Hot transmission oil!!!

[dluv89]

I drove to LA yesterday and had to drive back today. As I started the journey the temperature light came on for transmission oil. The owners manual said to just wait till it cools down. Is this going to keep happening or is it the cheap tranny oil the dealer put in?

Has anyone else had this problem? If you know how to fix it please let me know because I need this car to be a commutter

[smokey01]

I have an aftermarket tranny cooler so I've never had this problem. I would be concerned with breakdown of the oil after reaching that temperature.That would cause overheating, as would having a fairly dirty rad or low oil in the CVT. I have read that some of the stock tranny coolers for the CVT are defective so this is possible as well. The belt in the CVT could be slipping as well. I think I gave you enough to look at for now. Let us know what you find out.

[Cherokee]

That doesn't sound good at all! I've always gone with the trans cooler option as well even though I'm not as tough on my vehicles as I used to be. I would be heading back to the dealer on this one as it seems in the case of the CVT, they're really particular about it being serviced by a qualified tech with the right tools. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

- Cherokee

[dluv89]

Well, I took it in yesterday and all they told me was nothing was wrong with the transmission cooler. Also same with the coolant system. On the paper work it did say the transmission fluid looked burnt or degraded so I will get that changed out on Friday. I haven't seen the light come on yet. I drive up to LA this weekend so I will keep you updated.

[tripplec]

Originally Posted by smokey01

I have an aftermarket tranny cooler so I've never had this problem. I would be concerned with breakdown of the oil after reaching that temperature.That would cause overheating, as would having a fairly dirty rad or low oil in the CVT. I have read that some of the stock tranny coolers for the CVT are defective so this is possible as well. The belt in the CVT could be slipping as well. I think I gave you enough to look at for now. Let us know what you find out.

What aftermarket cooler? I have seen the option kit for the CVT and it connect to the cooling hoses, oil filter adapter etc. Looks complex not just in and out of the tranny fluid.

[tripplec]

Originally Posted by dluv89

Well, I took it in yesterday and all they told me was nothing was wrong with the transmission cooler. Also same with the coolant system. On the paper work it did say the transmission fluid looked burnt or degraded so I will get that changed out on Friday. I haven't seen the light come on yet. I drive up to LA this weekend so I will keep you updated.

Check with another dealer if you can. I find that only some techs really know whats going on. Unless they see the light is on or a code is thrown they don't believe you if its still working or they have no clue how to trouble shoot the problem they cannot see starring at them. They seem to relie on calling in to Chrysler for guidance and if you under warranty get the problem entered clearly that its overheating with the light coming on numerous times or what ever wording indicates your situation. You can use that work order after warranty has passed since they did not fix it when it was covered.

No wonder I never bought new in over 10 years still running to the dealer to fix problems they take forever to identify.

[smokey01]

Sorry not aftermarket I put the mopar kit on mine since the hoses don't have taps for the transmission on them. Looking at the CVT setup it wouldn't be hard to install a standard finned cooler. It would only take a bit of hose since the CVT is already tapped into the cooling system. Just remove the tap off on the bottom rad hose to the CVT and re-route it to the cooler then run a line to connect the cooler back to the CVT. Voilà, a simple transmission cooler.

[Cherokee]

Originally Posted by dluv89

Well, I took it in yesterday and all they told me was nothing was wrong with the transmission cooler. Also same with the coolant system. On the paper work it did say the transmission fluid looked burnt or degraded so I will get that changed out on Friday. I haven't seen the light come on yet. I drive up to LA this weekend so I will keep you updated.

Aaah yes, they're waiting for you to come back. Why on Earth would they make a note of the trans fluid looking burnt or degraded and NOT make the recommendation to get it changed? I would be looking for another dealership there myself.

- Cherokee

[dluv89]

Update: on that drive up to LA I drove her a lot gentler but the last leg of the trip it came on again. I'm going to pay to get the fluid and filter changed. I'll take it to a dealership up in LA do you think I will be safe to wait a month or two because unfortunately in San Diego I only have one dealership?

[tripplec]

Depends on how much you drive it etc, and the condition its in. If you've already had it checked (entered on their work order) with their responds. Keep the work order as proof in case they try and come back at you for not bring it to an authorized service centers attention. But insist with LA service center there is something wrong. Changing the fluid will only bring the fluid quality back but not correct the cause of the overheating.

I would suggest calling one or more LA dealer and explain the symptoms and fluid state. See what they say about a solution. mention you are out of town and need this rectified on the first visit. If need be even call Chysler customer service for guidance and if they recommend a dealer in the LA area who know the transmission. Those phone calls would save a lot of grief down the line. Something is wrong if the fluid is overheating and any mechanic worth his grease and skinned knuckles with know that. If its a tranny problem and still under the powertrain warranty. They will cover the fluid as part of the repair or replacement of the CVT unit. Focus on fixing the problem.


Goodluck

[Cherokee]

I agree with tripplec. A few phone calls will hopefully make things easier, but they should cover the cost of the fluid/filter replacement but they really need to be looking into what's causing this problem. Good luck and be sure to keep us posted!

- Cherokee