Transmission

Car was running fine no trouble shifting pulled in gas station and noticed transmission fluid pouring out of car drove it about 7 miles heard a pop under the hood then the car started bellowing smoke then car stopped

My car has 77000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. From what you are describing it seems as though the transmission fluid has leaked out. There is a rubber hose that conveys transmission fluid to the radiator for cooling (through a sealed heat exchanger). That hose could have leaked. The smoke could be caused by the leaking transmission fluid having contacting hot engine parts. If hot enough the fluid will vaporize and you will see smoke. YourMechanic can identify the leak and refill the transmission on a mobile basis at your home or office. Let us know how we can assist.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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In an automatic transmission, it not only lubricates the moving parts, but also provides hydraulic pressure and friction to make the internal parts work. Transmission fluid in both manual and automatic transmissions also helps to keep the transmission cool.
It`s a type of car problem that`s not hard to notice. Buick Regal transmission problems can present themselves as shifting delays, jumping or grinding during acceleration, a feeling of shakiness, or whistling noises and a burning smell coming from under the hood.
Minor fixes might only cost you $50 or less, but major repairs like a Buick transmission replacement or rebuild can run you between $800 and $6,000—before labor costs.
The most common types are Dexron/Mercon and Multi-Vehicle Synthetic. The transmission is one of the most complex systems in a vehicle, so it is critical to use an appropriate and high-quality ATF to help ensure performance well past the 100k mile mark.
How much transmission fluid your vehicle needs ranges from as few as 8-9 quarts for small passenger vehicles to more than 20 quarts for heavy-duty trucks. As you do when determining how often to change transmission fluid, check your owner`s manual for the transmission fluid capacity.
Automatic: Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles

If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There`s no harm in changing your fluid early.

Overall the Buick Regal reliability is 60.95 and that makes it very reliable. The chart below illustrates exactly how this ranks compared to some other cars, but the average overall rating is 57 as some comparison.
A Buick will generally last around 200,000 miles or 13 years. Buick was ranked 3rd in J.D. Power`s 2020 vehicle dependability study—making it the highest-ranking luxury brand on the list!
The plant in Michigan builds V-6 engines and 10-speed transmissions for GM`s Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles, the company said, while the Indiana aluminum die-casting facility produces transmission casings, converter housings, heads and small gas engine blocks.
These factors include if it is automatic or manual, the age of the transmission and its parts, the extent of damage, and the type of vehicle. A transmission rebuild cost averages $3,000. In comparison, a transmission replacement cost averages $6,500. Finally, a transmission repair will cost approximately $800.
If you don`t replace your transmission fluid, it will break down much like engine oil and lose its lubricating and cleaning properties. This leads to high temperatures, sludge buildup, and excess friction, which can damage the internal clutches that shift the gears.
From the factory, the transmissions require two completely different transmission fluid formulations and/or specs. It would be best to put the bottle back. We don`t recommend using any fluid that says it can be used in a wide variety of transmission brands or types.
If you don`t replace your transmission fluid, it will break down much like engine oil and lose its lubricating and cleaning properties. This leads to high temperatures, sludge buildup, and excess friction, which can damage the internal clutches that shift the gears.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.

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2013 Ford Focus Transmission Issue. Is it worth keeping the car?
ANSWER : Hi There,
This is a known issue in this generation Ford Focus and some Fiestas with the "Power Shift" transmission and there have been numerous recalls and lawsuits. Although, it is would be difficult to determine how much longer your transmission will last given the fact that you have many new parts, I would not recommend junking the car as it may still provide some valuable life left for you. I would recommend taking it to the dealer to see if these parts may be covered under the recall.

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Can too much transmission fluid cause speedometer malfunctions?
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases when you overfill the transmission fluid it can cause excessive foaming of the fluid or possible internal component failure due to excessive pressure inside the hydraulic lines. Sensors like the speed sensors however are rarely impacted by this situation. However, in regards to the possibility of probability of this; I would say perhaps a 10% chance.

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Transmission fluid comes up out of the transmission vent tube attached to the transmission dipstick tube
ANSWER : Hi there. Fluid seepage out of the vent tube can sometimes be normal, but can also be caused by overfilling. Has a service been performed recently? Perform a fluid level and condition inspection by having the engine at idle, on a level surface, warmed up engine, and remove the dipstick and cleaning it with a shop towel. Reinsert the dipstick and fully remove to a horizontal position for inspection. Make sure the fluid is not milky, very dark, or has contamination. The level should be in the safe zone marked on the stick.

Have an inspection by a qualified technician determine if any problems truly do exist and provide you with some assurance. YourMechanic has several technicians available that can assist you with a transmission leak inspection and can perform a transmission fluid service if needed.

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Kia Optima 2004 v6 LX new engine old transmission no problems before with transmission now my transmission is shifting a high rpm
ANSWER : Hi There,
This may be an issue related to the communication of the PCM and the TCM (Transmission control module). As you may know, the TCM relies on the PCM to transmit information related to RPM’s, which the TCM then uses to determine when to direct the transmission to shift. The transmission control module has various sensors such as vehicle speed sensors, wheel speed sensors, throttle position sensors, turbine speed sensor, and transmission fluid temperature sensors that all direct information to it in order for it to perform it’s function. Other functions controlled by the TCM are components such as a kick down switch, traction control system, and cruise control module. Any of these may also affect the way the transmission control module performs and controls the transmission and the shifting of your vehicle. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your transmission problem.

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Bought a 1999 Chevy Z71 for very cheap. The transmission is out. How should this be fixed?
ANSWER : Hi there. The 4l60e transmission could have two things wrong with it. Either the park arm is not disengaging inside the transmission making the transmission load up but not rotate the drive shaft or the transmission is low on oil. Check the oil on the transmission dip stick and see what the level is. The level must be checked with the engine running. If the oil level is at the full mark, then it is possible that the torque converter may have damaged the pump.

Remove a cooler line and put it into a bucket, and for a brief moment start up the engine and shut it off. If oil sprays out of the cooler line, then the pump is producing pressure. However, if no oil comes out of the cool line, then the pump is not working.

If you need further assistance troubleshooting your transmission, then I recommend having the transmission problem diagnosed by a local expert, such as one from YourMechanic. You will be be able to make a better decision about the car after finding out exactly what’s wrong with it.

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Can I add Lucas oil "transmission fix" to my transmission fluid to see if it helps my issue.
ANSWER : Adding an additive to the transmission to try and fix a problem will not work in most instances and should only be used as a last resort before getting a transmission overhaul.

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1998 mercedes benz c280 transmission fluid leak from top
ANSWER : Hi there. Unfortunately, we are not able to receive pictures or video to pinpoint damage or identify parts for vehicles through this platform. The best way to identify this item is to search online for a detailed schematic of your C280 Mercedes-Benz or contact a local MB specialist mechanic or the dealership service department to determine the parts name and function. You might also want to have a MB specialist mechanic install and inspect your vehicle for further transmission fluid leaks to ensure the repairs are correctly completed.

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