Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'92 Chevy Astro, Overheating Transmission
Q:
I have a '92 Chevy Astro van. I was towing a 3200lb trailer camper and
I overheated my transmission and fluids started flowing out. I was driving
in overdrive for about 30 mins. Any advice on proper driving procedure
when towing ? The towing capacity of Astro vans is somewhere in the vicinity
of 5000 lbs.
-
Fred C.
A:
What
does your van have for a transmission cooler? I would suggest adding a
cooler if the transmission oil is only cooled by the cooler in the radiator.
Also you should check the flow rate of the transmission cooler. Your transmission
cooler should flow rate of 1 quart of transmission oil in 15 to 20 seconds.
If the flow rate is low then there is likely a restriction in the cooler
or the transmission cooler lines. I would not suggest operating the transmission
in overdrive when towing a trailer. Many vehicles with a factory towing
package have a switch to lock-out the overdrive of the transmission when
towing.
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