What to do immediately when you see the transmission warning light come on
Car transmissions are designed to be durable for use in harsh operating conditions, but mechanical or electronic failures are inevitable. Therefore, when the transmission warning light comes on, users need to handle it immediately to prevent damage.
The transmission warning light suddenly comes on to let us know that something is wrong with the vehicle's transmission. This warning can be recognized by the appearance of a gear icon with a thermometer, a gear with an exclamation mark, or a text displayed on the dashboard.
There are many potential reasons behind the transmission warning light coming on. Remember that this warning does not mean that the transmission is damaged, but rather a reminder of a harmful factor, but can be summarized into some common causes as follows:
1. Lack of gearbox oil
One of the most common causes of the transmission warning light coming on is low transmission fluid. To fix this problem, the car owner needs to add the appropriate amount of fluid for their vehicle's transmission and find the cause and location of the leak.
2. Overheating gearbox
Transmission overheating can occur on most vehicles and can cause the transmission warning light to come on. In this case, it is important to assess the overall level and quality of the vehicle's transmission fluid and change it according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
3. Error code is saved
In many cases, your vehicle's transmission warning light will illuminate if a transmission-specific fault code has been stored. The exact source of such codes can range from internal transmission faults to simple electrical problems in the transmission valve body.
4. Required Maintenance
In certain cases, the fact that your vehicle's transmission warning light is on may not actually indicate a problem. On the contrary, some automakers use this light to indicate the need for routine maintenance specific to the transmission.
What to do when the transmission warning light comes on?
If you see the transmission warning light on while driving, you should pull over to the side of the road safely. Before turning off the engine, use the dipstick to check the transmission fluid level. If there is already transmission fluid in the car, top it up but make sure not to overfill.
Next, the user must determine whether to call a tow truck or drive the vehicle to the nearest service center. If serious oil leaks are detected, call a tow truck to take the vehicle to the intended repair location.
In case there is no oil leak, the driver can continue driving but should not go fast. In some high-end cars, the manufacturer will even limit the engine rpm or speed so that the gearbox is not under too much pressure.
If you deliberately ignore this and continue to use the vehicle for a long time, the gearbox will suffer serious damage and reduce its lifespan.
To prevent damage, the causes of the transmission warning light need to be thoroughly diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible. Choose reputable garages with experience and specialized in transmission repair to perform the service. Because when damage occurs, repairing and replacing transmission parts is often very expensive.
