Running A Transmission Dry

[Warstud]

A Coworker said when he got home after work his car revved up real high and wouldn't move. So he took the car to a Transmission shop and they told him a trans line and seal broke and it would need to be rebuilt. Does anyone think the trans would function if the line and seal were replaced and filled back up with fluid ?

 

[mk378]

Did he keep driving while it was not working properly? That will burn it up. If he didn't try to go anywhere it would be worth fixing the leak and refilling to see if it is still OK.

It's a good idea to consult a general mechanic before going to a "transmission specialist" since their business model is to rebuild everything whether it needs it or not.

 

[Lubener]

it is very possible that the transmission will still function. If he drove it a long way while it was slipping before coming to a stop, the clutches may be spent.

 

[64bawagon]

Its likely smoked, dont ask me how I know

 

[Timmastertech]

Customers of mine have had it go both ways. We always start by repairing the leak so we can see how it faired. One of my fleets had an 03 C2500 lose a trans cooler line and the trans survived at over 300k miles. Their 04 C2500 at similar miles lost a trans cooler line and the trans didnt survive.

 

[zzyzzx]

They don't have much to lose by fixing the leak and refilling the fluid

 

[atikovi]

Not sure if a CVT is different, but I changed the fluid and external filter on a Nissan. The filter housing has an o-ring and benounced to me, it either rolled or got out of position on re-installation such that 20 miles into a drive, the car started bucking and loosing speed. 2 miles later I had to pull over as it wouldn't move. Saw the puddle under the transmission. After getting a tow back, I got a new o-ring and carefully put it back in and filled the transmission with fluid. Ran fine since.

 

[clinebarger]

I would try fixing the leak & refill it with fluid first. Even if the frictions got a little hot & distressed.....Might still get a lot of miles out of it.

 

[Markopolo]

Id fix it and fill it up, then if it still moves id go 100ish miles then change the fluid again (since it most likely picked up all the metal bits and clutch material)

after that sell it on craigslist, or to Carmax

 

[xgmad]

I had that happen to my 2.5 jetta , it wasnt a atf line, but a bullet hit straight into the pan, didn't realize it until it disengaged after a couple minutes, I just replaced the pan and new fluid and shifted perfectly.

 

[GMBoy]

I would try fixing the leak & refill it with fluid first. Even if the frictions got a little hot & distressed.....Might still get a lot of miles out of it.

I agree with this and since we are hearing this from Clinebarger - it is golden

 

[Warstud]

Thanks guys ....I'll tell him and hopefully he takes the advice.