What are symptoms of transmission overheating?

Transmission overheating can lead to several noticeable symptoms that indicate a potential problem with the transmission system. Slipping gears, a burnt smell, and discolored transmission fluid are key indicators of overheating.

When a transmission overheats, it can cause the fluid to break down, leading to a significant reduction in its ability to lubricate and cool the internal components. This breakdown can result in slipping gears, where the transmission fails to maintain a proper grip on the gears, creating a situation where the engine revs but the vehicle does not accelerate properly. The burnt smell is caused by the degradation of the transmission fluid, which can produce a distinctive odor when exposed to high temperatures. Discolored transmission fluid is another sign, as healthy transmission fluid is typically a bright red color. When it becomes brown or dark, it suggests that it is burned or contaminated.

The other choices describe scenarios that do not align with the symptoms of an overheating transmission and instead reflect normal operating conditions, which further highlights the severity of the symptoms presented in the correct answer.