If you see the “AT OIL TEMP” light come on in the dash, that’s telling you
your automatic transmission fluid temperature is too hot
. Allow the engine to idle while the transmission cools down and let this light turn itself off.
What does the AT temp light mean?
A/T Oil Temp: This light is
an indicator that the automatic transmission fluid temperature has increased and is too high
. You should stop your vehicle immediately and put the vehicle in park until the light turns off. If the light does not disappear, have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
What would cause oil temp to rise?
Your Engine is Running Low on Oil
As you know, motor oil lubricate your engine, preventing the metal parts from rubbing together to create friction and even more heat. If your oil is
running low the constant metal grinding
will raise the temperature levels and cause your engine to overheat.
What should oil temp run at?
A quality conventional motor oil will tolerate oil sump temperatures of up to 250 degrees, but starts breaking down over 275 degrees. The traditional approach is to try to hold oil temperatures
between 230 and 260 degrees
.
Can I drive with at oil temp light on?
AT Oil Temperature Warning Light
Allow the engine to idle while
the transmission cools down and let this light turn itself off. You can continue driving once it’s off, but if the light returns, you’ll want a professional diagnosis from one of our techs to find out why your transmission is overheating.
How do I know if my transmission is overheating?
- Acrid Burning Odor. Transmissions change gears using principles of hydraulic power. …
- Slow Response Times. A transmission stands a much greater chance of overheating if fluid levels drop too low. …
- Transmission Slipping.
What should I do if my oil temperature is high?
If the oil temperature is too high, problems can arise. When you first start your vehicle on cold mornings, let the car idle for about
five minutes until
the oil gets a chance to warm up. This way, your engine will run more efficiently and live much longer.
How do I get my oil temperature down?
To maintain the proper oil temperature, use a clip-on deep-fry thermometer and keep close watch. If the oil starts lightly smoking, that’s a sign that it’s overheated and starting to break down; remove the pot from the heat until the oil
cools
to the correct temperature.
Where is the oil temperature sensor located?
Locate the oil temperature sensor in
the engine compartment
. It will typically be mounted in either the engine block or in the cylinder head.
What temperature is 15w40 good for?
SAE 15W-40 is the preferred oil viscosity grade, when temperatures are consistently
above -7 °C (+20 °F)
. Higher viscosity grade oils 15W-40 and 5W-40 are required for heavy duty driving or trailer towing. Higher viscosity grade oils 15W-40 and 5W-40 are recommended for temperatures over 10 °C (50 °F).
What happens when engine oil gets too hot?
A car’s internal heat could
cause a chemical reaction in
the motor oil, which in turn causes the oil’s viscosity to change, making thermal breakdown among the most damaging effects. If your vehicle’s engine warms up beyond a certain temperature threshold, the motor oil will degrade.
What is the ideal temperature for a car engine?
Most experts agree that your engine should run
between 195 degrees and 220 degrees
. In ideal situations, your needle will maintain a posture right in the middle of your gauge. Keep in mind that this can go up or down depending on the conditions in the vehicle itself (such as running the air conditioner or heater).
What do you do when the oil light comes on?
If the oil light illuminates while you’re driving, you should
immediately pull over and turn off the vehicle
. Your engine may stop and refuse to turn over if you have run out of oil. An accident could occur if the vehicle suddenly stops while you’re driving.
How often should the transmission fluid be changed?
If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid
every 30,000 to 60,000 miles
. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There’s no harm in changing your fluid early.
What is the oil light?
The dashboard oil light comes
on when your engine suffers a drop in oil pressure
. Without enough oil pressure, the engine can’t lubricate itself. Continuous lubrication is necessary for the engine to run, so if it’s not adequately lubricated it will seize, and it could stop abruptly, which could cause an accident.
What causes transmission to run hot?
Old, worn out, or burned fluid
will cause the transmission to run hot. Transmission slipping is another hint that the fluid is low and old. A defective solenoid can cause the transmission to run hot. Driving habits, conditions, and weather are other possible causes of transmission overheating.
