Transmission Pan: Replace Or Repair?

A transmission pan is an essential part of your car, acting as a reservoir for the transmission fluid and serving as an access point for the transmission filter or strainer. It's prone to damage as it's located in the undercarriage of your vehicle, so it can get punctured by speed bumps and road debris.

There are several signs that indicate you need a new transmission pan. Firstly, if you notice a puddle of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) under your vehicle, it's likely that your transmission pan is leaking. Low ATF levels and transmission slippage are also indicators of a faulty transmission pan. Additionally, if your transmission fluid is contaminated with water or coolant, it may appear pink or milky, which suggests a leak in the transmission cooler. A burning smell or smoke coming from the engine could be due to a blocked transmission filter, which can also cause problems with changing gears.

If you suspect any issues with your transmission pan, it's important to get it inspected as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your car remains safe to drive.

Check for a leaking transmission pan

A leaking transmission pan can be identified by checking for the following signs:

• A puddle of red or green fluid under your vehicle: If you notice a small puddle of red or green fluid underneath your parked vehicle, it is a tell-tale sign of a leaking transmission pan. This fluid can stain your driveway or garage floor and lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
• Low transmission fluid level: Check the transmission fluid dipstick to ensure the fluid level is adequate. A leaking transmission pan can cause the fluid level to drop, leading to potential internal transmission damage.
• Transmission slippage and performance issues: Low transmission fluid levels due to a leaking pan can result in transmission slippage and other performance problems. You may experience difficulty changing gears, gear grinding, or surging when shifting gears.
• Signs of fluid leakage after moving the vehicle: If the transmission filter is not fitted properly or there is a defect in the transmission, it could lead to leakage. Check for signs of fluid leaks on the road or parking area after moving your vehicle.
• Burning smell or smoke: If the transmission filter becomes clogged with particles, it can result in a burning smell or, in severe cases, smoke coming from the engine.

To diagnose a leaking transmission pan, it is recommended to clean the underbelly of your car, add dye to the transmission system, and drive for 30 to 40 miles. For slow leaks, you may need to drive over 100 miles before noticing any fluid leakage.

Check for low automatic transmission fluid

Checking your transmission fluid levels is a good way to determine if you need a new transmission pan. Low automatic transmission fluid can be caused by a leak in the transmission pan, which is often the result of a faulty gasket or a puncture in the pan.

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid Level

First, locate the dipstick. This can usually be found under the hood, in the engine compartment. The transmission dipstick is typically marked with a specific colour or a transmission symbol. It is usually further back in the engine bay, towards the firewall (the bulkhead at the front of the cabin).

Next, check the fluid level. Make sure the engine is warmed up, and leave the car idling in park on a level surface. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, replace it, and then pull it back out. Check the fluid level against the "full" and "low" or "fill" marks on the dipstick.

What to Do if Your Transmission Fluid is Low

If your fluid is low, this could mean there is a leak in the system. Top up the transmission fluid to the correct level, and check it daily to see how quickly the level goes down. This will help you to assess the severity of the leak. You can also try to visually inspect your transmission by looking under the car for any fluid leaking out. Check for spots of reddish fluid on the ground after your car has been parked. If the fluid is black, it is engine oil, and if it is water, it is likely condensation from the air-conditioning system.

If you notice some transmission fluid loss, contact a mechanic as soon as possible.

Check for transmission slippage

A slipping transmission is a common problem in vehicles, and it can occur in automatic, manual, and modern CVT transmissions. It happens when the car's transmission fails to stay in a particular gear and slips into another without the driver's input. This can be dangerous, especially when travelling at high speeds, so it is important to get it checked by a professional as soon as possible.

There are several signs that your transmission might be slipping. One of the most common is delayed vehicle acceleration. This often manifests as a noticeable lag between pressing the accelerator and the vehicle gaining speed. This delay could indicate issues within the transmission system, which, if left unchecked, could lead to more significant damage or even complete transmission failure.

