Can Transmission Fluid Get Low Without a Leak?
Can transmission fluid get low without a leak?
No, transmission fluid cannot get low without a leak.
It may be difficult to detect the leak, but it will be there. It’s probably leaking when you are driving, as that's usually when the fluid is circulated and under pressure.
Since transmission fluid can get low without any easily visible leaks, it's essential to check the condition of your car's transmission system.
Table of Contents
How Do I Know my Transmission Fluid is Low?
It is impossible to have a malfunction in a vehicle without symptoms.
Low transmission fluid occurrence in cars is no exception to this rule, and it is essential to recognize them to prevent significant expense or damage to our vehicles.
These symptoms make us know something is wrong with the vehicle. These are some of the symptoms of low transmission fluid in cars:
1. Noise
When accelerating or shifting, the noises originating from the transmission can signal that your car's low transmission fluid level is affecting its performance.
The low transmission fluid sound is a message that the vehicle's moving parts are communicating regarding the condition of the transmission fluid.
It's not a technical term, but it means that the car is running on a low level of lubrication.
2. Shifting difficulty
Low transmission fluid levels usually cause this issue. The fluid helps to maintain the hydraulic pressure in the transmission, which then increases the friction in the system. It is mainly noticed in cars with manual transmissions.
If the fluid level is below its minimal point, it can affect the system's functioning. For example, this can cause issues when shifting gears.
3. A constant burning smell
Low transmission fluid levels usually cause the burnt transmission fluid smell.
Running low on fluids can cause the system to overheat, leading to a burning smell.
If the low transmission fluid level is not replaced immediately, it can cause the metal parts of the system to get damaged.
4. Gear slippage
In addition to having issues with shifting gears, low transmission fluid can also cause the transmission to slip out of its current position. This issue can prevent the car from entirely shifting.
Although a minor issue, slipping gear can be very costly if it significantly damages the transmission system.
5. Check engine light
Various issues can trigger the check engine light. However, it's usually caused by a low transmission fluid level.
Unfortunately, running low on fluids can also affect the system's performance.
Can Transmission Fluid Get Low Without a Leak?
No, a vehicle's transmission fluid will only go down if there's a leak. Since there's no combustion in the fluid, it won't evaporate or burn off while in an air-tight space.
Running low on this fluid can only be caused by a leak. Transmission fluid can't evaporate.
However, there are several places where transmission oil leakages can occur, which is why sometimes there is a reduction without a noticeable leakage. These places include:
1. Corroded transmission pan
Sometimes, the leak can come from the transmission pan. These components are made of steel and are exposed to harsh elements.
For example, if you have a transmission pan constantly exposed to salt on the road, it could eventually erode.
Aluminum transmission pans are not as strong as steel. As a result, anything on the road can cause a dent or crack in the pan.
If you notice these issues, replacing the transmission pan is essential.
2. Faulty transmission pan gasket
The transmission fluid is stored inside a steel pan, fixed to the vehicle, and sealed with a rubber-based seal. Over time, the rubber seals could rust or wear out.
If you remove the transmission pan, inspect the inside of the pan for signs of wear or corrosion.
You should also replace the transmission pan's rubber-based seal if you removed it before.
3. Leaking transmission pan drain plug
If the drain plug is in bad shape, there might be a leakage of the transmission fluid.
However, if it's not working correctly, it could be because the O-ring required to seal the pan has not been installed.
The O-ring between the plug and the pan is required to seal the transmission fluid.
Therefore, it should be replaced every time you remove the vehicle's fluids from the pan.
4. Clogged transmission ventilation
A blocked transmission ventilation system can cause transmission fluid to leak. This can happen when the ventilation system gets dirty.
If you're unable to reach the exact location of the transmission fluid leak, you might need to contact a professional.
They should be able to diagnose the issue and fix it. It isn't easy to reach the ventilation area of the vehicle's transmission.
5. Damaged transmission pan
Regardless of the make of the transmission pan, it often gets damaged. Mechanics sometimes are responsible for the damage.
The pan often gets bent due to excessive force by the mechanic. This is also another leading cause of transmission fluid leakage.
6. Transmission fluid pipe
The cooling line of most modern transmissions is also prone to get damaged. Over time, it can leak the transmission fluid when it rusts or becomes damaged.
Before replacing the transmission fluid, ensure the pipe from the transmission pan to the transmission cooler is in good condition.
Any damage or holes in the pipe indicate that it needs to be replaced.
Conclusion
Transmission fluid does not evaporate and does not burn up. Therefore, the only explanation for a shortage of transmission fluid is leakage.
You want to call an auto mechanic the moment you notice that your transmission fluid is getting low. You don’t have to rush and top up the fluid as the leak will continue.
For this issue, it’s best to tackle it once and for all, so it doesn’t happen again.
