What are the symptoms of insufficient transmission fluid?
2 Answers
The symptoms of insufficient transmission fluid are: 1. Jerky gear shifting with poor smoothness; 2. Engine RPM increases disproportionately to vehicle speed when accelerating; 3. Increased noise from the transmission. Transmission fluid is a lubricant that maintains the cleanliness of the gear system and should typically be replaced every two years or approximately 60,000 kilometers. The transmission fluid replacement procedure is: 1. Remove the transmission guard plate, loosen the screws on the oil pan, and drain the old transmission fluid; 2. Unscrew the oil pan screws and remove the oil pan; 3. Apply sealant to the new oil pan and tighten it securely; 4. Loosen the screw on the left side of the transmission to begin refilling.
When the transmission fluid is low, you can clearly feel that gear shifting becomes particularly sluggish. Sometimes when you press the accelerator, the car responds with a noticeable delay, as if the power isn't being transmitted properly. Low fluid levels lead to insufficient lubrication, increasing gear friction, which may cause clicking or grinding noises, especially noticeable during acceleration or uphill driving. Once during a long-distance drive, I didn't notice this issue, and the transmission overheating warning light came on, nearly leaving me stranded on the road. It's also important to regularly check for oil stains on the ground, as leaks are one of the common causes. Aging transmission fluid can also degrade performance; it's generally recommended to check the fluid level every 40,000 kilometers. You can use a dipstick to check the color and fluid level, ensuring it stays between the minimum and maximum marks. If not addressed promptly, it may damage internal transmission components, and repairs can be quite costly.
