Low Trans Fluid - what damage to expect

[mackgoodman]

I have searched the forum and cannot find the answer. Right now I have the O/D flashing periodically on my 2000 explorer 6 cyl.
My wife said it was shifting funny for a "few weeks" but I didn't get that message until the O/D light came on. Anyway, it was very low on fluid and now with the proper fluid, the light still comes on periodically ..
What is going on? I know I need to get the code read.

My question is what damage does a low fluid condition do and can I fix it, or am I likely looking at major trans rebuild money..

Thanks ahead of time

 

[general x]

Hmm im no tranny guru but Auto trannys rely on the transmission fluid for cooling, lubrication, and the hydralic pressure to actuate clutchs and make the shifts we appreciate so much. Its also used as a medium for transfering power within the Torque converter and without it your tranny wouldnt work too well Cant say for sure what a lack of transmission fluid would do to any particular tranny or how much you would need to be down to cause any irreversable damage but im sure a member will pipe up soon and let cha know ^^

Edit- Welcome to the forum BTW

 

[BrooklynBay]

The fluid provides a means for hydraulic pressure to engage clutch plates, servo pistons, and other moving parts. Running low could cause the plates, and bands to create friction with a lack of fluid acting like coolant, and glaze its contact area.

 

[mackgoodman]

WHats next?

The fluid provides a means for hydraulic pressure to engage clutch plates, servo pistons, and other moving parts. Running low could cause the plates, and bands to create friction with a lack of fluid acting like coolant, and glaze its contact area.

Thanks for the info.. I saw some people say I can get the codes by going to Autozone. Is that true? I just seem to find conflicting data about that. I tried my scanner and it does nothing but engine codes I guess. o/d light flashes for a time , now and then, not always.
Also, real funny shift from 1st to 2nd, i guess it's what you call a 'slip', not sure. Engine seems to idle too high as well, up to about 1200, but I am not sure where it's suppose to idle. Is there anything I can do, other than get the codes? Or should I just bite the bullet and take to trans place for diag.. I am 'pretty ' good with engines, etc but have never tried anything with transmission. Maybe time to learn. thanks for any advice based on what I have posted..

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could try Autozone, bu if your scanner doesn't work, there is a chance that their scanner won't work either. Some transmission shops might give a free evaluation with a scan. You could try a valve body rebuild first after you go to the shop to see what code you have. Check WWW.ATRA.Com for a shop in your area. Keep in mind that most shops will try to push an entire rebuild instead of just repairing the actual problem. Sometimes it's necessary to rebuild everything, but not nearly as much as some shops say that it is.