Stop safely
Transmission temperature warning light: meaning and what to do
What it means
The automatic transmission is overheating, often from towing, heavy traffic or low fluid.
Can I keep driving?
No. When the transmission temperature light is on, pull over where it's safe and turn the engine off. Driving on can cause serious damage or make the car unsafe.
What to do
Pull over and let it idle in Park to cool down. If it comes back, have the transmission fluid checked.
On some cars it shows as text
AT TEMPTRANS
Typical repair cost (US)
$150–$3,500
Estimated range when a repair is needed; it depends on the car and the cause.
What the color tells you
Red lights warn about a problem that can be dangerous or damage the car. Stop as soon as it's safe.
Cars whose owners report this light most
Model years with the most NHTSA owner complaints that mention the transmission temperature light.