Consequences of leakage of all transmission fluid (ATF) from an automatic transmission:
Immediate consequences:
*Slipping or No Gearing: Without enough ATF, the clutches cannot engage properly, resulting in slipping or no gearing at all.
* Component Damage: Dry rubbing causes metal wear and damage to internal components such as gears, bearings and seals.
* Overheating: Without ATF to dissipate heat, the automatic transmission can overheat, which can lead to further damage.
Long-term effects (if not addressed immediately):
* Catastrophic failure: Uncorrectable failure of the automatic transmission requiring complete replacement.
*Engine Damage: In some cases, automatic transmission damage may extend to the engine.
* Increased Repair Costs: Repairing a damaged automatic transmission caused by missing ATF is usually more expensive than replacing the ATF.
Additional consequences depending on the type of automatic transmission:
* Electronically controlled automatic transmission: Lack of ATF can cause damage to sensors and electronic components.
* Automatic transmission with torque converter: A lack of ATF can lead to failure of the torque converter, which requires its replacement or major overhaul.
To prevent these consequences, it is important to immediately check the ATF level and top it up if necessary. It is recommended to regularly change the ATF as specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure smooth operation of the automatic transmission and extend its service life.