10 Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid (Manual Transmission vs Automatic Transmission)
The transmission essentially allows the driver to control the performance of the vehicle’s engine. It allows the driver to change gears and control the direction and movement of the vehicle.
Whether you have a manual or automatic transmission, you need transmission fluid to lubricate the internal components. This oil also acts as a coolant for these components.
When your transmission oil level drops, it can cause a variety of symptoms and driving issues. If you notice these symptoms, check your transmission fluid levels immediately and add more if necessary. If this doesn’t solve the problem, take your vehicle to a mechanic.
5 Most Common Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid in a Manual Transmission
Below are the 5 most common signs of low transmission fluid (or transmission fluid) levels in manual transmission vehicles.
1) Difficulty in Shifting
When your transmission fluid levels are low, shifting feels sluggish and difficult. Over time, you may find that you shift gears too quickly instead of too slowly. Either way, your inability to shift gears at the right time makes driving dangerous.
2) Slow clutch engagement
When you try to use the shift lever to shift from neutral to first or reverse, there may be a slight delay if the transmission fluid level is low. The transmission needs constant fluid pressure to shift gears, and it takes longer to build up that pressure when the fluid level is low.
3) Vibration
When you shift with a manual transmission, the process should be smooth and comfortable. However, if the fluid or transmission fluid level is low, you may feel a vibration in the shifter when changing gears. For experienced drivers of manual transmission vehicles, this is usually an indication that the transmission needs more fluid.
4) Rolling
If your entire vehicle suddenly rolls back and forth while driving, your transmission fluid level may be low. This is because the gearbox moves erratically because it doesn’t have enough oil to move freely.
5) Sticking clutch pedal
The clutch pedal has a spring that returns it to its original position when you press it. However, if the transmission fluid level is low, the pedal may stick. Or it may move abnormally.
5 Most Common Signs of Low Oil Level in Automatic Transmission
Below are the 5 most common signs of low oil level in your vehicle’s automatic transmission.
1) Dark Fluid (Check if the transmission fluid is hot or cold)
When your automatic transmission fluid is low or old fluid is used, the normal pink color will turn into a very dark color like black or brown. The fluid may also have an odor. This is a clear indication that the old transmission fluid needs to be flushed out and replaced with new.
2) Difficult to change gears
If you find it difficult to shift into a different gear, the low fluid level may be reducing this function of your transmission. It’s a good idea to check this any time you notice a shifting problem while driving.
3) Fluid Leaks (Automatic Transmission Fluid Leaks)
Transmission fluid leaks can occur when any component is damaged. Leaks often occur in seals, loose oil pans, and transmission lines. Not only will the fluid level be low, but the fluid can leak onto other components and cause problems there as well.
4) Overheating
If your transmission overheats, parts of the transmission will fail and you won’t be able to drive. Remember that transmission fluid lubricates and cools these components. If you have too little oil and it gets too hot, it won’t run smoothly.
5) Slippage (Accelerator pedal hesitates when accelerating)
A transmission slips when you press the accelerator pedal and your vehicle doesn’t accelerate. Low transmission fluid levels are bound to cause transmission slippage at some point. If this happens, you should stop and have your vehicle towed by a mechanic as it’s no longer safe to drive.
