What Are the Causes of Transmission Pump Failure?
by Jen DavisThe transmission oil pump is attached to the front of the transmission case. It is connected to the torque converter housing and supplies the transmission with the oil it needs using power generated from the torque converter and engine. The oil comes into the pump via a filter on the bottom of your transmission oil pan. From there it travels through a tube into the oil pump. Problems with the oil pump on a transmission are fairly rare and can be caused by several different issues.
Low Fluid
Low fluid is one of the most common causes of problems for transmission oil pumps. Without a sufficient amount of transmission fluid, the transmission oil pump will not have anything to pump and can overheat or burn up.
Contaminated Fluids
If your vehicle's transmission fluid has been contaminated with another substance, most commonly water, it can cause serious problems for your transmission oil pump. Fluids that do not have the correct lubrication or cannot withstand the amount of heat generated by the transmission will break down and may cause various components to corrode or be otherwise damaged.
Worn Components
As with all mechanical devices, the transmission oil pump is composed of a variety of components and parts that work together in order to perform the function. If the drive gears, stator shaft or bushings are worn, breaking down or have developed other problems, the transmission oil pump will not be able to perform is job properly or maintain correct fluid pressure.
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Writer Bio
Jen Davis has been writing since 2004. She has served as a newspaper reporter and her freelance articles have appeared in magazines such as "Horses Incorporated," "The Paisley Pony" and "Alabama Living." Davis earned her Bachelor of Arts in communication with a concentration in journalism from Berry College in Rome, Ga.
