Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) has two main purposes: Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model. First, it is the lifeblood that enables a transmission to transfer power from the engine to the pavement. The torque converter uses ATF to form a hydraulic circuit in order to transfer rotational force from the engine to the transmission. Its second purpose is to cool the transmission by absorbing the heat created by all its moving parts and expelling the heat through the radiator. If a leak develops or a faulty component causes the transmission to lose fluid and you continue drive with a low fluid level, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms: In This Guide
1) Transmission Slipping These problems may indicate that your vehicle is low on fluid, (which can cause it to overheat) and the friction material on the clutches and transmission bands are no longer able to securely engage a gear. This is a bad sign because it’s very likely that excessive wear/damage has already occurred. 2) Delayed Gear EngagementBeing low on fluid can cause a noticeably longer delay when you select Drive or Reverse, because there isn’t enough fluid pressure to immediately actuate the gear change. It may take 2-3 seconds before the selected gear actually engages, leaving you with plenty of time to ponder the fact that you haven’t checked your transmission fluid lately. 3) Hard or Erratic ShiftsAnother sign is when your vehicle starts shifting erratically (shifts come later or sooner than normal), or it sort of bangs/slams into gear. An automatic transmission relies on hydraulic pressure to change gears, and a lack of ATF can have a negative impact on both shift timing and smoothness. 4) Car Won’t ShiftIf there’s absolutely no ATF left in a transmission, it simply won’t work. No Drive, no reverse, nothing. Refilling the transmission with the correct type of ATF may bring it back to life in some cases, but you’ll still need to figure out how it got that low in the first place. 5) Overheated TransmissionSince ATF is responsible for cooling the transmission, not having enough of it can cause it to overheat – very quickly. Signs of an overheated transmission include delayed or erratic shifts, slipping between gears, loss of power, smoke and/or a burning smell. If this happens, pull over immediately and let the transmission cool down. Temperatures in excess of 240 degrees can cause serious internal damage, so you really don’t want to keep driving. Transmission Heat Damage
6) Transmission Failure / Replacement NeededIf any of the above symptoms persist after you’ve topped off the ATF, then it’s very likely that your transmission will need to be rebuilt or replaced. In this case, here are 8 options to choose from. Checking your Transmission FluidThe problems listed above can lead to some very costly repairs if they are not taken care of. To avoid this, start checking your fluid on a regular basis. If you put a lot of miles on your vehicle or tow heavy loads, then you should check your ATF at least every 2 weeks. Otherwise, most drivers can check it once a month (unless there’s a leak). • Always leave the motor running when
checking the fluid Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model. What Transmission Do I Have?What to Read Next
Over to YouWe’re interested to know – which of these symptoms are you experiencing? What happens if I drive with low transmission fluid?Driving your car through a low transmission fluid level is dangerous to you and the vehicle. Failure to top up the fluid is a hazard that might cause extreme damage to the transmission, the engine, and essential components that keep the car running.
How does a car act when it needs transmission fluid?Not being able to shift is a direct result of having low transmission fluid. Slipping Gears - On the flipside, slipping out of gear is another side effect of having low transmission fluid. For example, you may be maintaining your current speed, then suddenly feel your vehicle downshift or shift to a higher gear.
What problems can low transmission fluid cause?Sudden up and downshifts, spikes in RPMs before shifting, strange grinding noises, and erratic shifts are also characteristics of this problem. All of these are low transmission fluid symptoms and indicate that you're at risk of overheating.
How long can a car run with low transmission fluid?How long can a car run without transmission fluid is up to about 10 miles on low to no transmission fluid, but doing so would be extremely risky. Transmission fluid is essential for helping your car shift gears smoothly. Without it, gears are exposed to added friction and may not be able to move at all.
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What happens if your transmission fluid is low
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