Is the 6AT Transmission Prone to Water Intake?
2 Answers
6AT transmissions are prone to water intake. Below are solutions for transmission water intake: 1. Clear water intake: Avoid driving and running the engine as much as possible. In this case, water will settle at the bottom of the transmission gear oil. Open the drain screw at the bottom of the transmission to completely drain the water and oil, then refill with new gear oil. 2. Dirty water or muddy water intake: If the vehicle is driven or the engine is run after clear water intake, the water and oil will emulsify due to high-speed mixing inside the transmission, making it difficult to separate the oil and water. In this scenario, the transmission must be removed and opened for cleaning. If sand or mud enters the bearings, especially the input shaft bearing, all components inside the transmission must be disassembled and cleaned.
As someone who frequently studies car structures, I don't think 6AT transmission water ingress is a common issue, but it can be quite troublesome when it occurs. The sealing system is well-designed, so normal driving in the rain won't easily cause water to enter. However, if the vehicle is submerged in deep water, such as in flood-prone areas or when crossing deep puddles, water may seep in and corrode internal gears and fluids. After water ingress, the fluid will become cloudy and foamy, leading to insufficient lubrication, gear slippage, or even complete failure. I recommend avoiding water crossings in daily driving and regularly checking the color and level of transmission fluid. If any abnormalities are found, address them promptly. After driving through water, don't delay—visit a professional shop immediately to inspect and replace contaminated fluid to avoid costly repairs. Overall, prevention is much simpler than repair, and developing good driving habits is key.
