The bulk of transmission issues are caused by a single issue: overheating. Of course, a gearbox can overheat for a variety of reasons, including hot temperatures, low fluid levels, and heavy load weights. However, once transmission temperatures increase past a temperature limit of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, damage occurs rapidly, regardless of the cause of overheating.

Unfortunately, many Volvo owners do not identify the indicators of overheating until it is too late, resulting in astronomically high repair costs. This article examines a few frequent indicators of transmission overheating and offers advice on how to avoid them.

Signs of Transmission Overheating

Acrid Odor

Transmission fluid not only allows force to move between different portions of the transmission but also keeps the system lubricated. Transmission fluid also aids in the regulation of internal temperatures. Heat is absorbed by the fluid as it passes through the system. The heat is subsequently transferred from the transmission to the radiator, where it is absorbed by the coolant.

As transmission fluid becomes more used, its capacity to perform this vital function reduces. The internal composition of the fluid gradually breaks down due to oxidation forces, making it less capable of decreasing friction and absorbing heat. The fluid eventually degrades to the point where overheating occurs.

The color of fresh transmission fluid is bold crimson, bearing some similarity to cough syrup. However, when the fluid ages, it grows darker. The fluid begins to burn and turn black at some point. This stage of oxidation produces harsh and unpleasant fumes, which are noticeable within the vehicle. Such smells are a good indicator that your transmission is overheating.

Response Times are Slow

If fluid levels go below the required level, a transmission is considerably more likely to overheat. In that instance, your transmission simply lacks the fluid it requires to maintain a safe operating temperature. That said, savvy automobile owners must check their transmission fluid levels often. However, you might be able to check low fluid levels as well as transmission overheating without even opening the hood.

A reduction in fluid levels can also cause obvious delays while shifting between speeds in a transmission. Simply put, there isn’t enough fluid in the transmission to easily transmit pressure.

As a result, there is typically a lag as the transmission tries to make the desired gear change. If you’ve experienced any of these lags in your automobile, chances are that your transmission may be at risk of overheating.

Slipping Transmission Fluid

As transmission fluid becomes more used, it loses its functionality to offer seamless gear shifting. The same is true for transmission fluid that has been contaminated by foreign materials to an extreme degree. Fluid degradation in either instance can cause a significant tendency to fall out of gear. This problem is nearly always accompanied by overheating.

Other circumstances may cause transmission slippage. Slipping can be caused by worn internal gears, clutch difficulties, or defective transmission bands. If you find your transmission slipping, you should take your automobile in for a professional assessment as soon as you can.

How to Avoid Your Transmission Overheating In Your Volvo

• Maintain Your Vehicle’s Cooling System: The vehicle’s radiator is the part required to lower transmission temperature by passing coolant through metal fins, allowing heat to escape to the surroundings. Consider installing an extra cooler if you carry heavy cargo.
• Check the Fluid Levels: Fortnightly, it’s important to check the transmission fluid levels with the transmission dipstick to make sure there is sufficient fluid to keep the transmission parts properly oiled. If there is less fluid than required, there may be a bit of an issue.
• Change the Transmission Fluid Regularly: It is recommended that you change the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, or more frequently if you travel long distances, drive in hot weather, or carry heavy cargo. Transmission wear is reduced by using fresh transmission fluid, which decreases the chance of overheating.

Avoid Transmission Failure with Swedish Auto Service

Finally, the best way to prevent your gearbox from overheating is to have it maintained regularly by a qualified technician who can inspect the transmission components and eliminate any risks. Swedish Auto Service specializes in transmission repair and rebuilding in Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Leander. Send us an online query, give us a call, or come to our shop to speak with our friendly staff. We’ll be more than happy to assist you!