Can the Transmission Get Water Inside?

[LandonRose]

Transmission can get water inside. Additional information is as follows: 1. Water ingress situations: While driving, if there is standing water on the road, splashes may cause water to enter the transmission. Water primarily enters the transmission through the vent hole. Since the transmission is not completely sealed, water can directly enter through the vent hole. When water level exceeds two-thirds of the wheel height, there is an 80% to 90% probability of water entering the transmission; if the water level reaches the dashboard, the transmission will 100% get water inside. 2. Vehicle wading practices: It is best to turn off the air conditioning. When the air conditioning is on, the electronic fan at the front of the vehicle will rotate. During wading, the rotating fan blades may stir up water splashes, potentially causing water to enter the transmission. Therefore, try to turn off the air conditioning before wading and wait for the electronic fan to stop before entering the waterlogged section. When wading, if there is oncoming traffic, pay attention to the height of the water waves in front of the other vehicle. If the waves are too high, accelerate appropriately to use your own waves to counteract those from the oncoming vehicle. Stay calm in such situations and avoid braking. Before wading, turn off all vehicle electrical devices, such as air conditioning and dash cams, to prevent electrical equipment from short-circuiting due to water ingress.

[DiMaya]

Transmission water ingress can indeed occur. Once when I was off-roading, I didn't notice the depth of a water crossing and ended up with water reaching halfway up the wheels. Later, I found the gear shifting became stiff and difficult. It turns out water can seep in through ventilation holes or damaged seals, especially in older vehicles where seals are prone to aging. Water mixing with transmission fluid destroys lubrication, leading to gear rusting and seizing, with repairs often costing thousands. I immediately drove to a shop to drain, flush, and replace the fluid, avoiding greater damage. Now, I'm extra cautious when crossing water, ensuring it doesn't surpass the tire's midline, and I regularly check the dipstick after rain to see if the fluid is cloudy. For long-term maintenance, it's advised to inspect seals annually and avoid deep water sections to prevent issues proactively.

[McRyan]

As an automotive enthusiast who frequently participates in off-road activities, I have personally experienced the frustration of transmission water ingress. When driving through water or during floods, water can easily seep into the transmission through gaps at the bottom, especially in automatic transmissions, which are more vulnerable due to their intricate design. Water contamination causes the fluid to emulsify and degrade, losing its protective properties, leading to rapid internal component rusting or even catastrophic failure, with repair costs potentially reaching half the vehicle's value. I've developed a habit of post-water crossing checks: driving slowly for a few minutes to drain water, then inspecting the dipstick for water droplets and changing the oil promptly if detected. New drivers should be cautious during heavy rain, avoiding flooded areas by detouring or waiting it out. Preventive measures like regular maintenance and checking seal conditions can significantly reduce risks.

[SanJune]

It is entirely possible for a transmission to take in water. With my DIY car repair experience, I understand the causes. It commonly occurs when water splashes into the transmission through the vent or due to aging seals while driving through puddles. The mixture of water and oil leads to emulsification, causing lubrication failure and internal component corrosion or seizing. During my hands-on experience, I've checked the fluid—foaming or discoloration is evidence of water ingress. Delayed action can result in complete transmission failure, necessitating draining, flushing, and replacing the oil and filter. When driving through water, reduce speed to minimize splashing, and older vehicles require more frequent seal inspections. Simple preventive measures can save significant repair costs.