What Causes Overheating in a Dry Dual-Clutch Transmission?
2 Answers
Dry dual-clutch transmission overheating can be attributed to the following reasons: Engine and high coolant temperature: Prolonged engine overload can raise the coolant temperature, affecting the transmission's heat dissipation. Additionally, insufficient coolant in the radiator reduces the cooling system's efficiency, leading to transmission overheating. Transmission clutch slipping: Clutch slipping generates additional heat, increasing the transmission temperature, degrading the transmission fluid quality, and accelerating transmission wear. Thermostat sticking: If the transmission's thermostat sticks, the transmission fluid cannot circulate into the cooling system, preventing the dissipation of heat generated by the transmission. Insufficient transmission fluid: Low transmission fluid levels can increase gear shift jerking and reduce cooling efficiency, causing the transmission temperature to rise and potentially damaging internal components.
As an experienced driver who has driven a dry dual-clutch transmission car, I've found that overheating often occurs in heavy traffic or on roads with many traffic lights. The repeated sliding friction of the clutch generates a lot of heat, unlike wet clutches which have oil to help dissipate heat. Prolonged semi-engagement operations, such as climbing hills or carrying heavy loads over long distances, don't give the system enough time to cool down. Add in the high temperatures of summer, and the cooling fans can't keep up, leading to warning alerts. Once, when I was driving to the suburbs, climbing a small hill caused the transmission to heat up like a steamer, with the dashboard flashing warning lights. This can lead to accelerated wear of the clutch plates or even burn out the control module. I recommend avoiding sudden acceleration and hard starts, using manual mode in traffic to reduce shifting, and regularly maintaining and cleaning cooling components to prevent breaking down on the road.
