Just like an engine, your transmission runs on transmission oil and a filter. The transmission fluid is actually hydraulic oil with a few additives and a pink dye. The filter typically has a sponge or felt-like element, and is designed to prevent contaminants such as metal shavings, from circulating throughout the transmission. So let’s take a look at some of the most common clogged transmission filter symptoms, and see if this is what is happening to you.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Symptoms of clogged transmission filter
Contaminated transmission fluid
It should go without saying; you need to check your transmission fluid and service the transmission regularly. But if you haven’t done that in a while, you may find that you have contaminated transmission fluid. This will be a brown or black color, with a burnt smell and small bits of metal and dirt. The transmission filter is supposed to catch all of those contaminants, so if they’re showing up on the transmission dipstick, then it’s most likely that you have a bad transmission filter.
Slipping, erratic shifting and/or delayed gear 6engagement
A bad transmission filter can be the root cause of all those common transmission problems. You see, the transmission fluid has to pass through the transmission filter as it leaves the pan, destined for other parts of the transmission that control the gear changes. If the transmission filter is dirty, it can lead to a reduction in the hydraulic pressure which will affect the way the transmission shifts.
Transmission fluid leak
A clogged transmission filter can have a serious impact on the hydraulic pressure inside the transmission. One common symptom of this can be transmission leaks, where transmission fluid is forced through a seal due to the pressure irregularities inside of the gearbox.
Unusual smells and noises
What Transmission Do I Have?
If you’ve got a bad transmission filter, don’t be surprised if you notice strange smells and noises coming from the transmission. Smells can be a burning sort of sweet smell, or completely metallic. There can also be rattles and grinding noises coming out of the transmission. All due to a simple little transmission filter that you should have had changed every 30,000 – 50,000 miles.
