this happened a few days ago. I bought some oil and some transmission fluid for my car and when I went to go put the transmission fluid in, i was the oil instead! iI poured about a fourth of a quart into it, will this do any damage? Please help :(
2007-12-23 13:50:20 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Take the car in and have a complete transmission service and fluid flush done! Depending on the vehicle, you can cause serious damage by using the wrong fluid!
2007-12-23 14:43:44 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am assuming you have an automatic transmission. I don't think it will damage the transmission. Motor oil and trans fluid are very similar. With the small amount (1/4 quart) that you added to the transmission (usually several quarts) I doubt that it will damage the transmission. The biggest effect that the oil will have on your transmission is that it might change the amount of friction between the clutch packs which could cause them to slip.
I have actually heard of people who swear by adding motor oil to their transmission to make it last longer but I personally don't believe this.
To be absolutely safe you could change the transmission fluid. The best method is to have the fluid exchanged at a dealership or service shop. They will use a pump to remove the old fluid while simultaneously replacing it new fluid. This ensures that all of the fluid in the trans is new.
2007-12-23 22:05:59 · answer #2 · answered by chevyzr2s10 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋
You have not done any short-term harm, don't worry.
My advice would be to get the transmission serviced (I take it this is an automatic in that it had a place to add fluid) - automobile motor oil has certain anti-friction compounds that would not be in transmission fluid and they can cause slipping in the clutch packs if enough is present.
That's the good news - you didn't put that much so I don't think it's an emergency. What I've recommended is purely to be on the safe side. You might not ever have a problem with it anyway.
Don't feel bad about it - good luck!
2007-12-23 22:01:27 · answer #3 · answered by Right Guard 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Yes, adding engine oil to a transmission will cause problems. You need to get it out of there as soon as possible. A transmission fluid filter and fluid change is the only way to make sure you get it out of there. If you let it go and drive your vehicle it could quite possibly destroy the inner-components of your transmission, leave you walking and take a big bite out of your wallet.
Sorry for the bad news....
2007-12-23 21:59:14 · answer #4 · answered by k.t. W 3 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I would go to a garage and get my transmission oil changed right away. Transmissions are very expensive to repair and they need very specific oils. I hope a mechanic reads your question and gives you a more knowledgeable answer.
2007-12-23 22:02:42 · answer #5 · answered by Louis 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
really need to know what kind of car but it should have the fluid drained the problem is if you have ran the car or even started it the oil is mixed and ran through the trans you may get lucky but a trans shop can flush the system tell them what u did so they will know. they may also be able to fix the leak which caused the problem to start with good luck.
2007-12-23 22:00:56 · answer #6 · answered by bob h 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
1/4 shouldnt hurt. I would suggest having the tranny fluid changed at some point. It would be beneficial regardless of the mistake you made. You're car will be alright ma'am.
2007-12-23 21:59:11 · answer #7 · answered by Tbone 6 · 1⤊ 4⤋
what kind of oil is that? try bringing your car for a full flush if you are worried about it....
2007-12-23 21:57:23 · answer #8 · answered by Devil 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If thats all you put in it No Sweat. Just top it off with ATF . If you had put over a quart i would have had it flused . But you will be fine.
2007-12-23 21:58:12 · answer #9 · answered by cblack6540 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
No this shouldn't hurt.
A quarter of a quart would not be enough to cause any problems.
2007-12-23 21:59:42 · answer #10 · answered by Bert from Brandon 5 · 3⤊ 5⤋