A car’s transmission is responsible for transferring power to the car’s tires from the engine. Mainly, transmissions will let the users control and maintain the speed of the vehicle while driving. Moreover, transmissions can also control the power that flows within the engine and the driveshaft.
Therefore, when your car faces issues, it can severely affect its performance and deteriorate the moving part’s functions.
One of the significant stress signs is when the transmission shifts hard when hot as the parts malfunction and wear out due to high heating levels. But, did you know that there are several reasons which could cause this misfortune?
To find everything about why transmission acts up when warm, keep reading. We will be discussing all the facts, logic, and fixes to this issue so you and your loved ones can always enjoy a safe ride.
What causes transmission shifts hard when hot?
Now that we understand that transmission stops working when hot, let’s get to know what causes this phenomenon. We will also look into the solutions shortly.
1. Lack of Response
Generally, when transmission shifting hardens, especially during parking to driving, it happens when it doesn’t go into the suitable gear. Even manual transmission hard to shift when hot as there’s a delay in shifting the gears due to the increased RPM. This can further cause a strange noise in the system.
2. Whining, Humming, Or Clunking
Another clue for transmission not working when hot is persistent whining, humming, or buzzing noise, but the type of noise also depends on your car model. With mechanical transmissions, these sounds are louder and pretty abrupt. You should be able to hear these when you shift gear.
3. Grinding And Shaking
When your car faces any issues with its gears, you will feel some turbulence followed by a few grinding noises. This happens because manual transmission jerks when hot. However, with automatic transmissions, you will face prolonged time to shift gears compared to smoother transitions. When things get worse, there may be frequent jars or shaking too.
4. Burnt Smell
If the transmission fluid overheats, it can cause a burning smell. The goal of this fluid is to keep all the mechanical parts cool and lubricated to avoid damage which causestransmission hard shift when hot. However, the system can overheat once the levels lower, leading to excessive friction, debris, sludge, and heat build-up.
5. Check Engine Light
A check engine light button is situated on your vehicle’s dashboard. Whenever any unusual conditions are going on within your car, this light will turn on. Other than the apparent hard shifting automatic transmission when hot, the check engine light will warn you that there are issues within the engine.
6. Dragged Clutch
The dragging clutch occurs as you press down on the clutch pedal. As the clutch disc fails to disengage with the flywheel, the manual transmission will experience the blow. In addition to hard shifting when hot, the gear will be impossible to adjust with a rotating engine.
When the distance between the pedal and clutch disc is too broad, you might face difficulty pulling away. This also results in a grinding sound. Luckily, compared to the other issues, this issue isn’t as expensive.
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7. Slipping Gears
It’s a no-brainer that automatic or manual transmission slips when warm, especially as it pulls off a shift. Not only is this one of the most vital signs of a poorly performing transmission, but it’s unsafe too, as it can occur when the car’s in neutral or running.
So, why does transmission slip when hot? Generally, when the gears fail to engage, it could be because of low hydraulic pressure and a worn-out clutch system. This is why it’s a must to avoid driving while there’s an issue with gears slipping.
8. Low And Leaking Fluid
When lubricants, ATF cleans, or hydraulic fluids leak, it eventually breaks down the entire system. Thus, when the fluid levels lower within the engine, your car will stop working entirely. The transmission fluid generally has a dark red hue, accompanied by a sweet smell, and that’s normal.
However, the transmission won’t shift when hot and when the fluid turns even darker with a burnt-like smell. Low fluid is also a sign of leakage somewhere in the car.
What to do if transmission shifts hard when hot?
Generally, transmission stop working when it warms up isn’t the only cause and effect of these issues. Hard shifts can also be caused due to problems with clutches and gear systems. Manual transmission issuescan include causes such as broken gears, hub sleeves, and lower levels of gear oil, degraded master cylinders, and transmission systems.
Therefore, it is always recommended to replace and change the transmission oil every once in a while or as per the manufacturers’ recommendation. In times of facing issues with the hub, synchronizing the ring helps to eliminate transmission shifts hard when warm.
However, another vastly helpful solution is keeping the systems clean, which is often overlooked. When there is an issue such as bents, disengagements, or clogs in the vacuum system, it might pressurize the transmission.
Moreover, it can also wholly render the mechanic’s functions useless, resulting in the transmission hard shifting when hot. Changing the oil isn’t always the ultimate fix. Sometimes minor debris can obstruct the operations too.
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Hence, keep the transmission systems clean and filled with the appropriate amount of fluids as needed. Usually, putting in more fluids and oil works wonders in eradicating these issues. Thus, here are a few things to note about the transmission’s fluids.
- The fluid must be kept cool.
- Check for any existing leaks that could be diminishing the fluid levels.
- Inspect if the fluid has turned thicker with a burnt smell.
- Check to see if it’s lubricating the systems properly.
Final Words:
So, have we eradicated all the issues of your transmission shifting hard when hot? We hope so!
Noticing the laggings at an early stage can let you review and diminish the problems quickly. On the contrary, if you keep delaying these misfortunate occurrences, the chances of your vehicle ever recovering deteriorates gradually.
Our ways of dealing with transmission shifts hard when hot is proven and tested. Therefore you can rely on these techniques with all your heart. The crucial part here is to identify the issues while they are at the preliminary stages. We’ve listed all the whys and whats for that reason.
Once you know the symptoms of faulty transmission, you can tailor it to its needs and follow the solutions that we’ve provided. Good luck!
Simon graduated with a Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Degree. He has over 20 years of servicing experience in both Japanese and German car dealerships. He now acts as a freelance mechanic’s instructor for local schools.