Heat is usually transferred from the engine to the automatic transmission in three ways:
1. Through engine oil:
* The engine and automatic transmission often have a common sump for engine oil.
* Heat from the engine is transferred to the oil, which circulates through both components, removing heat from the engine.
2. Through the transmission oil cooler:
* Automatic transmissions often have a separate cooler called a transmission oil cooler.
* Hot transmission oil circulates through the radiator where it is cooled by engine coolant.
* Engine heat is transferred to the coolant and dissipated into the air.
3. Through direct heat transfer:
* In some cases, the transmission housing may come into direct contact with the engine housing or other hot components.
* Engine heat is directly transferred to the automatic transmission through this physical contact.
Additional factors contributing to automatic transmission heating:
*Friction: Rotating automatic transmission components create friction, which generates heat.
*Workload: Heavy loads on the automatic transmission, such as towing or driving over hilly terrain, increase friction and heat.
*Low Transmission Oil Level: Insufficient transmission oil levels result in insufficient lubrication and increased friction, which results in increased heat.
* Clogged Transmission Oil Filter: A clogged filter will restrict transmission oil flow, resulting in poor lubrication and increased temperatures.