What are the reasons for power loss after changing transmission oil?
2 Answers
The reasons for feeling power loss after changing transmission oil: excessive transmission oil, gear agitation, and uncleaned engine lubrication system. Excessive transmission oil: When the transmission oil is overfilled, exceeding the dipstick line, the gears have to overcome the resistance of the oil when the car starts, resulting in power loss. Solution: Reduce the amount of oil in the transmission, keeping it as close to the dipstick line as possible. Gear agitation: Gear agitation causes the oil to foam, allowing air to mix into the oil and reach the clutch. When shifting to D gear, the presence of air between the clutch plates prevents them from pressing tightly, causing clutch slippage, difficulty in moving the car, and accelerated clutch wear. Solution: The owner should take the car to a repair shop as soon as possible for maintenance or clutch replacement. Uncleaned engine lubrication system: If the engine lubrication system has not been cleaned for a long time and is dirty with a lot of deposits, changing the oil will flush out some impurities suspended in the oil, clogging the oil filter and causing power loss. Changing the oil once will improve the system's cleanliness. Solution: Take the car to a 4S shop to clean the engine and maintain the cleanliness of the engine lubrication system.
I've been in the auto repair business for over a decade and have seen plenty of cases where cars suddenly lose power after a transmission fluid change. The most likely causes include overfilling or underfilling the fluid, which disrupts the hydraulic system balance and prevents the transmission from transferring power properly. Using the wrong fluid type is also a big issue—automatic and manual transmission fluids can't be mixed, as this leads to inadequate lubrication and internal component sticking. If the filter isn't cleaned during the fluid change or air bubbles enter the lines, it affects fluid pressure, making the car sluggish when you hit the gas. Also, some small shops use cheap fluids or cut corners, and poor-quality fluid can cause premature transmission wear. I recommend stopping the car immediately and checking the dipstick to see if the fluid level is correct. If the fluid is dirty or foamy, it means water or contaminants have mixed in. Address power loss early—don't wait until the transmission starts slipping, as it becomes a bigger headache. Take it to a professional shop for a full diagnosis. Stick to regular maintenance schedules and use the manufacturer-recommended fluid to avoid these issues.
