Transmission Advice

BLOCK_AYE

MEMBER
2010 CHEVROLET COBALT
2.2L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
144,000 MILES

My transmission started slipping because my transmission fluid was low from a leak. I drove it for two days after the initial signs of the transmission slipping until I noticed a big puddle of fluid in my friends driveway. I went to fill my transmission with fluid today and whenever I took off the transmission cap, smoke started coming out. It smelt kinda burnt. I emptied five and half quarts of fluid into the transmission (because after that it started overflowing) and drove it home. While I was driving home, I could still smell the burnt transmission fluid (I do not know if it came from air vents or it was stuck on my clothes). Should I be concerned about my transmission being messed up? If so how can I check if I need to fix anything?

P.S. The leak came from the upper transmission line. I recently replaced the radiator and I think I forgot to put the O-ring in, or I had a defective ring. I am currently about to fix that after thanksgiving feast.

2 Replies

JOHNNY G.JR

MECHANIC
320 POSTS

Take it to a transmission shop, sounds like some damage has been done.

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Thursday, November 24th, 2016 AT 6:33 PM

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

Hello,

OK, There is a chance that some damage has been done to the tranny. You could try changing the fluid and filter to see how it does, if seem to be working ok after that I would drive for about a week and change again. The reason is that the Torque Converter is full of the burnt fluid and does not drain so in order to get all or most out you need to change it about 3 - 4 timing with in 8 weeks at least that is what I do. The burnt smell could be coming from the transmission fluid getting on the hot exhaust. One last thing Do Not Over Fill there are marks on the dipstick don't just fill till it over flows Not Good for Tranny.

Mark