Transmission over temperature warnings is a common issue related to your driving habits, weather conditions, or internal problems. When your jeep shows a transmission over temp warning, you must pull over at a roadside and let the engine cool down for a couple of hours.
It is never safe driving a jeep with an overheated transmission. Therefore, you should inspect the cause behind it and sort out its possible solution.
In this blog, I will provide a complete guideline regarding the jeep transmission over temp warning, symptoms for overheated information, and finally, the solutions.
Also Read: Jeep Key Fob Not Detected? – [Here’s Quick Fix]
Key Takeaway
- The quick fix is only refilling the lubricating fluid with extra precautions.
Contents
What is transmission over temp warning?
Often while driving, a warning light flashes on the dashboard of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, notifying about ‘transmission overheating.’ This is due to the transmission temperature reaching above the threshold level of 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Jeep drivers may notice this issue quite frequently, and it is okay if the transmission temperature ranges between 200-to-220 degrees Fahrenheit. But you need to be concerned if it is going beyond this level.
How do I know that my jeep transmission is overheating?
Various tell-tale indications signal the overheating of a transmission. You need to watch out for any abnormal behavior. As this will lead you to diagnose the root cause issue lying behind.
For an overheating transmission, check for the signs given below:
- Bad odor: A continuous burning smell from inside or outside the jeep.
- Delayed gear shift: Resistance is offered while shifting gears.
- Rattling noise: Some abnormal rattling noise of gears and automotive parts coming from the jeep.
- Smoking hood: Persistent smoke emitting out of the bonnet. Keeping the hand of the bonnet becomes impossible.
- Gears slippage: Gear slips while accelerating or decelerating
- Vibrating sensation: The drive is not smooth; instead feels like vibrating.
What causes transmission over the temp?
Overheating temperature can be pretty stressful, and the next question that comes to mind is, “what causes my transmission to overheat?”
Go through the significant causes discussed here, causing your transmission to overheat. Ensure that you prevent the avoidable ones next time.
1. Your driving habits:
Rough driving and continuously using brake make the transmission overwork which causes the transmission to overheat.
When the jeep stays in a traffic jam, the engine overheats due to continuous stopages and less movement.
Observe any recent driving changes you have adopted that could have caused a rise in the transmission temperature, including drifting and over-speeding.
2. Up-hilling or carrying load:
Elevation forces the transmission to work harder going against gravity. Also, if the jeep is towing another car or being towed, it generates extra stress.
Going on a height or carrying heavy load forces the transmission to overwork, which could overheat transmission.
3. Burnt transmission fluid:
Black transmission fluid having a foul odor could overheat the transmission. Sometimes the transmission fluid also carries debris of the corroded metals that causes hindrance in fluid flow resulting in overheating of the transmission.
4. Low-level transmission fluid:
Transmission fluid lowers the friction between the rubbing parts by keeping them lubricated. Therefore, a low-level transmission fluid forces it to work extra, raising the temperature and eventually lacking the ability to keep the transmission cooler.
5. Radiator overheating:
The radiator is responsible for cooling the anti-freeze in transmission with the help of a fan installed nearby. Sometimes the fan stops working due to any mechanical or electrical issue that causes in heating up of the anti-freeze, eventually resulting in overheated transmission.
Apart from the fan issue, a clogged radiator also becomes a reason for temperature-rise of transmission.
6. Climate influence:
In summers, when the outer temperature is high, resisting the transmission heat to dissipate in the atmosphere could also cause the transmission over temp warning.
Therefore, I always recommend using transmission fluids that are recommended for the region.
7. Faulty solenoid:
The solenoid regulates transmission pressure, and a solenoid is also responsible for regulating the transmission fluid. Therefore, any issue in the solenoid affects the streamlined flow of fluid and maintenance of pressure level leading to the overheating of transmission.
8. Thermostat issue:
A thermostat regulates the transmission fluid to cool down by regulating its temperature. If the thermostat doesn’t work efficiently, it can cause the transmission to overheat.
The overheating transmission also leads to the gear slippage issue while applying reverse or neutral shifts.
Quick fix for transmission temp overheating
Refilling the lubricating fluid is the only quick fix when your transmission is overheating. For that you need to follow below steps:
- Pull over the jeep on the roadside and apply its emergency brake.
- Open the bonnet and locate the oil dipstick.
- Position a long-neck funnel on the mouth of the transmission fluid container.
- Make sure you add a small amount at a time to prevent overfilling.
- Once done, reposition the oil dipstick and close the bonnet.
- Make sure you take all precautions while doing this attempt as falling off the fluid on hot transmission could cause flashes in your eyes or face so be cautious!
How to avoid the Jeep transmission overheat warning?
Transmission over temp warning can easily be solved through good driving habits and a proactive maintenance schedule. If your transmission is overheating continuously, then do keep an eye on the symptoms and try to understand why it is happening in the first place.
If the problem persists, try the tips below to ensure that your transmission stays cool and healthy.
1. Responsible driving
Deal with your transmission gently.
- Avoid reckless driving or idling.
- Turn off the engine while staying in a traffic jam.
- Avoid overuse of brake.
- Accelerate and decelerate moderately
- Shift gears cautiously and completely
- Use high torque gears while going on heights or towing a car.
2. Keep up a proactive maintenance routine.
Read the owner’s manual and consider the maintenance schedule mentioned there. Every car part needs some care, as wear and tear are expected. So do check the recommended overhauling needs given by the manufacturer.
It is necessary to get the transmission checked mechanically and electrically after a specific miles limit is covered.
3. Understand the trouble signs
There are quite common signs of transmission overheating, including emission of smoke from the hood, rattling noise, burning smell, loss of power while driving, gear slippage, and the transmission over temp warning light. Consider the issue when they pop up in the first place.
4. Choose a good mechanic
Wisely choose your mechanic. Make sure he is an expert in his profession and makes adequate diagnostic tests when you take your jeep to the garage.
Transmission requires a professional hand only, so make sure you don’t hand over your jeep to a jack, do scan for a master mechanic. Make sure he is trained enough to understand the troubling signals.
Also Read: Jeep Alarm Keeps Going Off? (8 Reasons & How to Fix It)
Final Words:
Transmission overheating is a common issue. I have tried my best to walk you through all the symptoms and possible causes behind it.
Just make sure, if you see any signs, stop at a roadside and give your transmission a couple of hours to cool down.
Considering the flashlight warning is vital before you need to recover some heavy damage to your jeep or wallet.
Till then, have a safe drive!