OVERHEATING

Transmission fluid tends to overheat when the car is driven under load. To solve this problem, car manufacturers install transmission coolers and lines on their vehicles. When this system comes into failure, the fluid temperature will suddenly rise and lead to overheating.

Signs to look out for
Whenever a transmission is overheating the signs you can get are:
a. A burnt tranny fluid smell.
b. A red warning lights
c. Sluggish or slow gear shifts.
d. Slipping transmission until the wheels stop moving forward.
Troubleshooting procedure:
i. The first thing to inspect when suspecting an overheating condition is the transmission coolant system.
ii. Look out for dents in the transmission cooler usually located in front of the radiator.
iii. Make sure all the cooling fins are straight and that air can easily go through.
iv. If there are dirt and debris lodged in the cooler, use a garden hose or a pressurized washer to clean it.
v. Kinks in the cooler lines can also reduce the flow to a point where it’s not circulating fast enough to cool down efficiently. Rust can also build up inside the lines leading to the same result. Replace all rusted and bent lines with new ones.
vi. If a visual inspection is not enough, try removing the cooler and make sure the inner passages are free of obstructions. Using a water hose to push water on one side can sometimes help to clear out the debris.
NB: Always remember to replace the fluid completely after facing an overheating condition. Failing to do so may cause other problems in the future.