Another symptom of a slipping transmission is the engine's RPM climbing higher than usual during driving, especially when the vehicle is not accelerating as it should be. This indicates that the transmission is struggling to engage gears properly. This may be accompanied by unusual noises, such as whining or clunking, which further indicate that there is a problem with the transmission.

You may also experience difficulty shifting gears. This can be felt as a hesitation or resistance when changing gears, or the transmission may fall back into a lower gear without warning. This can be a significant safety concern, so if you notice this behaviour, it is important to get your car checked as soon as possible.

Other warning signs of a slipping transmission include a burning smell, which indicates overheating transmission fluid, and any changes in the transmission's response or noise level.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. While a slipping transmission does not necessarily indicate imminent system failure, it does mean that your transmission is in serious need of service and repair. Ignoring the problem could lead to more extensive damage and pose safety risks.

Check for damage to the transmission pan

The transmission pan is located in the undercarriage of your vehicle, which makes it prone to damage. It can get punctured by speed bumps and road debris. It can also be damaged by driving your vehicle off-road without sufficient ground clearance.

• Inspect the pan for any signs of physical damage, such as punctures, cracks, or warping.
• Check the parking spot for any signs of fluid leaks. The automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is usually bright red in colour.
• Look for any stains on the transmission dipstick, which could indicate that the fluid has oxidized.
• Take a whiff of the transmission fluid. If it smells like burned toast, it has likely been contaminated by a burned clutch pack material.
• Check the transmission fluid level. If it is low, it could be due to a leak in the transmission pan or gasket.
• Inspect the gasket for any signs of deterioration or leaks.
• Check the oil pan for any signs of red transmission fluid.
• Listen for any unusual noises coming from the transmission, such as rattling.
• Pay attention to any performance issues, such as difficulty changing gears or grinding gears.
• If you have recently driven off-road, consider whether there was sufficient ground clearance to avoid damaging the transmission pan.

Check for signs of fluid contamination

Transmission fluid contamination can cause serious damage to your vehicle, so it's important to check for signs of fluid contamination regularly. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Firstly, locate the transmission dipstick. This is usually found in automatic transmissions and can be used to check the quality and level of the fluid. If your car has a manual transmission, you may need to check the fluid level via the inspection and fill plugs. Once you've located the dipstick or the inspection plug, follow these steps:

• Ensure your car is parked on a level surface and is in parking or neutral with the handbrake engaged.
• Start the engine and allow it to reach its normal operating temperature.
• For automatic transmissions, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and then re-dip it to check the fluid level and consistency. Good transmission fluid should be clear, pink-tinted, or a light red colour. If the fluid is a deep red or brown colour, it is likely contaminated and needs to be replaced. Also, look for any visible particles in the fluid, as this is another sign of contamination.
• For manual transmissions, loosen the inspection plug on the side of the transmission and place a drip pan underneath to catch any fluid. If no fluid comes out, the level is likely too low.
• If you suspect contamination or low fluid levels, you can add new transmission fluid through the fill plug, usually located at the top of the transmission.

In addition to checking the fluid level and quality, there are other signs that your transmission fluid may be contaminated:

• Grinding or whining noises when accelerating or moving forward: Contaminated or degraded fluid loses its lubricating properties, causing metal parts to grind against each other and create unusual noises.
• Inability to move in reverse: Contaminated fluid may be unable to flow properly, preventing the car from switching into reverse.
• Transmission slipping or surging: Contaminated fluid can affect hydraulic pressure, causing the transmission to slip back into another gear or surge forward unexpectedly.
• Engine overheating: If the contaminated fluid cannot flow and cool properly, excess heat can build up and transfer to the engine.
• Warning lights: If the issue persists and is not addressed, a "Check Engine" or "Check Transmission" light may illuminate on your dashboard, indicating a problem with the transmission fluid pressure or solenoid.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to address the issue promptly to avoid further damage to your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions