Honda Pilot transmission temperature too hot warning

  • Find auto repair near me
  • Troubleshoot a car problem
  • Ask a Honda Pilot question
  • Free Honda Pilot repair estimates
  • Car care advice

Research a car

  • Honda Pilot overview
  • Honda Pilot reliability ratings
  • Common Honda Pilot problems
  • Honda Pilot Maintenance Schedule
  • Find Honda Pilot recalls
  • Honda Pilot owner reviews

  • Honda Pilot overview
  • Honda Pilot reliability ratings
  • Common Honda Pilot problems
  • Honda Pilot Maintenance Schedule
  • Find Honda Pilot recalls
  • Honda Pilot owner reviews

  • Diagnostic OBD-II codes
  • Dashboard warning lights

Honda Pilot Symptoms

  • Honda Pilot Smells Like Gas
  • Honda Pilot Check Engine Light
  • Honda Pilot Cruise Control Not Working
  • Honda Pilot Heater Is Not Working
  • Honda Pilot Shaking When Braking
  • Honda Pilot Key Won't Turn

What are the Warning Signs Your Transmission is Overheating?

Keep an eye out for a few signs your transmission is overheating. They can be more subtle than you’d expect, so it’s a good idea to know what to pay attention to in order to prevent serious car repairs as a result of a too-hot transmission.

You Smell Burning

A burning smell from your car is never a good sign. If it happens while you’re driving or you notice it just after parking, it could point to your transmission. This is because when your transmission overheats, it burns the transmission fluid inside. To see if burnt transmission fluid is the culprit in your case, you may be able to check the consistency of your transmission fluid with a dipstick under the hood of your car. However, it’s best to leave it to a transmission expert to accurately diagnose your car’s problem.

Your Transmission Doesn’t Respond as Quick as Usual

With an overheating transmission, you may experience difficulty shifting gears. This is because overheating can be a sign of transmission failure and your car’s transmission controls your car’s gears and power. If you notice slipping or delays when your vehicle is switching gears, it’s time to get your car to a mechanic.

You Notice a Transmission Fluid Leak

Take a look under your car. Do you notice any spots from drips? There are a number of fluids that could be to blame and one of them is transmission fluid. If you notice your transmission fluid leaking, that’s a sure sign you’ll experience overheating, too. That’s because your transmission fluid keeps moving parts in your transmission lubricated, which prevents friction that generates heat.

Your Engine Temperature is Running Hot

Your engine and transmission work very closely together and your cooling system moderates the temperature of both. That means if your engine temperature is running higher than usual, it’s probably true of your transmission’s temperature, too. 

Honda Pilot transmission temperature too hot warning
Everyone knows that their vehicle’s engine can overheat. Did you know it can happen to your transmission, as well? In fact, an overheating transmission is a major concern. If it happens, you will want to get your transmission system inspected as soon as possible. It can be very dangerous to drive with a transmission that is running too hot, or it may not let you drive at all.

Transmission Temperature Warnings

Most vehicles have a transmission temperature sensor that monitors the temperature of the transmission fluid. It is designed to warn you if the fluid is unusually hot. If this warning light or computer notification comes on, you should play it extra safe. Pull over and let the vehicle completely cool down. Pay special attention to any strange noises or take note of anything you did differently while driving that may have caused the issue. After the vehicle has cooled down, you can try to drive again (carefully). If problems persist, you may want to call for roadside assistance.

What Causes a Transmission to Overheat?

An overheating transmission usually means there is already some sort of internal damage or a transmission fluid issue, such as a leak, low fluid level or just old/dirty fluid running through the system. It can also happen with too much transmission fluid, which causes excess pressure within the transmission. It is smart to not push your vehicle any further by continuing to drive. This will likely only lead to bigger transmission issues and potentially major internal damage that will be costly to repair, rebuild or replace.

Signs of an Overheating Transmission

A number of different things could be causing your transmission to overheat:

• Your Driving Habits (accelerating too fast, carrying too heavy of a load, etc.)
• External Factors (high heat/humidity, extreme uphill grades, stop-and-go traffic, etc.)
• Low Transmission Fluid
• Excess Transmission Fluid
• Old/Dirty/Burnt Transmission Fluid
• Engine Overheating (which puts more strain on transmission)
• Internal Transmission Damage

What to Do if Your Transmission Overheats

At the first sign of your transmission overheating or any other symptoms of transmission problems, you should take your vehicle to a local transmission specialist for a thorough inspection. If you are in the Central Valley, you can count on Ralph’s Transmission to offer a free initial transmission inspection. We’ll run diagnostics, perform a road test and inspect the transmission system to determine the specific problems. Then, we’ll present you with a detailed inspection report and accurate price estimates for any recommended repairs or maintenance services.

We also offer free towing within 30 miles of our Modesto shop. So, if you are in the area and concerned about driving with an overheating transmission, call Ralph’s Transmission at 209.526.1909 and we’ll send someone to help. You can also book an appointment online if you want to schedule your inspection and/or maintenance in advance.

What does transmission temperature too hot mean?

An overheating transmission usually means there is already some sort of internal damage or a transmission fluid issue, such as a leak, low fluid level or just old/dirty fluid running through the system. It can also happen with too much transmission fluid, which causes excess pressure within the transmission.

Can I drive with the transmission temp light on?

If you see this red light come on in your car, you should first pull over to allow your transmission to cool. If not, you could cause expensive transmission damage. Then, as soon as you can, bring your car in to have it serviced immediately.

Can you drive with a hot transmission?

The more you drive with an overheating transmission, the more you risk serious damage to your car's transmission. Instead, you should pull off to the side of the road as soon as possible and wait for your engine and transmission to cool down – or even better, get your car towed to a mechanic.

What do you do when your car says transmission hot?

Stop driving immediately and let your transmission cool down. Make a note of what you were doing, where you are, what's happening (noises, etc.) After cooling down, start back up & gingerly continue on your way.