Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Would over filling an automatic transmission cause it to overheat under heavy load?

2006 Dodge 1 ton tranny gets up to 250 degrees when going up steep windy hills
Would over filling an automatic transmission cause it to overheat under heavy load?
It should not cause it to overheat. It would vent as if it were overheating to relieve the excess fluid. The difference is the fluid would smell burnt. If it has a burnt smell either drop the pan for further inspection or have it checked out by a reputable shop. Even if it did overheat it may not be severe if caught quick enough. It does not take very long to tear up a trans and heat is the #1 culprit.
Would over filling an automatic transmission cause it to overheat under heavy load?
Check the fluid, if it is overfull, get one of those little siphon devices to get rid of the overfill. Next, make sure to push the Tow/Haul, OD off button.
Reply:The big problem you should worry about with over filling is that it can blow out your gaskets, If you havent already. Drain off the excess. However i dont see this causing it to overheat unless you lost a lot of fluid through a bad gasket. However the transmission is cooled by the engines radiator as well so if you engine is getting hot it could also affect your trans temp.
Reply:It is possible to damage a transmission by overfilling, mainly due to the fluid coming in contact with the rotating parts during operation. This can cause fluid "whipping" which means air is trapped in the fluid causing the loss of holding of the various hydraulic apply devices (clutch and bands) It also oxidizes the fluid and causes the temperature to increase, The life of your fluid is directly related to the temperature it is exposed to, so the answer is YES, if it is overfilled to a point that it causes the above condition.


If the fluid looks foamy after a test drive once at operating temp, then you should be concerned, also check the level according to the manufacturers recommendation, and do so with the vehicle on a flat level surface. 250 does not sound excessive to me, I would be concerned if it approaches 300 and over, that trans uses a synthetic type of fluid and should have a high oxidation point, also do not tow or operate in OD while pulling a load or grade.


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