Can Dirty Transmission Fluid Cause a Car to Not Start?

Dirty transmission fluid can cause a car to not start in a number of ways. First, it can clog the filter, which prevents the fluid from reaching the transmission. This can cause the transmission to overheat and fail. Second, dirty transmission fluid can damage the seals and gaskets in the transmission, which can also lead to leaks and failure. Finally, dirty transmission fluid can cause the transmission to shift erratically, which can make it difficult to drive the car.

Symptoms of Dirty Transmission Fluid

There are a number of symptoms that can indicate that your transmission fluid is dirty. These include:

• Difficulty shifting gears
• Slipping gears
• Jerking or shuddering when shifting gears
• Leaking transmission fluid
• Burning smell coming from the transmission

How to Check Transmission Fluid

You can check your transmission fluid yourself by following these steps:

1. Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick.
3. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
4. Reinsert the dipstick into the transmission and pull it out again.
5. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the “full” and “add” marks.
6. If the fluid is low, add more fluid through the dipstick tube. Be sure to use the correct type of fluid for your transmission.

How to Change Transmission Fluid

You can change your transmission fluid yourself, but it is a more complex process than checking the fluid. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you can take your car to a mechanic to have it done.

To change the transmission fluid, you will need the following:

• New transmission fluid
• Transmission filter
• Transmission pan gasket
• Wrench
• Funnel

Once you have gathered your materials, you can follow these steps to change the transmission fluid:

1. Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and locate the transmission pan. It is usually located at the bottom of the transmission.
3. Place a drain pan under the transmission pan.
4. Loosen the bolts that hold the transmission pan in place and remove the pan.
5. Replace the transmission filter and gasket.
6. Reinstall the transmission pan and tighten the bolts.
7. Add new transmission fluid through the dipstick tube.
8. Check the fluid level and add more fluid if necessary.
9. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new fluid.

Conclusion

Dirty transmission fluid can cause a car to not start in a number of ways. It is important to check your transmission fluid regularly and change it as needed to keep your transmission running smoothly.