What Are the Main Causes of Transmission Overheating?
2 Answers
Transmission overheating is primarily caused by: clogged oil suction filter screens; poor radiator cooling capacity; severe machine overload operation; severe wear or damage to the transmission hydraulic pump; significant system leakage, malfunctioning torque converter inlet regulating proportional valve; and transmission clutch slippage, all of which can lead to excessive transmission temperature. 90% of transmission failures are caused by overheating. Transmission overheating does not exhibit obvious fault symptoms during use, but prolonged high temperatures can lead to aging of internal seals, brittleness of plastic components, reduced lubrication performance of the fluid, and shortened lifespan of electrical components. Therefore, it is essential to regularly measure the transmission oil temperature and address any issues promptly.
I've seen way too many cases of transmission overheating, mainly due to cooling system failures. For example, when the cooler gets clogged, the fluid can't circulate properly and heat can't dissipate, causing temperatures to skyrocket. Another common culprit is aged transmission fluid – after prolonged use, the viscosity drops, leading to insufficient lubrication and increased internal friction that generates excessive heat. I personally experienced this when towing heavy loads; climbing hills or overloading puts extra strain on the transmission, making it prone to overheating. Once overheated, internal gear wear accelerates, and in severe cases, the transmission can be completely ruined. The consequences are pretty scary, so I recommend regularly checking fluid levels and quality, changing the fluid every 2-3 years. Also, ensure the cooling system functions properly – consider adding an auxiliary cooling fan or cleaning the radiator when necessary. Avoid prolonged hard acceleration or hauling excessive weight while driving, as these measures effectively prevent issues. Always keep an eye on the temperature warning light on the dashboard – never let it hit the red zone.
