What does it mean when a car indicates that the transmission temperature is too high?
2 Answers
Car indicates that the transmission temperature is too high due to: 1. The engine working for a long time or under overload, causing the coolant temperature to rise, affecting the transmission cooling; 2. Insufficient coolant in the radiator, reducing the cooling system's heat dissipation effect; 3. Slipping of the transmission clutch. Solutions for when a car indicates that the transmission temperature is too high: 1. Pull the car over and let the transmission temperature gradually decrease; 2. Check if the radiator fan of the transmission can function normally, and whether the coolant and transmission fluid are lacking, replenishing them promptly if necessary; 3. Inspect if the transmission radiator is working properly and if the grille is blocked; 4. Once the transmission temperature returns to normal and the dashboard indicator light turns off, you can continue driving.
I remember once when I was towing a large trailer on the highway to move furniture, suddenly the 'transmission temperature too high' warning light popped up on the dashboard, scaring me into immediately turning on the signal and pulling over. This situation is mostly caused by the engine being overloaded, such as towing overweight items for a long time uphill, or traffic congestion preventing the transmission from having a chance to cool down. It could also be due to an ineffective cooling system—like a stuck or non-functioning fan, or too much dirt accumulated in the radiator, affecting oil temperature regulation. After getting out of the car, I waited a few minutes for it to cool down before slowly driving to the repair shop for inspection. The mechanic told me that if the transmission fluid is old or insufficient, it can also cause repeated overheating, and worse, internal components might deform, leading to repair costs that can easily run into tens of thousands. To avoid this hassle, it's key to avoid constantly flooring the accelerator in daily driving, and to regularly change fluids and clean the cooling system—worth it for both safety and your wallet.
