Could the automatic transmission pan lead to a clogged transmission filter? How does the pan work in the overall operation of your automobile’s transmission? These are questions you likely don’t even consider until your vehicle’s transmission isn’t working as it should. So keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the automatic transmission pan and how it relates to your transmission filter and potential clogs.
What Is the Automatic Transmission Pan?
The automatic transmission pan is the compartment that holds the automatic transmission fluid (ATF), protecting the filter from foreign contaminants. There are several types of transmission pans, including stock pans, deep pans, and pans with built-in cooling features. An experienced transmission professional can help you determine what kind of pan your vehicle has.
A properly working ATF pan performs the following:
- Collects particles or dirt in the filter through a magnet in the pan.
- Prevents rocks and other road objects from creating leaks in the filter.
- Cools the filter before it goes into the transmission.
- The gasket in the pan keeps fluid from leaking.
Common problems with the automatic transmission pan include:
- Objects striking the pan, leading to punctures that can allow fluid leaks; large amounts of fluid loss can cause transmission problems and erratic behavior.
- The pan can slip out of the correct position or crack, leading to fluid loss.
- Loose pan components such as drain plugs or bolts can also cause leaks.
- Dents in the pan from floor jacks or other damage can reduce the pan’s capacity to hold fluid.
Automatic Transmission Pan and the Clogged Filter
In addition to causing leaks, transmission pan problems can eventually lead to a clogged transmission filter. This typically happens when the transmission pan is compromised and allows contaminants to get inside the filter, causing clogs. A blocked filter cannot correctly perform its job of filtering out the pollutants—because there are too many to filter. Regularly checking the pan and fluid can avoid problems with the pan and a clogged filter.
Choose Guardian Transmission Repair
Whether you think you may have a leak in your automatic transmission pan or another issue causing the filter clog, the team at Guardian Transmission Repair can help. We offer professional diagnostic services to get to the bottom of the issue and proven solutions for your transmission problems. Let us help you can end the hassle and get back out on the road safely.
Our team can also help you determine if a different type of pan might provide better performance for your vehicle’s filter. As trusted local transmission professionals, our customers rely on us to maximize their transmissions to achieve vehicles that operate optimally. Contact Guardian Transmission to schedule reliable transmission repair services or to learn more about the role of your automatic transmission pan.