Damage Caused By Too Much Transmission Fluid - Gearbox & Transmission Problems After Overfilling

What happens when you have too much transmission fluid ? Let's explore the problems that can arise from this common problem.

Bear in mind that there are many types of tranmission system and design so it would be impossible to detail all of these, instead I'll cover the typical things I found that could be attributable to overfilled transmission fluid.

Let me know in the comments if I've missed any out or if you feel these are unlikely in most cases to be a problem on a modern transmission.

Thankfully it is both quite hard to damage a transmission with an overfill and it is hard to overfill in the first place, but some issues can crop up that you need to be aware of.

In a vehicle's transmission system, the transmission fluid serves a crucial role in lubricating and cooling various components. However, an excessive amount of transmission fluid can lead to several problems.

The questions I have been asked, include :-

too much transmission fluid symptoms?
overfilled transmission fluid what happens?
overfilled transmission fluid symptoms?
low transmission fluid symptoms?
overfill transmission fluid problems & Damage caused

So let's see what happens with too much transmission fluid, or high transmission fluid levels.

One issue that can occur is cavitation. Cavitation happens when there is an excessive amount of fluid in the transmission, causing the fluid to froth or foam. This frothy transmission fluid fails to provide proper lubrication, leading to increased wear and tear on the transmission components.

When the transmission is overfilled, the excess fluid can cause abnormally high pressure within the system. High oil pressure puts strain on the seals, gaskets, and other vulnerable parts, potentially leading to leaks or even catastrophic failure

Incorrect gear changes are also a common symptom of excessive transmission fluid.

Too much oil can interfere with the operation of the transmission's hydraulic system, which controls gear shifting. As a result, you may experience rough or delayed gear changes, causing jerking motions and potentially damaging the gears themselves.

Another problem associated with too much transmission fluid is abnormal oil pressure.

One more problem that arises from too much transmission fluid is a loss of power and poor gear changes or sticky gear shifting.

The excessive fluid can create resistance within the system, making it harder for power to transfer efficiently from the engine to the wheels. This results in reduced acceleration, sluggish performance, and a decrease in overall power output.

Are you experiencing issues with your vehicle's transmission? In this informative video, we delve into the problems that arise from having too much transmission fluid. Learn about the detrimental effects of excessive oil on your transmission system, including cavitation, abnormal oil pressures, faulty gear changes, and a noticeable loss of power.

To avoid these issues, it's important to maintain the proper transmission fluid level according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If you suspect overfilling, it's best to consult a qualified technician who can perform the necessary checks and adjustments.

Our video will help you understand the potential risks and consequences of overfilling your transmission. Don't let these problems go unnoticed—watch now and discover how to maintain the proper transmission fluid level for optimal performance and longevity.

Too much transmission fluid does what damage?
Loss of power in transmission
Maintaining proper transmission fluid level
Transmission maintenance tips
Effects of overfilled transmission fluid
Transmission fluid problems
Excessive transmission fluid
Cavitation in transmission
Abnormal oil pressures
Faulty gear changes

Legal Notice: Unless we have inspected your car we can only provide generic theory. All information is provided without warranty, please check any recommendations made with a mechanic locally to verify it would be legal in your area or region and that it would be suitable for your car and your needs.

[bobbyd]

I just worked on 2016 Chrysler Town and Country 148, 000 miles. My daughter's boss recently bought it and was letting her borrow it. It was clunking and shuddering between the mid gears and coming to a stop. Had the P072A code (can be a generic trans code). It had just over 7 quarts of oil OVER filled. I drew that off just to get down the proper level on the dip stick. That improved a lot, but I think they added it to the old oil without draining first, plus I think it was the wrong fluid. Anyway, did a 3-quart partial change and shifts like butter. Will do one more 3-quart pump and fill in a few hundred miles.

[hyperactive]

i think my local mechanic put too much transmission oil in and now it started to leak around the seal because of high pressure build up

[Capnglogs]

I have a 2012 infiniti ex, I accelerated hard, and heard something give way, underneath, then lost all power, it tried yo tick over but wouldn't. Lost revs too., got out and looked on the floor and some kind of fluid had leaked out.
Any ideas, many thanks

[lliaolsen]

I have a ford 8speed transmission in my Transit Connect. 2021. It doesn't have a dipstick and I'm never 100% sure I'm filling it to the right level even though I've followed other YT channels how-to videos. I fear I may have overfilled or underfilled as once and a while it will "brrrr" like the engine is trying to accelerate from 2nd gear instead of starting from 1st and there isn't any power unless I really step on the gas. I already checked my ignition and replaced my plugs, the old ones looked fine but I did it anyways. but mostly the sound will happen early in the gear like starting or right after a gear change. I haven't reset the learning for the transmission. I'm planning on getting a FORSCAN and tool to do that in the future. Just wish I knew how much is too much fluid? like how much lower or higher than the sight plug can the fluid level be, or is it so sensitive that one drop over and you're doomed? My Honda transmission lasted 400, 000 miles with no issues, even after overloading the car with hundreds of Phone Books when I tried delivering them as a side job back in the day. Nowadays I feel transmissions are getting more fragile and less user friendly in terms of maintenance.

[rocky-iv]

Thank you I only added one quart of transmission fluid and it feels like my Ford Focus has lost power as if I need to press harder on the gas pedal to get power on the freeway 😮😮

[actingGG]

Can you clearly see this foam, if the transmission oli is over filled?

[theadorephaedon]

Thank you for the information and time… I have a 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4 truck and think I overfilled the ATF fluid, the dipstick is reading a little less than a half inch above the full hot mark… What should I do and is it okay to drive?

[alikbey]

I put too much transmission fluid in my 2013 chevy malibu and now it's like the car is stuck in neutral, it won't shift into gear.

[romainesmith]

Can too much transmission oil causes PO868 code?

[HardWhereHero]

My local "Euro" specialist put TOO much fluid in my 01M. I changed the diff fluid myself but wanted to have the filter changed and the valve body inspected. He did not follow the proper instructions because when I got the car back, I noticed a MASSIVE DECREASE in uphill power and lower end torque. The car would go, it just acted like I was always driving though water. I noticed at the end of the month when my car stopped going into drive when it was hot. I aimed a temp gun at the transmission and it was almost 55 degrees over specs. The only thing I could do was wait for it to cool off and check the fluid levels myself. It's a closed system so I had to idle it back up to operating temperature. Once I unscrewed the cap, almost a entire liter came out of the pan and that should not happen while the car is running. He essentially overfilled my car a whole liter and forgot to connect the filter back. I got it drained off and running, shifting properly again but I'm sure he did years of damage to my transmission by playing Mr "fast and loose" with it. I'm beyond upset because this is our only vehicle and daily driver. 😢 I have taken good care of this car and done all the needed maintenance and repairs when they are called for. I sure hope I caught this in time. It does feel great now, but who knows how long they will last.