Although most drivers don’t recognize the importance of their vehicle’s transmission, it is equally as important as the engine. Without your transmission, your Volkswagen cannot move. The transmission is responsible for transferring the engine power to the driveshaft and rear wheels so your car can move. Hence, it requires proper maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

Overheating is the most prevalent transmission problem, and if ignored, it could cause irreparable damage. An overheating transmission is an indication of internal damage or a transmission fluid problem, such as a leak, low or contaminated transmission fluid. Overheating can also occur when the transmission is overfilled with transmission fluid, causing excessive pressure in the transmission. Discussed below are signs and reasons why your Volkswagen transmission overheats.

Signs of an Overheating Transmission In Your VW

When your VW’s transmission overheats, there are several symptoms that notify the driver of the problem and they include:

  • Slipping Gears or Slow Response: Gear slipping happens when your engine revs higher than it should because the transmission fails to transmit energy to the driveshaft. The gear shifts slowly in an automated transmission only when you move the lever. Gear slippage is mostly caused by overheated transmission.
  • Dark Transmission Fluid: A dark transmission fluid could indicate an overheating transmission. Fresh transmission fluids are usually bright red. A change in color to dark brown or black means you have burnt transmission fluid from overheating transmission.
  • Fluid Leakage: The primary purpose of transmission fluids is to properly lubricate all the moving parts of your transmission and prevent its internal parts from grinding. When the fluid leaks out of the transmission resulting in low fluid levels, it will cause the transmission to overheat and also can result in gear slippage.

Reasons For Overheating Transmission In Your VW

Your Volkswagen’s transmission frequently overheats due to a number of reasons, some of which includes:

  • Low Transmission Fluid Level: Transmission fluids reduce friction in the transmission, keeping it lubricated and ensuring that the machinery operates at an optimal rate and temperature. Bad transmission fluid or low fluid will cause your VW’s transmission to overheat.
  • Radiator and Cooling System Problems: Regardless of the time, distance, or speed you travel, your Volkswagen’s radiator and cooling system are responsible for keeping all important components cool. If you have a problem with your radiator or cooling system, your transmission and other parts of your car may begin to overheat after traveling a short distance.
  • Defective Solenoid: The transmission solenoid in your VW’s transmission is primarily responsible for regulating the fluid that passes through it. If the solenoid fails for whatever reason, it affects the flow of the fluid within the transmission, causing it to overheat.
  • Climate: Extreme temperatures might put your VW’s cooling system to test. When it is really hot outside, your transmission fluid tends to heat up and breaks down more quickly than it would under normal conditions.
  • Driving Habits: Bad driving habits can wreak havoc on your transmission performance and cause it to overheat. Excessive speeding, hard braking, abruptly shifting between gears, and frequent stop-go traffic.
  • Towing: The bands and clutches in your vehicle may slip if you frequently tow heavy cargo, especially if the drive wheels are not on the ground. Debris may enter the transmission, and as a result, it may cause it to overheat.

You should turn off your car and contact our Volkswagen specialists whenever you notice that your transmission is overheating. Driving with an overheating transmission will worsen the problem, leading to costly repairs or irreparable damage.

EuroService Automotive: Transmission Experts

EuroService Automotive is the best auto repair shop to Volkswagen Transmission Fluid Change take your Volkswagen if you live in and around Bristow, Gainesville, Haymarket, Manassas, Warrenton, VA. Our technicians are ASE-certified and pride themselves in offering high-quality and affordable repair and maintenance services to drivers of European vehicles including Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, Mini, and Volkswagen.

We understand that each make and model has its own set of service requirements for maximum performance. We keep our shop fully stocked with the latest factory-grade tools and equipment so that we can accurately handle all of your VW’s needs. Please call or visit our shop for your next service appointment.

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