A car’s transmission system cannot function without transmission fluid. It aids in cooling the transmission, cleaning the system, and lubricating its moving parts. The transmission’s efficiency and the car’s overall health depend on fluid. Besides this, if you lack oil, you could find your transmission slipping as you drive or change gear.
Many of these calculations are when knowing how long a transmission fluid change takes as it has to settle before you can take your readings. In our guide, you can find out how long does it takes for transmission fluid to work so you know if you have the correct reading, if you have added too much, or need to add more.
By the end, you’ll see you don’t need a trained mechanic for changing transmission fluid or do a transmission flush. However, this could take longer if you don’t have a commercial flushing machine via the pump inlet. (Read Loud Popping Noise From Rear Of Car)
What Affects the Circulation Time Of Transmission Fluid?
Several factors affect the circulation time of transmission fluid in your car.
1. Type of transmission:
The type of transmissions can impact the circulation time of transmission fluid.
Automatic transmissions generally have a longer circulation time than manual transmissions, as more gears and components are needed to lubricate.
2. Condition of the transmission system:
The overall condition of the transmission system can also affect circulation time.
A well-maintained and healthy transmission system will generally have a shorter circulation time than a neglected or damaged system.
3. Temperature of the transmission fluid:
The temperature of the transmission fluid can also impact its circulation time.
Transmission fluid takes longer to circulate compared to warmer fluid.
4. Age of car:
As a car ages, the transmission system may become worn or damaged, which can impact the circulation time of the transmission fluid.
Additionally, older cars may have accumulated dirt or debris in the transmission system, which can also affect circulation.
How Can I Check The Circulation Time?
To check the circulation time of transmission fluid, follow these steps:
- First, ensure the car is on level ground, and the engine is warm. Transmission fluid circulates better when the engine is warm, so it’s best to check the circulation time after the car has been driven for a while.
- Locate the transmission dipstick. On most cars, the transmission dipstick can be found near the back of the engine, on the passenger side. Refer to your owner’s manual if you’re having trouble finding it.
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a cloth.
- Reinsert the dipstick back into the tube, then pull it out again.
- Check the fluid level on the dipstick. The fluid should be at the full mark or within the “full” range. If the fluid is below the minimum mark or outside the “full” range, you’ll need to add transmission fluid up to the level.
- Start the car and let it idle for a few minutes.
- Check the fluid level on the dipstick again. If the fluid has risen to the full mark or within the “full” range, it has appropriately circulated. If the fluid level is unchanged or has dropped, there may be a problem with the circulation of the transmission fluid.
You will need a few tools to check the circulation time of the transmission fluid, including a transmission fluid dipstick, a cloth, and a funnel (if you need to add more fluid). It’s also a good idea to have a transmission fluid pump on hand, as it can make adding fluid to the transmission system easier.
At this time, you can check underneath after changing transmission fluid to ensure you have no leaking fluid. Also, if you had slipping gears before, you need to check this has stopped, and your transmission problem is fixed. (Read Coolant Reservoir Full But Radiator Empty)
What Are The Average Fluid Circulation Times
Providing specific average circulation times for transmission fluid is challenging, as many variables can impact the circulation process. For example, times can differ for a manual to an automatic where you shift into drive, and the oil is pulled from the transmission pan around the entire system.
However, here are some rough estimates for the circulation times of different types of transmission fluid:
- Automatic transmission fluid | 1-2 minutes
- Manual transmission fluid | 30 seconds to 1 minute
- CVT (continuously variable transmission) fluid | 1-2 minutes
The precise circulation time will vary depending on your car’s make, model, and transmission condition.
Follow the instructions above to achieve a more accurate transmission fluid circulation time reading.
What Can Cause Slow Or Lack Of Circulation
There are a few things several factors that can cause slow or insufficient circulation of transmission fluid in a car:
Clogged or restricted transmission fluid lines:
Transmission fluid is pumped through a series of lines and hoses to reach all the transmission system components. If these lines or hoses become clogged or restricted, it can hinder the flow of transmission fluid and cause slow circulation.
Transmission Leaks:
If leaks are in the transmission system, it can cause the fluid level to drop and affect how much transmission fluid you have in your car. Leaks can occur in various places, such as seals, gaskets, or hoses, and can be caused by wear and tear or damage to the transmission system. (Learn How To Lift An Engine Without A Hoist)
Worn transmission components:
Worn or broken transmission parts might affect fluid transmission.
- Damaged transmission pumps may not circulate fluid adequately.
- Worn or damaged gears or bearings can also restrict fluid circulation.
The importance of transmission fluid circulation and ensuring it functions correctly.
There are a few steps you can take to improve the circulation of transmission fluid in your car:
1. Perform regular maintenance:
One of the best ways to ensure proper transmission fluid circulation is to perform regular maintenance on the transmission system. This includes checking and adding new transmission fluid according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, which helps avoid future transmission problems.
