Urgency: High

Transmission Temperature Light

Have this checked promptly. It is not an immediate stop, but do not ignore it for long.

What the Transmission Temperature Light Means

The transmission temperature light on a your car warns the gearbox fluid is overheating. Hot fluid loses its protective properties fast, so this is a stop-and-cool situation to avoid serious transmission damage.

Common Causes

  • Heavy towing or load
  • Low transmission fluid level
  • Old, degraded fluid
  • Blocked transmission cooler
  • Stuck thermostat or failing pump

How to Fix It

  1. Pull over safely and let the transmission cool with the engine idling in park
  2. Reduce load and avoid stop-start driving until cool
  3. Check transmission fluid level and condition
  4. Have the cooler and fluid inspected
  5. Service the fluid or repair the cooling circuit as diagnosed

Related DTC Codes

CodeMeaning
P0700Transmission Control System Malfunction
A general request from the transmission control module indicating a stored transmission fault.
P0740Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction
The torque converter lock-up clutch circuit is not responding correctly, affecting shifting and economy.