Transmission fluid overfilled (what to do?)
If you want your transmission to run smoothly and last as long as possible, it must be filled with the correct fluid.
While not having enough transmission fluid can lead to a whole list of problems, you could also run into overloaded transmission problems.
We discuss the consequences of putting too much transmission fluid in your car. We also take a look at the symptoms it will cause and show you how to fix the problem.
What happens if you fill too much transmission fluid?
Overfilling your transmission can negatively affect the performance of your transmission. However, if you overfill it with 1/2″ or 1/4″ quartz, nothing needs to be done. If you overfill your transmission by 1 liter or more, you should consider draining it.
However, if you drive a newer car with a DSG or CVT transmission, it may be a bad idea to drive with too much transmission fluid. It is often quite easy to drain transmission fluid and is definitely worth the effort if you have an expensive car.
Here are some other consequences of overfilling transmission fluid in more detail:
Consequences of Overfilling Your Transmission Fluid
Some problems can occur if you overfill your transmission fluid, and these are the 4 most common problems.
1. Overheated
Transmission fluid is responsible for keeping the transmission cool. Using too much could cause an overheating situation, which sounds a bit backward at first.
However, when you overfill the transmission, there will be leaks due to buildup. If you have a gearbox leak, the seals will break, reducing lubrication to the gearbox and causing an overheating situation.
2. pressure buildup
As we just said, putting more fluid in the transmission than necessary increases the pressure inside. This pressure not only causes fluid leaks and overheating, but can also cause air pollution.
Air pollution occurs because the gears rotating inside splash liquid, causing a chemical reaction that produces air bubbles and foam. This situation reduces the ability of the fluid to lubricate the internal parts, causing the next two problems we will discuss.
3. Excessive transmission wear
The moving parts of the transmission require the correct amount of lubrication to function properly. By overloading the transmission, the lubrication level is not the same, which leads to much faster wear.
As the transmission continues to be exposed to high pressure, you will begin to notice shifting and functionality issues. It could even lead to the next problem, total failure.
4. Transmission failure
It is unlikely that your transmission will fail overnight due to too much fluid. However, leaving the problem unresolved is just asking for trouble.
Over time, failure will occur due to a combination of things. Whether it’s leaking seals, unlubricated metal parts, or pressure buildup, all of these things eventually damage the transmission until it stops working.
Overfilled Transmission Symptoms
1. Highest fluid level on dipstick
If you think you’ve put too much fluid in the transmission, the problem is easy to spot by looking at the dipstick. You can remove the dipstick and check the levels, but it is not always a reliable indicator.
As the vehicle moves forward and warms up, the transmission fluid becomes thinner. If the vehicle has been sitting, it will have a much thicker texture. If you want to check the transmission fluid through the dipstick, it is best to warm up the engine first.
2. Gear shift problem
If there appears to be a problem with shifting, there could be too much fluid in the system. As pressure increases, foam and air can form, affecting the lubrication of internal parts.
This mixture creates other problems, such as difficulty shifting gears without the proper amount of lubrication. You may also notice harsh shifting and slipping between gears.
3. liquid leak
Sometimes the first sign people have that there is a problem is when they see the puddle of transmission fluid under the car. Transmission fluid is usually red, so it is not difficult to spot.
Leaks tend to occur due to seal failure due to excessive pressure and buildup. The fluid is looking for a way to escape from the system, causing the leak.
In most cases, your transmission should not make strange noises. If you start to hear a buzzing, squeaking, or hissing noise, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
Because the transmission is close to the engine, it can be difficult to determine where the noise is coming from. However, you may notice it along with other symptoms. Usually the hissing or humming sound occurs when the fluid level is off while grinding indicating that the gears are rubbing against each other due to insufficient lubrication.
5. Overheated
When the transmission does not contain the correct amount of fluid, it has to work harder. This inefficiency will also put a strain on the engine.
Depending on the severity of the situation, the transmission may overheat, causing the engine to overheat as well. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge for an early indication that something is wrong.
Fixed an overfilled stream
1. Parking lot
If you think you have overfilled your transmission, quick action will help you avoid problems. Start by parking your car on a flat surface to get an accurate fluid reading.
Start the car engine and let it warm up a little. You want the engine to be as close to the normal operating temperature as possible. Open the hood.
2. Check fluid level
Remove the dipstick from the transmission port. Clean it with a rag and reinsert it into the transmission.
Remove the dipstick again and check where the fluid is. There should be indicators on the indicator for quick evaluation.
If you are not completely sure how to do this, you can consult your repair manual or service manual for specific instructions.
3. Drain excess fluid
If there is too much transmission fluid, you must remove some. Reducing levels is not always a simple solution.
You can choose to siphon the liquid with a tube, but it can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. If not, you will need to drain it from the transmission drain port. Be sure to collect the liquid in a diaper-changing container and dispose of it properly.
4. Recheck fluid level
Finally, you want to double-check the system to make sure it is now at the correct level. You will repeat the second step to verify that your work was successful.
Obviously, the best way to avoid having to do any of these is to be careful when refilling the transmission fluid in the first place. By putting in the right amount, you ensure that your transmission works as it should.