2. Replace old or damaged components:
If you notice that the transmission fluid is not circulating correctly, it could be due to old or damaged components in the system.
In this case, it may be necessary to replace those components to improve circulation.
3. Use the correct transmission fluid:
It’s essential to use the correct type of transmission fluid for your car’s specific make and model and to maintain the correct fluid levels. Using the wrong fluid type can cause circulation problems and damage the transmission.
4. Avoid overloading the transmission:
Overloading the transmission, for example, by towing a heavy trailer or carrying a large load, can strain the system and cause circulation problems.
5. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations:
Transmission fluid is designed to perform best within a specific temperature range. Avoiding extreme temperature fluctuations (either too hot or too cold) can help to improve circulation and protect the transmission system.
What Is Transmission Flushing?
The procedure of draining old oil from your car’s transmission and replacing it with fresh oil is known as a transmission flush. Several other kinds of fluid can be used for this; however, most people typically use automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
The entire process of flushing is far longer than just to fill up fluids, yet it can stop a transmission problem from showing up.
What Is The Difference Between Transmission Fluid Change And Flush?
Repair shops and service facilities often change or flush transmission fluid to clean and recondition a vehicle’s transmission. The two names are sometimes used interchangeably, yet they’re different.
A fluid change includes removing old, dirty lubrication from your vehicle’s transmission entire system and adding fluid that is new. Transmission flushes replace dirty lubes with a non-harmful cleaner solution to remove impurities like dirt and metal shavings before putting new lubricant in.
All dangerous particles are drained from your car’s engine throughout this process. Many believe a flush would clean their transmission, but only a fluid change is needed to keep it running correctly. (Read What Happens If My Drive Shaft Breaks While Driving)
The oil life monitor on the instrument panel distinguishes between a “flush” and a “change.” When you require a transmission fluid change (not flush), the service indicates “Change Tran Fluid Soon.”
If it’s time for a transmission flush, your service indicator will read “Flush” or “Service Transmission Now.”
Is A Simple Transmission Flush Important?
The transmission fluid in your car is essential to its proper transmission. The problem is many individuals don’t know there’s fluid in their car, much less that it has to be replaced. It’s very important to flush the transmission fluids on cars and trucks regularly.
A simple transmission flush is not easy to do successfully, so it requires specialized equipment that your independent mechanic has at his disposal that you might not have access to at home or for a DIY job.
What Happens When Transmission Fluid Gets Low?
Low transmission fluid could damage your car’s transmission if not serviced. Check the transmission fluid reservoir after adding new oil. A low transmission fluid level could mean trouble for your car’s transmission system if you don’t get it serviced immediately.
Check under the hood to see if the transmission fluid reservoir needs to be filled with fresh fluid after new oil has been added. If the vehicle’s transmission fluid is very dirty or burnt, it may be time for a flush because the inside of your transmission could have begun to corrode.
How To Flush The Vehicle Engine Transmission
Depending on the fluid you’re using and the size of your car, the transmission cleansing procedure will change.
However, there are a few standard procedures that all transmission flushes follow:
- Raise the car off the ground by using a lift or jack stands. Ensure you have the parking brake on, so it doesn’t roll.
- Drain the old oil from the transmission oil pan after removing it.
- Swap out any gaskets or seals, then thoroughly clean the transmission pan.
- Reattach the oil pan after adding the fresh fluid.
- Start and leave your car idling for a few minutes to circulate the new fluid.
Depending on your car’s size, the entire transmission flushing process can take three to four hours. A transmission fluid change takes less time on manual and automatic transmission vehicles.
FAQs
What Happens During A Transmission Flush?
Your vehicle dealership or repair shop mechanic will change the transmission fluid, so its new levels are between the two marks.
When you take your car there, they’ll siphon out the old fluid and refill it with new fluid that should last at least 50% longer (if the manufacturer recommends).
Doing this means you won’t have your car for three to four hours, even if they use a commercial flushing machine to carry out the manual or automatic transmission flush through the pump inlet.
What To Do If My Car Develops Symptoms?
Even a proper transmission service at the prescribed mileage doesn’t avoid all problems. If you notice these symptoms, check your car out ASAP before further damage occurs, especially if carrying heavy loads.
What risks are there of not having a transmission Service?
Not getting your car serviced can cause internal transmission damage, leading to pricey repairs. Symptoms include a burning smell, rough shifting, fluid leakage, and grinding noises. Regular maintenance can jeopardize your vehicle’s warranty and is worth doing.
What Oil Is Used For A Transmission Flush?
The type of transmission in your car will determine this. Most mechanics use gear oil if your transmission is manual. A trained mechanic will likely use Dexron III or Mercon ATF fluid on an automatic. To be certain, it’s advisable to check your owner’s manual or ask a qualified mechanic.
Does brake Fluid Circulate?
No, once you fill your brake system, the fluid sits until you step on the brake pedal. Unlike oil on gears, brake fluid can’t have air in it or won’t work.
