When it comes to reliability and safety, Volvo cars have no match… but they still aren’t immune to problems. As with any other automobiles, vehicles manufactured by this Swedish automaker can experience occasional malfunctions. In this article, we have discussed one such issue about which Volvo owners should be vigilant: transmission overheating. The post aims to help you understand the leading reasons and signs of transmission overheating in Volvo cars. As a bonus, we have also shared a list of things that you can do to get the issue addressed. So, let’s begin…
Leading Reasons Demystified
Low transmission fluid
The transmission unit is perhaps the most intricate component of a vehicle- made of all sorts of metal parts such as gears, shafts, clutches, and hydraulic systems. In addition to all these parts, the gearbox rely on a special kind of fluid primarily for lubrication, cooling, and hydraulic purposes. If the fluid leaks out because of a defective gasket or a cracked component, the gearbox will act up and may even overheat. Depleted transmission fluid level can also contribute to shifting-related issues in a vehicle.
Towing heavy loads
The transmission system of a vehicle essentially works by manipulating engine torque. It dictates how much torque needs to be transmitted to the wheels. If you tow heavy loads, the gearbox will work hard. The increased workload will cause the fluid circulating inside the system to heat up and degrade, which can contribute to accelerated wear of key transmission components. If you don’t want to end up damaging your Volvo’s transmission, understand its towing capacity and refrain from carrying loads weighing beyond the vehicle’s recommended towing capacity.
Mechanical issues
Worn components can also contribute to transmission overheating in a vehicle. Manipulating engine torque requires the involvement of many different parts… ranging from bearings to shafts. Should one of these components malfunction, the transmission system will stop working. If the issue is minor, it will impact how the vehicle operates, potentially causing the gearbox to overheat rather than completely breaking down. So, if you don’t want to end up with expensive repairs, have your Volvo checked by certified professionals as soon as its transmission temperature begins to skyrocket.
Driving habits
The way you drive can also impact the functioning of your vehicle’s transmission system. If you happen to be a bad driver who loves to perform stuffs such as drifting, aggressive braking, and abrupt gear changes, the transmission system’s efficiency will be adversely impacted. It can even cause the gearbox to overheat occasionally. In addition to aggressive driving practices, environmental factors like high ambient temperatures can make your gearbox prone to overheating.
Clues To Keep An Eye On
Burning odor
Lately, has your Volvo been emitting a distinctive burning odor? If so, it is likely that your transmission temperature has exceeded the optimal operating range. In addition to burning odor, you might notice fluid leaks and even smoke under the hood. Taking such things for granted can leads to transmission repairs down the road.
Shifting-related issues
Shifting between gears won’t be easy for you if your Volvo’s transmission overheats. Increased internal temperature can cause the gearbox to act erratically, contributing to all sorts of drivability problems including gear slipping and shifting difficulties. You might also experience jerking sensation during acceleration and deceleration. Unpredictable changes in driving speed is another common issue.
Dashboard warning indicators
If the transmission temperature jumps beyond the maximum permissible limits, it can also result in the flashing of the check engine light, in addition to numerous other warning indicators. So, if your Volvo is giving off a distinct burning odor and its check engine light is on, have its transmission checked by certified professionals.
So, What To Do About It?
There are a few things that you can do to prevent your Volvo transmission from overheating.
#1- You can check on your vehicle’s transmission fluid level periodically and top it up if necessary. Remember, the inspection should be done when the engine is running and the transmission is warm.
#2- Avoid towing heavy loads. If towing is necessary, drive carefully and take breaks from time to time to allow the transmission to cool down. Find out what’s your vehicle’s towing capacity and act accordingly.
#3- Gentle driving habits can significantly enhance the service life of your vehicle’s key drivetrain parts including the gearbox.
Bavarium Autoworks: Most Trusted Garage In Mountain View For Volvo Repair
Being the most important part of your Volvo’s 
drivetrain, the transmission deserves particular care. Check on your vehicle’s gearbox from time to time, and if you notice that its temperature has exceeded the recommended range, seek professional help. If you live in or around Mountain View, CA, you can contact us at Bavarium Autoworks. Technicians working in our facility have years of experience in troubleshooting complex mechanical issues in high-end imported vehicles, including Volvo cars. Booking an appointment with us has never been easier. Visit our website or call us at 650-962-9401 for more info.