What are the symptoms of water ingress in the Magotan transmission?
2 Answers
The symptoms of water ingress in the Magotan transmission include experiencing slight jerking sensations during gear shifts while driving, which gradually intensify over time. Upon opening the coolant reservoir, oil stains may be observed inside. When draining the transmission fluid, it may appear entirely milky white. Below is an analysis of the causes of water ingress in the Magotan transmission: 1. Internal corrosion and leakage of the transmission cooler: Transmission fluid enters the cooling system and mixes with the coolant, causing the coolant to contaminate the transmission fluid and turn it milky white. The deteriorated transmission fluid leads to issues such as jerking and slipping during gear shifts. 2. Forced driving through water during the rainy season: Also known as wading, when the water depth reaches two-thirds of the wheel height, water can easily enter the transmission.
Last time I drove my Magotan through deep water, the transmission started acting up. The most obvious symptom was a sudden violent jerk during gear shifts, like being kicked from behind. When cold starting, it takes several seconds for the reverse gear to engage, and I can hear a rustling friction noise coming from the transmission area while driving. The yellow transmission warning light came on the dashboard. Later at the 4S shop inspection, the mechanic said the fluid had turned milky white - a classic sign of water contamination. This kind of issue shouldn't be delayed as water will corrode internal gears and circuits, requiring complete transmission disassembly for repair. If you feel gear shift hesitation after wading through water, it's best to immediately stop and check for damaged underbody seals. In early stages of water ingress, fluid color change is the fastest way to identify problems.
