Asked by Jonathan, Blue Ridge GA
Transmission running hot
2015 Ford Explorer, ~140k mi
THE QUESTION
My transmission fluid looks clean and the level is right. It shifts okay most of the time, but after about 30 minutes it gets really hot — I can smell heat and it feels like it's working harder than it should. No warning lights. What could cause a transmission to overheat if the fluid level is good and the fluid doesn't look burned?
MIKE'S ANSWER
What I would do at MDC
This is exactly how I'd diagnose it: Verify transmission temperature with a scan tool.
Compare pan temperature with an infrared thermometer. Measure cooler inlet and outlet temperatures. Verify torque converter clutch operation. Check engine cooling fan operation.
Road test while monitoring: TCC slip RPM, Gear commanded vs. actual and Transmission temperature. Engine coolant temperature If needed, perform cooler flow and line pressure tests.