How to replace a transmission fluid that is overfilled

You must ensure that your transmission is running smoothly and lasting as long as it can.

You could face problems if you don't have enough transmission fluid.

This article will discuss what happens if you put too much transmission oil in your car. You will be able to resolve the issue by looking at the signs and symptoms. 

What happens when you fill up your transmission fluid too high?

Your transmission may be less efficient if you overfill it. However, if you overfill it with like 1/2″ or 1/4″ quartz there is no need for action. Drain your transmission if it is more than 1 quart.

It is a good idea to drain excess transmission fluid from older cars with DSG and CVT transmissions. You can drain transmission fluid easily and it's worth the effort if your car is expensive.

These are other possible consequences for overfilling transmission fluid.

Overfilling Your Transmission Fluid Consequences

Overfilling your transmission fluid can cause some problems. These are the four most prevalent.

1. Overheating

The transmission fluid keeps the transmission's temperature down. If you are using too much, it can cause an excessive heat situation.

Overfilling the transmission can cause leakage. Overheating can be caused by a lack of lubrication in the gearbox. 

2. Pressure Buildup

The pressure inside the transmission can be increased by adding more fluid than necessary. This pressure doesn’t just cause fluid to leak out and overheating to start, but it can also bring air contamination with it. 

Because the liquid splashed around from inside gears causes air contamination, it creates foam and bubbles. The fluid is unable to properly lubricate these internal parts. This causes us to discuss the second and third problems. 

3. Extravagance in Transmission Wear

To work properly, the transmission's moving parts need the correct amount of lubricity. By overfilling the transmission, the lubrication level isn’t the same, leading to much faster wear.

High pressure will cause shifting issues and malfunctions in the transmission. This could lead to the next problem, complete failure. 

4. Transmission Failure

It’s unlikely that your transmission will fail overnight as a result of too much fluid. But, ignoring the issue is a recipe for disaster. 

Failure will eventually occur due to a variety of factors. Whether you are dealing with leaking seals, unlubricated metal parts or the buildup of pressure, all of these things eventually take a toll on the transmission until it doesn’t work anymore. 

Transmission symptoms that are too full

1. Dipsticks with higher fluid levels

You can easily spot a problem in transmission fluid levels by checking the dipstick. You can pull out the dipstick and check the levels, but it’s not always a reliable indicator.

Transmission fluid gets thinner when the engine is turned on and the car heats up. It will be thicker if the vehicle is sat for a while. If you want to check your transmission fluid via the dipstick, it’s best that you warm up the engine first. 

2. Problems with changing gears

Fluid in excess could cause difficulty with shifting gears. Foam and air can build up under pressure, which affects the fluid's ability to lubricate the internal components.

The mixture can also cause problems such as difficult shifting without enough lubrication. Hard shifts, slippage among gears are possible. 

3. Leaking Fluid

Sometimes, the first sign people get that there’s a problem is when they spot the transmission fluid puddle under the car. Usually, transmission fluid is red, so it’s not difficult to spot. 

Leakage tends to occur because of the seal’s breakdown from excessive pressure and buildup. Leakage occurs when the fluid searches for ways to escape from the system. 

4. Strange Noises

For the most part, your transmission shouldn’t make any weird noises. It could indicate that there is something wrong if you hear whining or grinding. 

The transmission can often be located close to an engine making it difficult to identify the source of the noise. This noise may be accompanied by other symptoms. When the fluid level drops, you will hear a whine or hum. If the grinding is occurring, it means that your gears are not receiving enough lubrication. 

5. Overheating

When the transmission doesn’t contain the right amount of fluid, it needs to work harder. Inefficiency can also strain the engine.

Dependent on the severity of the problem, the transmission may overheat and cause engine damage. The temperature gauge can be a good indicator of problems. 

Correction of an overfilled transmission

1. Park Car

You can avoid transmission problems by taking immediate action if you suspect you have overfilled the vehicle. To get a precise fluid reading, park your vehicle on a flat surface.

Start the engine of your car and let it heat up. It is important that the engine maintains a temperature close to its normal operating temperature. Open the hood. 

2. Check Fluid Level

The dipstick should be removed from the transmission port. It can be cleaned with a shop towel. 

Once more, remove the dipstick and inspect the area for fluid. For a quick assessment, there should be indicator on the dipstick. 

For exact instructions, check out your service manual or repair manual if you're not sure.

3. Remove excess Fluid

Transmission fluid levels that are too high should be reduced. Reducing the levels isn’t always a simple fix.

You can choose to siphon out the fluid with a tube, but that can be complicated if you don’t know what you are doing. If you don't have a drain port, drain the fluid through the transmission. Be sure to dispose of any fluid properly by placing it in a container. 

4. Recheck Fluid Level

Final, check the system again to make sure it's at the correct level. To confirm that you have completed your task successfully, repeat step 2.

It is best to be cautious when you fill the transmission fluid. You can ensure that your transmission works properly by making sure you put in enough.