What Are the Causes of Excessive Transmission Temperature?
2 Answers
The main causes of transmission overheating include the following aspects: insufficient lubricating oil in the transmission or the use of lubricating oil that does not meet the required specifications; excessively tight bearing assembly; excessively tight gasket and washer assembly; excessively small meshing clearance of newly replaced gears; and transmission slippage. Below is an introduction to the transmission: 1. The normal temperature range for transmission oil is between 90 and 100 degrees. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above this upper limit can cause severe damage to the transmission. 2. When diagnosing, check the lubricant level after the vehicle has been stationary for a while to allow any foam to dissipate. If the oil quality is poor, it should be replaced. 3. The basic symptom of insufficient lubricating oil is that the entire transmission becomes hot to the touch. In cases of excessively tight bearing assembly, the area near the bearing housing feels particularly hot to the touch, while the temperature drops significantly away from the bearing area. 4. If necessary, drain the lubricating oil and open the transmission cover for inspection. Generally, issues such as bearing annealing, burnt and discolored contact surfaces between washers and gears, and severe wear can be observed.
Every time I encounter a rise in transmission temperature while driving, I nervously pull over to check. Possible causes include transmission fluid levels being too low or the fluid deteriorating and failing to dissipate heat; the radiator being clogged with dust and debris, blocking heat dispersion; or increased internal friction, such as severe wear on clutch plates or gears, which becomes more noticeable after prolonged operation. Driving habits like frequent rapid acceleration, continuous uphill driving in mountainous areas using low gears, or towing heavy loads can easily lead to excessive strain and a spike in temperature. Additionally, it's important to check the cooling system, such as whether the fan is functioning properly or if there are any leaks in the cooling pipes. Ignoring these issues can lead to permanent transmission damage or even a breakdown on the road. Therefore, I've developed the habit of regularly checking fluid levels, cleaning the radiator grille, and adjusting my driving style to prevent problems. Early detection makes repairs cheaper and gives peace of mind.
