What Causes High Transmission Temperature?
2 Answers
Reasons for high transmission temperature: 1. Clogged pump suction filter screen; 2. Poor radiator cooling capacity; 3. Severe machine overload operation; 4. Serious wear or damage to the transmission hydraulic pump; 5. Severe system leakage, improper operation of the torque converter inlet regulating proportional valve; 6. Transmission clutch slippage can also lead to excessively high transmission temperature. The transmission is a mechanism used to change the speed and torque from the engine, capable of fixing or changing the gear ratio between the output and input shafts, also known as a gearbox. The transmission consists of a gear transmission mechanism and a control mechanism, with some vehicles also equipped with a power take-off mechanism.
Transmission overheating is quite common. I once encountered it during a long-distance drive, and it nearly scared me to death. There are several reasons for this: First, insufficient or poor-quality transmission fluid. When the fluid level is low or dirty, lubrication effectiveness drops significantly, causing friction that generates heat like frying an egg. Second, issues with the cooling system, such as a malfunctioning fan or a clogged oil cooler, prevent heat dissipation—like running an AC in summer with a broken fan. Third, driving habits matter. Some drivers accelerate aggressively or tow heavy loads uphill for extended periods, overloading the transmission and causing overheating. A friend of mine frequently goes off-roading, and under such extreme conditions, the temperature spikes even faster. Lastly, internal component wear, like damaged bearings or slipping clutches, can cause problems if maintenance is neglected. If you notice overheating, pull over and check the fluid level immediately—excessive heat can damage the entire system. Developing a habit of regular fluid changes can prevent such issues in advance.