* Reduced Lubrication: The primary function of transmission fluid is lubrication. Dirty fluid, filled with debris (metal shavings, clutch material, etc.), loses its lubricating properties. This leads to increased friction between moving parts, causing excessive wear and tear.
* Increased Heat: Poor lubrication leads to higher operating temperatures within the transmission. Excessive heat can damage seals, gaskets, and other internal components.
* Clogged Valves and Filters: Contaminants in the fluid can clog the transmission's internal valves and filters. This prevents proper fluid flow and can cause erratic shifting, slipping, or complete transmission failure.
* Corrosion: Dirty fluid can accelerate corrosion of internal metal parts, leading to premature wear and weakening of the transmission components.
* Hydraulic Problems: Transmission fluid is also a hydraulic fluid, responsible for transferring power. Contaminants can interfere with the hydraulic system's efficiency, causing shifting problems or complete loss of power.
* Seals and Gaskets Failure: Heat and contaminants can cause seals and gaskets to harden, crack, and leak. This leads to fluid loss and further damage.
* Clutch Wear: In automatic transmissions, dirty fluid accelerates the wear of the clutches, resulting in slipping and ultimately clutch failure.
The severity of the damage depends on how dirty the fluid is and for how long it has been neglected. Regular transmission fluid changes are crucial for preventing these problems. Ignoring dirty transmission fluid can lead to a complete transmission failure, requiring a costly rebuild or replacement.
