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Why is my transmission popping or hesitating into gears but it low on fluid-- I just put a new radiator in and now this?

Low transmission fluid after a radiator replacement strongly suggests a connection between the two. Radiators and transmissions often share a common fluid pathway, especially in vehicles with an automatic transmission fluid (ATF) cooler integrated into the radiator.

Here's why your transmission is popping and hesitating:

* ATF Leak: During the radiator replacement, a connection to the ATF cooler lines could have been damaged or not properly reconnected. This is the most likely culprit. Low fluid means the transmission isn't properly lubricated, leading to the poor shifting. The popping and hesitation are symptoms of insufficient lubrication causing friction and damage to internal transmission components.

* Air in the System: Even if the lines were connected correctly, air bubbles in the transmission fluid lines can cause erratic shifting. This is less likely if the fluid level is significantly low, but still possible.

* Damaged ATF Cooler: It's possible the ATF cooler itself was damaged during the radiator replacement. A cracked or punctured cooler would allow ATF to leak into the cooling system.

What you should do immediately:

1. STOP DRIVING: Continuing to drive with low transmission fluid will cause significant and likely expensive damage to your transmission.

2. Check the Transmission Fluid Level: Locate the transmission dipstick (usually different from the engine oil dipstick) and check the fluid level. If it's low, it confirms a leak. Also check the fluid's condition - it should be reddish-pink and clean, not dark brown or burnt smelling.

3. Inspect the ATF Cooler Lines: Carefully examine the lines connecting the transmission to the radiator for any signs of leaks, loose connections, or damage. Pay particular attention to the areas where the lines were disconnected during the radiator replacement.

4. Check the Radiator and Surroundings for ATF: Look closely at the new radiator and the area around it for any signs of ATF leaks – reddish-pink fluid.

5. Get Professional Help: If you're not comfortable checking these things yourself, take your car to a qualified mechanic immediately. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and repair the leak. Attempting to drive it more will only worsen the problem and increase the repair costs.

Ignoring this issue will likely lead to a complete transmission failure, a far more expensive repair.

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