A transmission temperature warning light indicates that the transmission fluid’s temperature is too high, which can lead to transmission failure. Transmission failures are one of a vehicle owner’s worst nightmares, as they are notoriously expensive to repair, and one of the things mostly to damage your transmission is overheating.
If you see the Transmission Temperature Warning 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. Excessive heat is the enemy of your vehicle’s transmission and is responsible for many transmission problems, so be cautious if you see this light on your dash.
Causes of Transmission Temperature Warning Light
The most common causes of a transmission temperature warning light coming on are listed below:
Transmission Fluid Level Is Low: A low fluid level may result in a variety of transmission performance issues, including internal damage. The system may detect irregular vehicle activity as a consequence and illuminate the transmission warning light. Keep in mind that your vehicle’s gearbox does not burn fluid as an engine does. If the transmission fluid level is low, there is a leak that must be repaired.
Overheating Transmission: The most frequent reason of a lit transmission light is transmission overheating. A blocked transmission cooler to an internal transmission issue may be the source of the overheat situation. Overheating of the gearbox may also be caused by certain driving behaviors, such as hauling a load that is too large for your vehicle.
Electronics and Computer Controls Issues: The gearbox, like almost every other component of a contemporary vehicle, is controlled by a control module that receives data from a variety of sensors. Over a data network, the module interacts with other modules. Sensor, module, and data network difficulties may all cause the transmission warning sign to turn on. Other electrical issues, such as broken wiring or a malfunctioning shift solenoid, may also cause the transmission warning light to illuminate.
Failure of Internal Transmission: Automatic transmissions are complicated systems with a lot of internal parts. When one of those components fails, the system may detect an irregular vehicle operation and turn on the transmission warning light.
How to Fix Transmission Temperature Warning Light
Checking your transmission fluid can help you to determine if your transmission is overheating. Transmission fluid isn’t like engine oil – it doesn’t burn up under normal circumstances. If the transmission fluid level is low, there is a leak that must be repaired. And if the fluid is dark, it is almost certain that you are overheating.
Check your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system with OBD2 scanner for OBD Trouble Code (DTC). Then you can take your code to the internet to find the cause of your fault and how to fix it. Once you know what the problem is and how to fix, you can purchase the necessary replacement parts and install them. Once everything is fixed, it’s time to erase the codes. Plug your scanner back in and erase the trouble code. You might need to confirm the changes. We recommend rescanning the engine to be sure they are gone. You will also see the warning light goes off.
If you can’t find the information you need online — or you don’t feel comfortable attempting repairs yourself—and the warning light on the car is still illuminated. We recommend getting to the service station to find out what the problem is or consider calling your local dealership for help.
Disclaimer
The content contained in this article is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or expert mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.