Transmission fluid low after driving through mud puddle

I am having a repeated issue with my 2016 offroad (auto trans) after driving through a mud puddle. The High transmission fluid temp and low trans fluid pressure warning displays. Engine stalls out and cannot restart until it cools down. Transmission starts shifting aggressively as one would that's low on fluid. This happened earlier this year (from drivng through a big puddle) and the remedy was a transmission flush. Maybe it just needed to be topped off but the dealership just flushed the transmission. How can water from a mud puddle affect the transmission like this? Prior to the mud puddle, I was using 4-low but everything was fine until the puddle. Anyone else experience anything similar?

 

I would guess that what is happening is that the water is affecting the electronics/connectors rather than the fluid. You may have a corroded connector, or conductors with worn insulation, and when the water from the puddle hits them, they short, and you get the warnings. I'd start with a really thorough visual inspection and a wiggle test.

 

I'm thinking you had an electrical issue from wires and electrical components getting wet. Someone charged you for work that didn't need to be done.

 

When I purchased my '06 in 2020, the Automatic had a firm/hard upshift with a lagging downshift. At that time, the truck had 105,xxx miles.

I did the AT 100 Kmile service with drain/fill and new filter. During the process, I discovered the transmission was short filled by 3 quarts. I drained off 3 qts but added back 6 qts.

After I completed the work, the AT shift was incredibly smooth. I had to watch the Tachometer to detect the shift points.

Have you run thru the process to check fluid level in the transmission, including the Temperature Check Mode?


I can't fathom how a mud puddle would interfere with the transmission. Unless......How deep was the puddle?

 

this may be true. The first time around, I took it to the stealer, and the transmission problem (aggressive shifting) was resolved. Well until now.

 

I have not not done the transmission check mode yet. I've tried to steer clear of the transmission-related issues and just let the stealership rob me.

Mud puddle was maybe a ft deep but I flew through it and water definitely made contact with engine/trans.

 

Doing the fluid level check using the Temperature Check Mode would confirm if the fluid is low or not.

Its pretty simple and fairly quick check.

A good way to eliminate one potential problem.

Sifting out wiring problems can be a real headache.

 

I will do this today. Thanks!!

 

update: I attempted doing the Temp check mode using a paperclip. I did not get the light that is supposed to turn on after the repeated neutral-drive steps ; however, all the indicator lights turned off and transmission is working just fine. Not sure what that was about and wondering if I should even go to my scheduled stealership appointment in the morning.