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What Causes Excessive Transmission Temperature and a Burning Smell?

3 Answers
AubreeFitz
07/29/25 10:02pm
Here are the reasons for excessive transmission temperature and a burning smell: 1. Clogged filter screen: The transmission hydraulic pump's oil suction filter screen is clogged. 2. Poor radiator performance: The radiator's heat dissipation capacity is insufficient, and the machine is severely overloaded. 3. Hydraulic pump damage: The transmission hydraulic pump is severely worn or damaged, causing significant system leakage. 4. Abnormal proportional valve: The torque converter's inlet regulating proportional valve is malfunctioning. 5. Clutch slipping: Transmission clutch slipping can also lead to excessively high transmission oil temperature. Note: The transmission allows the vehicle to reverse while maintaining the engine's rotation direction. The transmission, also known as a gearbox, is a mechanism used to alter the speed and torque from the engine, enabling fixed or stepped changes in the gear ratio between the output and input shafts.
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Guzman
08/15/25 10:01pm
I smelled a burning odor when driving my old car up the mountain last time. Insufficient transmission fluid is the most common issue—low fluid levels cause gears to grind dry and overheat, and the high temperatures can melt rubber seals, producing smoke. Another possibility is a clogged radiator; dust and bugs blocking the cooling fins prevent heat dissipation, causing the oil temperature to spike. If you’ve installed a trailer hitch and frequently haul heavy loads, the excessive strain on the transmission can also lead to a burnt smell. Oh, and fitting oversized wheels can disrupt the gear ratio, forcing the transmission to overwork and overheat. If you detect a burning odor, don’t push it—pull over, shut off the engine, because a burnt-out transmission means major repairs.
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Everly
10/17/25 7:17am
I've encountered this situation during long-distance driving. Poor-quality transmission fluid is the root cause, as inferior oil loses its lubricating properties under high temperatures. The most critical issue is the burning of clutch plates, especially in dual-clutch and AMT models, where prolonged semi-engagement can cause the steel plates and friction discs to overheat and slip, emitting a pungent mix of rubber and burnt smells. A malfunctioning cooling fan is often overlooked, as a stuck fan disrupts the cooling cycle. Extra caution is needed when towing, as the transmission operates under full load and oil temperature can quickly exceed the red line. If you hear a buzzing noise from the transmission and see smoke, stop the vehicle immediately.
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