A flooded transmission can be a major headache for any car owner․ If your car’s transmission is sealed, it’s even more important to know what to do in this situation․ Here’s a breakdown of the problem, what to do, and how to prevent it in the future⁚
Understanding the Problem
Sealed transmissions are designed to be completely sealed, preventing water or other contaminants from entering․ However, extreme weather events like floods can overwhelm these defenses, causing damage to the transmission’s internal components․ This damage can result in⁚
- Transmission slipping⁚ The fluid inside the transmission can become contaminated, leading to slipping or erratic gear changes․
- Grinding noises⁚ Damaged gears or bearings can cause grinding noises during shifting․
- Complete failure⁚ In severe cases, the transmission may completely fail, leaving you stranded․
What to Do Immediately
If you suspect your transmission has been flooded, here’s what you should do⁚
- Don’t drive the car⁚ Driving a flooded transmission can worsen the damage and increase the cost of repairs․
- Tow the car to a mechanic⁚ Have the car towed to a qualified mechanic specializing in transmission repairs․
- Inform the mechanic about the flooding⁚ Explain the situation to the mechanic so they can properly assess the damage․
The Repair Process
A mechanic will inspect your transmission for damage․ This may involve⁚
- Draining and inspecting the transmission fluid⁚ The fluid will be checked for contamination and signs of damage․
- Inspecting internal components⁚ If necessary, the transmission will be disassembled to check for damage to gears, bearings, and other components․
- Replacing damaged parts⁚ If any parts are damaged, they will need to be replaced․
- Flushing and refilling the transmission⁚ The transmission will be flushed with fresh fluid and refilled to factory specifications․
Preventing Future Flooding
While you can’t always prevent natural disasters, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of transmission flooding⁚
- Park your car in a high spot⁚ If you live in an area prone to flooding, park your car on higher ground whenever possible․
- Consider a garage⁚ A garage offers the best protection against flooding, especially if it’s built on a raised platform․
- Regular maintenance⁚ Keep up with regular maintenance, including fluid changes, to ensure your transmission is in optimal condition․
Conclusion
A flooded transmission can be a costly problem, but it’s important to act quickly․ If your car’s transmission has been flooded, don’t drive it․ Instead, tow it to a qualified mechanic for inspection and repairs․ By following these steps, you can help minimize the damage and get back on the road as soon as possible․