will low trans fluid make the check engine light come on? it did it this morning when I started the car?

Question

the car runs good it was fine last night but I went to start it this morning the light was on I let it run for a bit thought it would reset it self but it didn't so I checked the fluids and the trans fluid was a bit low well lets say quit a bit low I took it for a very quick drive down the street everything seems fine my gf took the car to work as far as I know she had no trouble she did not call so I dont know what the hell is going on. damn cars and that computer crap make you play a damn guess game well thanks for the help

Answer 1

Yes a low level will throw a fault into your computer causing the "Check engine light" to come on..... because your transmission is electronic.... all transmissions are nowadays...... low fluid level in a transmission will cause low pump pressure and the trans not to shift correctly. I would scan the computer with an OBDII scanner to double check any faults.

Answer 2

Usually the automatic transmission will just stop working if it is too low on fluid. I usually do not get a check engine light for low trans fluid. Not knowing the make or year of the vehicle, I cannot give you exact diagnostics. You can reset the check engine light some times by taking the NEGATIVE!!!!!! terminal off the battery for a few minutes and then reattach. If you have a theft proof radio, you will need the codes to make it work again and you will have to reset all of your radio stations, clock and any other user defined parameters. Make sure the corrosion is cleaned from the terminals before reattaching, a paste made with a mixture of baking soda and water applied to the terminal will neutralize the acid. Wash off with LOTS of water and don't get any battery acid on your clothing, body or the other parts of the car. Be most careful of protecting your eyes. The washing off of the terminals with the water shouldn't do any damage to the rest of the car if you use lots of water.

Answer 3

Transmission Fluid Light

Answer 4

I don't thing low transmission fluid would cause the check engine light to light. However, you clearly have a transmission leak.

You can go to an auto parts store and get a cheap doo dad to read the error code that is causing the light to come on. You may also be able to find some sort of sequence to get the car to flash the code at you. For example...it might be if you turn the key on 3 times in a row it will cause the light to blink the code at you or beep the horn ....i just made the key turning thing up...it may be pressing 3 buttons on the radio at the same time for all I know....but there is probably some way that is particular to your model car.

Answer 5

Yes, I can tell you from experience that low fluid levels can make that stupid engine light come on. I have to pay to have it scanned and turned off again, because when I went to have my oil changed at Wal-Mart they "said" they checked my fluids, yah right! I was driving with little next to no break fluid, and like a demon from hell my engine light came on along with the break and abs lights. I put some fluid in and poof they went off and the good ole engine light stayed on. Now I'm going to have to pay for it to be turned off! Good luck.

Answer 6

The "check engine" light means its a dummy light...basically telling you to check ALL fluids that make/help the engine run smoothely. Low Tranny fluid needs to be brought up to proper level...or the cost of a bottle or two of transmission fluid could turn into a new tranny or having yours brought back to snuff.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ go out and buy a haines book for your make/model of your vehicle.

Every week, you should check all fluids. when checking tranny fluid....make good and sure the motor is RUNNING when you check the level. For oil....engine-off.

hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 7

Yes low levels can trigger a MIL (malfunction indicator light) You best have it scanned to make sure there is nothing else.