What Happens If I Put the Wrong Transmission Fluid in My Car?

Transmission fluid lubricates the internal components of your transmission. It’s very similar to how oil works in the engine. To run correctly your car needs the correct transmission fluid specific for your car. You can find this information by checking your owner’s manufacturer handbook or contact a professional transmission mechanic like Eagle Transmission of Mesquite.

If the wrong transmission fluid is put into your transmission by accident, first thing to do is to avoid driving your car.  It can wreak havoc on your transmission resulting in damage beyond repair. 

 2 Main types of Transmission Fluids:

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF):

Automatic transmission fluid commonly referred to as ATF, is a type of transmission fluid used in vehicles with automatic transmission. An automatic transmission changes gears as required automatically. ATF is distinctly different from transmission fluid made for a manual transmission. Automatic transmission fluid ensures proper operation and protect the transmission. It is a key component of the system’s internal parts. It helps to lubricate moving parts and provides hydraulic pressure and fiction to make the internal parts operate and work correctly without overheating.

Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid (CVT):

Continuously Variable Transmission also know as CVT, is a type of transmission fluid specifically designed for passenger cars that uses a pair of variable-diameter pulley and belt or chain to provide unlimited gear ratios. CVT transmissions require CVT fluid which is formulated with full-synthetic, premium base oils, additives and shear stable viscosity modifiers that help prevent oil breakdown.

Accidentally Use Wrong Transmission Fluid:

Adding ATF to a CVT or vice versa is the most common situation of adding the wrong transmission fluid to your vehicle. This will eventually result in your transmission failing.

Warning Signs to look for:

1.       Burning Smell from the transmission or hood.

2.      Your car slips out of gear.

3.      You have difficulty in shifting gears.

4.      Grinding noise while driving

5.      Transmission fluid is leaking.

6.      Noisy sound while in neutral.

7.      The clutch locks up.

8.      Check engine light is on.

Wrong transmission fluid and what to do next:

If you use the incorrect transmission fluid, first step is to remove the fluid asap and get it check out by a shop that specializes in transmissions. This will minimize the amount of damage done to the transmission. If you have driven your car for a few miles already with the incorrect fluid, then it is possible you may need to replace your transmission.

Contact a transmission professional like Eagle Transmission Shop  in Mesquite we offer a free initial check out and service all of Dallas including Oak Cliff.