What if I run out of transmission fluid?

What even is transmission fluid?

Transmission fluid lubricates the gears of your transmission to keep it moving smoothly and from wearing down.

Although it’s just as important, people tend to forget all about taking care of transmission fluid in favor of frequently dealing with engine oil maintenance. Transmission fluid keeps all the parts in your transmission from grinding together as they move and helps make it easier to shift the car. While that seems fairly simple, it’s important to follow advice from your owner’s manual or from your local AAMCO mechanic to determine which of the different types of transmission fluids works best for your vehicle.

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What if you run low on transmission fluid?

A common reason behind low transmission fluid is if a leak develops in your transmission system. This can permanently damage your vehicle’s transmission if you continue to drive like this, leading to expensive repairs, rebuilds or replacements depending on how much damage you did.

How can you tell if your transmission fluid is low?

It’s important to keep an eye on these easily identifiable symptoms of low transmission fluid levels:
Dashboard Warning Lights: If your transmission fluid temperature is hotter than usual, you will see a warning light on your dashboard.
A Burning Smell: A sweet or tart burning smell could indicate improper transmission fluid levels or lack of lubrication on the transmission parts.
Difficulty Shifting: If your gear shift is sticking or hesitating when trying to get into gear, that is a common sign that something is wrong with your transmission system.
Brown or Dark Brown Color: Transmission fluid is typically a clear red color — if it is brown or darker that is a clear sign of a transmission problem.
Puddles Under Your car: If you notice puddles of red or brown liquid pooling under your vehicle, this is most likely causes by a transmission fluid leak.

You can check the transmission fluid levels easily by pulling out the transmission dipstick. Your owner’s manual will have the location of where to find the dipsticks and the proper levels to look for. If your fluid is low, add it to the proper levels as soon as possible to prevent extensive damage.

What happens if you run out of transmission fluid completely?

Generally, your car will not drive at all if you have completely run out of transmission fluid. This is especially true if your car uses an automatic transmission.

In an automatic vehicle, the transmission fluid provides a coupling between the engine’s output and the gears in your transmission. If there is no fluid, there is no hold, the gears cannot spin and therefore the car won’t be able to move.

If your vehicle does get to the point of having no transmission fluid, you will likely also be looking at extensive repairs or even a full replacement of your transmission. All of the metal gears inside your transmission will likely be very damaged from the lack of lubrication. You should always try to keep your transmission fluid properly maintained and at the right levels.

Have a Transmission Leak or Other Transmission Issue? AAMCO Boise Can Help!

Transmission fluid leaks not only put your car in danger, but yourself as well. Low transmission fluid causes unnecessary wear and tear and will cause the transmission to run too hot and eventually fail. Stay on top of any potential transmission fluid leaks before it is too late. Save yourself money, bring your vehicle in to the transmission experts at AAMCO Boise before a small leak becomes a costly repair. Our certified transmission experts will never suggest a transmission repair or rebuild that you don’t need. Our technicians will run a full multi-point inspection on your vehicle when you bring it in so that we can diagnose your vehicle’s problem right the first time. Schedule an appointment today at your locally owned AAMCO Boise service center.

Don’t Ignore Your Transmission Troubles

AAMCO Boise & Nampa are the Transmission Experts

If you’re looking for a reputable shop to help you identify specifically what has failed on your vehicle and think you need a transmission repair immediately, schedule an appointment before it is too late. Call any of our AAMCO Boise locations for a FREE diagnostic test now.

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