Can No Transmission Fluid Cause Car Not to Start
Automatic transmissions rely on transmission fluid to operate smoothly and efficiently. Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant, coolant, and hydraulic fluid. It helps to reduce friction between moving parts, prevent overheating, and transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
If your car is low on transmission fluid, it can cause a variety of problems, including:
- Slipping gears
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Overheating transmission
- Transmission failure
In some cases, a lack of transmission fluid can even cause your car not to start.
How Does a Lack of Transmission Fluid Affect Starting?
When you turn the key in your ignition, the starter motor engages the flywheel and turns the engine over. As the engine turns over, it pumps transmission fluid through the transmission. This fluid helps to lubricate the gears and bearings in the transmission, and it also provides hydraulic pressure to engage the clutches and bands that shift the gears.
If your car is low on transmission fluid, there may not be enough fluid to circulate through the transmission and provide the necessary lubrication and hydraulic pressure. This can cause the gears to bind and make it difficult or impossible to shift gears. In some cases, it can even cause the starter motor to fail to engage the flywheel, which will prevent the engine from starting.
What are the Signs of Low Transmission Fluid?
There are a few signs that can indicate that your car is low on transmission fluid:
- Leaking transmission fluid
- Slipping gears
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Overheating transmission
- Burning smell
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to check your transmission fluid level and add fluid if necessary. You can usually find the transmission fluid dipstick under the hood of your car. The dipstick will have two marks on it, one for the “full” level and one for the “add” level. If the fluid level is below the “add” mark, you will need to add fluid.
What to Do if Your Car Won’t Start Due to Low Transmission Fluid
If your car won’t start due to low transmission fluid, you will need to add fluid to the transmission. You can usually do this yourself, but it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
To add transmission fluid, you will need:
- Transmission fluid (check your owner’s manual for the correct type of fluid)
- Funnel
- Rags
To add transmission fluid:
- Park your car on a level surface and set the parking brake.
- Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick.
- Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a rag.
- Insert the dipstick back into the transmission and pull it out again.
- Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If the fluid level is below the “add” mark, you will need to add fluid.
- Insert the funnel into the transmission fluid dipstick tube.
- Slowly pour transmission fluid into the funnel until the fluid level reaches the “full” mark on the dipstick.
- Remove the funnel and replace the dipstick.
- Start your car and check for leaks.
If you are unable to add transmission fluid yourself, you will need to take your car to a mechanic.
Conclusion
A lack of transmission fluid can cause a variety of problems, including difficulty shifting gears, overheating transmission, and transmission failure. In some cases, it can even cause your car not to start. It is important to check your transmission fluid level regularly and add fluid if necessary. If you notice any signs of low transmission fluid, it is important to take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.
