
- Total transmission failures can occur.
If you notice any strange noises, take note of them, and note what may have preceded them. Once your vehicle cools down, proceed with caution, and drive slowly, but only if your vehicle is operational. If problems continue, your best bet is to call a mobile repair team or an in-shop repair facility for support.
Causes of an overheating transmission
Additionally, a transmission usually overheats because of internal damage or transmission fluid issues. Some of the most common causes of a transmission that overheats include:
- Leaks
- Low fluid levels
- Excessive fluid levels, which can place undue pressure on the transmission
- Dirty or old fluid
- Driving on a transmission whose transmission fluid is low, leaky, or dirty
If you think your transmission has been compromised or is overheating, stop driving immediately. Then, replace your transmission fluid as soon as possible, or call a diesel mechanic to help you do so.
Signs of an overheating transmission
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What to do about a transmission overheating
If you suspect your transmission is overheating, here’s what to do about it:
- Open the hood of the vehicle and conduct a thorough visual inspection of and within the transmission.
- If in doubt, call a diesel repair shop or transmission specialist to help conduct a thorough inspection of your transmission.
- Reach out to a mobile repair shop, as they’ll drive out to you to help with servicing your transmission.
Your best course of action is to call a professional, as they have the technology to run diagnostics and perform a road test on your transmission to determine the source of the issue. Plus, if you continue driving with an overheated transmission, you risk further damaging it.
Therefore, we recommend reaching out to a professional to save you time, money, and a potential vehicle breakdown.
Certified Fleet facts on transmission specialists
Did you know that dealers and mom-and-pop shops aren’t your only options for treating transmission issues and other truck repairs?
A licensed diesel truck repair shop can help you from beginning to end with all your transmission needs. Curious to see what the difference is between a diesel truck repair shop, a truck dealer, and a mom-and-pop repair shop?
👉🏼Check out Steve Conner, co-owner of Certified Fleet Services, as he explains the difference on our Instagram page.
Need transmission work on your vehicle in South Florida?
Let’s get you up and running again.
Also, when you reach out to one of our many ASE-certified diesel repair technicians, you’ll get nothing less than exceptional service with every repair job.
✅First, we’ll run diagnostics
✅Then, if needed, we’ll perform a road test
✅Finally, we’ll present you with a detailed inspection report and price estimate to ensure a smooth and seamless repair.
Plus, we can come to you. Whether your dump truck is limping or you need a pick-up on the side of the highway for your semi, let Certified Fleet’s diesel truck repair technicians get you up and running fast.
For a comprehensive quote on a transmission repair, or to schedule maintenance on your transmission, bring your truck in right away to any of our three South Florida-based locations.
Contact us today for fast, efficient, and comprehensive transmission fluid changes and transmission service. We look forward to serving you.
