How to Repair an Automatic Transmission That Has Taken in Water?
2 Answers
Do not drive or run the engine. When water enters the transmission, it will settle at the bottom of the gear oil inside the transmission. Open the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission to completely drain out the water and oil. Then, add new gear oil.
Last time my car got flooded, the automatic transmission developed a problem with noticeable jerking when driving, which really scared me. Usually, this happens when wading through deep water or being submerged in a flood. Once water enters the transmission, lubrication fails. The first step in repair is to stop the engine and avoid restarting it to prevent water from damaging internal parts. Quickly call a tow truck to take it to a professional repair shop. They use equipment to drain the old transmission fluid, replace it with new fluid, and repeatedly flush it to ensure cleanliness. The technician also checks whether gears and bearings are corroded or damaged. In severe cases, disassembly, cleaning, or component replacement may be necessary, with costs ranging from five or six thousand to over ten thousand. If not addressed promptly, rust can spread throughout the transmission, rendering it useless. I learned my lesson—don’t force your way through flooded areas in the rain, and get immediate repairs after wading to protect your vehicle’s lifespan.
