Why do I have transmission problems in cold weather?

Transmission Problems in Cold Weather A car having transmission problems in cold weather is a very common issue. The main reason behind it is, that the low temperatures increase the viscosity of the transmission fluid and it doesn’t flow smoothly in the system.

What kind of transmission fluid should I use in cold weather?

Use synthetic transmission fluid: Synthetic fluids behave much better and retain their given specs under cold weather conditions. Be sure to find the synthetic fluid designed for your vehicle.

Why is it hard to shift gears in cold weather?

Reverse and the lower gears were especially hard to engage. Once the car warmed up, there were no problems. The symptom got worse as the weather became colder. A Ford dealership said the clutch slave cylinder might be faulty, but couldn’t guarantee that a replacement (about $450) would help.

How to prolong the life of your transmission?

To prolong the life of your transmission, follow these steps during cold months, particularly in the morning when the parts and fluid within the vehicle are at its coldest. Drive slowly: For the first few miles, drive slowly, letting your engine and transmission reach normal temperatures. Avoid excessive idling: A long idle can cause problems.

What kind of transmission do I need for my Suzuki?

So the next time you need a Suzuki transmission weather it be a AW60-40LE, AW50-42-LE, AW60-40LE, ZF4HP16, 180C, 03-72LE (A44DE) or MX17, remember – all transmissions are not the same – you can never make a bad decision by choosing the best. At time of the order please provide the vehicle VIN number and numbers off transmission if possible.

What happens to transmission fluid in cold weather?

Change fluids: Besides transmission fluid, other fluids in your vehicle—oil, antifreeze, etc.—thicken in cold temperatures, which means they don’t move easily and in that state are not thin enough. When thick, they can tear seals or cause other problems.

Can a Suzuki dealer change the transmission oil?

After checking or adding oil, be sure to insert the dipstick securely. Since special procedures, materials and tools are required to change the automatic transmission oil, it is recommended that you trust this job to your authorized SUZUKI dealer.

What kind of transmission fluid does a Suzuki Vitara use?

Use an automatic transmission fluid SUZUKI ATF 3317 or Mobil ATF 3309. CAUTION: Driving with too much or too little fluid can damage the transmission. You must check the fluid level with the automatic transmission fluid at normal operating temperature.

Why does the transmission fluid always hold the same temperature?

Cars often have the coolant for the engine as a heat exchanger for the transmission fluid and therefore, they will often hold the same temperature if you are driving it normally.

What can cause a car transmission to slip?

Another cause of a slipping transmission is low fluid pressure which is caused by a low level of fluid, clogged filters or a bad pump. These issues will get worse over time to the point where the transmission seizes and will not engage.

What happens when an automatic transmission is overheated?

Most cars do not have an external temperature gauge for the automatic transmissions fluid. Instead, they are using a warning light or the check engine light to show up when the transmission is overheated. An overheated transmission can also cause the engine to go into limp mode to lower the risk of overheating.

What causes the transmission fluid to get hot?

Transmission fluid wears out over time and can become contaminated with dirt and grit. Additionally, burned transmission fluid results from transmission heat – and transmission heat results from low fluid or old, ineffective fluid that needs to be changed.

What can cause a car transmission to overheat?

Driving habits, conditions, and weather are other possible causes of transmission overheating. If your transmission is running hot, be aware of possible causes. Most transmission problems are a result of overheating. Reasons for overheating include low fluid levels, leaks, burned, old or dirty fluid, or problems with the solenoid.

What happens when there is not enough transmission fluid?

Without enough transmission fluid, there will not be enough pressure for the transmission to operate optimally, and it will start showing signs of trouble, such as slipping, hard shifting, strange noises, and overheating. Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your transmission.

Why is my transmission slow when shifting into drive?

It’s a type of slip where the clutches, used to make the vehicle move, become slow and unresponsive. Pretty much every component on a vehicle is meant to respond instantly to do what the driver desires, including the transmission.

Why does my car not shift gears in cold weather?

The car doesn’t shift gears quickly, because they are stuck due to the freezing temperature on the outside. After the car is warmed up correctly in a few miles, the gears start to function normally. The battery of the car is the main component, if it happens to dry out, freeze, or turn weak in cold weather, obviously your car is in a big fix.

Can a lack of transmission fluid cause a transmission failure?

Lack of fluid or old, spent transmission fluid can cause internal seals to wear or harden. Ensure your vehicle is getting the correct fluid recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. The wrong transmission fluid could cause shifting problems or complete failure of your transmission.

What causes a transmission not to shift?

A lack of fluid or dirty fluid would cause the transmission not to shift properly. We recommend checking for transmission fluid loss, and using BlueDevil Transmission Sealer if the system is low. If the fluid looks dirty, you may want to have a transmission system flush performed and refill it with clean fluid.

What are the signs of a transmission fluid change?

is the fact that there is leaking fluid.
Transmission Slippage.
You Smell An Odor Coming From Your Transmission.
Rough Idling and Rough Shifting.
Poor Acceleration and Warning Lights.

What are the effects of too much transmission fluid?

Too Much. An excessive amount of transmission fluid can negatively affect a transmission. When fluid levels are too great, it can result in air mixing in with the transmission fluid. This can cause slipping in a transmission as well as other gear-shifting issues.

What causes shifting problems?

A worn clutch disc is the most likely cause of hard or difficult shifting. Check the clutch pedal free-play adjustment to insure the clutch is released completely. A manual transmission needs to spin down in order to shift smoothly. Excessive spin down time is more noticeable when shifting into reverse.