What Happens If Transmission Filter Is Clogged

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Automatic transmissions have a transmission filter (or strainer) that traps contaminants and debris before they circulate throughout the transmission. On many vehicles, the filter is a maintenance item that requires routine replacement.

If the filter is not serviced in accord with the vehicle manufacturer'due south maintenance schedule, it may eventually go obstructed, resulting in one or more noticeable symptoms.

How Does a Transmission Filter Piece of work?

All automatic transmissions take a filter made of paper and/or synthetic materials (or a strainer made from woven metal). The filter is located in the transmission fluid pan and positioned at the transmission pump'southward inlet.

The automatic transmission filter is important because it traps contaminants so that they practice non enter the pump and get distributed throughout the transmission.

When the vehicle's engine is running, the pump, which is driven off the engine by the torque converter, starts pulling fluid from the pan through the filter. From in that location, the pump pressurizes the fluid and distributes information technology to the diverse passages in the transmission's valve body. The pressurized fluid acts on the control devices (clutches and bands) that cause the transmission to shift gears.

The transmission filter is of import because information technology traps contaminants so that they do non enter the pump and go distributed throughout the transmission. Unfortunately, the role of the transmission filter makes information technology susceptible to obstruction from dirt and droppings.

When the filter becomes obstructed, the pump volition be starved of fluid, resulting in a depression fluid pressure level condition inside the transmission.

Chock-full Manual Filter Symptoms

Many other problems tin mimic an obstructed transmission filter. What'southward more, filters often become clogged due to internal transmission problems that event in excessive droppings. So, you (or your mechanic) should diagnose the vehicle thoroughly earlier assuming the filter is to arraign for whatsoever of the symptoms listed below.

With that in mind, let'south have a await at the most common symptoms of a chock-full manual filter.

Abnormal Shifting

One of the most common signs of a clogged transmission filter is abnormal shifting. Automated transmissions oft brainstorm to "slip" when i or more than of the control devices neglect to hold due to depression fluid pressure. This slippage results in an increment in engine RPMs without an increment in vehicle speed. You may also notice other shift quality issues if the transmission filter is clogged.

Noise from the Transmission Pump

An obstructed transmission filter can starve the pump of fluid, causing the pump to brand a whining noise that coincides with engine speed.

Burnt or Contaminated Manual Fluid

If the filter is obstructed, the manual volition experience overheating due to lack of lubrication. Equally a result, the fluid will often be dark in color and olfactory property burnt. Once the transmission pan is removed, yous may also find signs of excessive friction material and/or metal debris in the bottom of the pan.

aftermarket transmission filter — If the manual filter is obstructed, information technology volition experience overheating due to lack of lubrication, and may cause the fluid to be night in color and accept a burnt smell.

Illuminated Alert Lights

On modernistic vehicles, the transmission control module (TCM) monitors transmission operation. If the module detects a problem with the transmission due to low fluid force per unit area, the device will turn on the check engine calorie-free and store a diagnostic problem code (DTC) in its retentivity. Some vehicles may also turn on a separate transmission warning low-cal when there'due south a problem.

Transmission Filter FAQ

How to Unclog a Transmission Filter

A manual filter cannot exist unclogged—it must exist replaced. The good news is, replacing a manual filter or transmission strainer is by and large a adequately inexpensive and straightforward repair, every bit long equally in that location hasn't been any subsequent harm to the transmission.

How Much Does information technology Price to Fix a Clogged Manual Filter?

As is noted higher up, a clogged transmission filter must exist replaced. A professional repair store will typically replace the filter every bit part of a transmission service. Usually, the service will cost somewhere between $150 and $300. Of course, the exact price will vary depending on a diversity of factors, such every bit the year, make, and model of your vehicle.

Also, information technology's important to point out that the transmission may have suffered internal impairment every bit a result of the chock-full filter. In such a scenario, the transmission will either need to be rebuilt or replaced—and that tin can price thousands of dollars.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is non intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic.