What to do if your transmission temperature warning light comes on?
If you see this red light come on in your car, you should first pull over to allow your transmission to cool. If not, you could cause expensive transmission damage. Then, as soon as you can, bring your car in to have it serviced immediately.
What should Trans temp be?
175 to 220 degrees
The optimal temperature range for transmission fluid is 175 to 220 degrees. Above that, for every 20 degrees bad things happen, starting with formation of varnish at 240 degrees, followed by seals hardening, plates slipping, seals and clutches burn out, carbon is formed, and, ultimately, failure.
What does it mean when transmission is over temp?
Now, when the light comes on indicating that your transmission is overheating, it means that your vehicle is functioning at 250 degrees, which is considered “extremely high” temperature. At 270 degrees your transmission fluid completely breaks down and your transmission can seize up.
Can transmission temp be too low?
The ideal temperature for it is 175 degrees, plus or minus 25 degrees, and when the transmission gets below zero degrees, it gets too thick. The fluid can also fail to lubricate parts when it is too cold, wearing parts down unnecessarily.
At what temp does a transmission overheat?
Without enough transmission fluid or effective fluid, your transmission will start acting out. The ideal fluid temperature is under 175 degrees, but as fluid ages it starts to break down and lose its capacity to cool down the transmission. This is when transmission overheating occurs. At 220 degrees, varnish forms.
What does it mean when your transmission temperature comes on?
The most obvious sign is that your Transmission Temperature Light has come on. And what does that mean? Simply this – your transmission is overheating. And heat is, without a doubt, the worst enemy of your car’s transmission. In fact, heat is responsible for more transmission failures than anything else.
Why does my dash light say trans over temp?
Some vehicles have a dash light that will say “trans over temp,” but not all vehicles have this feature. This code could mean that the fluid sensor needs to be replaced, but it could also be something far more complex, especially if accompanied by other P codes.
What should temperature be on trans temp gauge?
This gauge offers 10 different color options with allows for easy matching to your vehicle’s other aftermarket or stock gauges. The Glow Shift automatic trans temp gauge allows for a reading of up to 300 F, which is more than enough.
Is the transmission temperature warning light foolproof?
Even if you are running as few as 20 degrees above that, your transmission will only last about half as long as it should. That’s how much heat can affect your transmission. Your dashboard warning lights aren’t foolproof.