Forgot To Put Magnet In Transmission Pan: Quick and Effective Fixes!

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forgot to put magnet in transmission pan

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While there is no hard rule on when to change the transmission filter, experts recommend doing it after every 30,000 miles. Unfortunately, you must remove the entire pan, containing a magnet inside, to get at the filter. So, what could happen if you accidentally forgot to put the magnet in the transmission pan while reinstalling it?

Well, a lot can happen, such as your car’s transmission lifespan being reduced. Also, you could experience poor transmission performance, like slipping gears. You may also have to deal with loud car noises and expensive repairs over time.

This leads to the question, what then can you do to fix the problem? Stay right here, and I will tell you shortly.

forgot to put magnet in transmission pan
Table of Contents

What Happens When You Forget To Put Magnet In A Transmission Pan?

The transmission pan magnet plays an essential role in preserving the health of the automatic transmission. So, if you forget to reinstall while changing the transmission filter, gasket, or pan, you risk the following:

1. Reduced Transmission Life

A transmission pan magnet is designed to attract and collect any metal filings that may be shaved off in the automatic transmission. This helps ensure they don’t recirculate in the transmission and mix with the oil in the pan.

If you forget to put the magnet inside the pan, the metal filings or particles will circulate freely along the trans fluid. As a result, the transmission components, such as the bearings, gear set, and clutch plates, will wear out faster.

2. Poor Transmission Performance

If you don’t put the transmission pan magnet back inside, the fluid will become overly dirty and contaminated over time. As a result, the transmission will have trouble building up enough hydraulic pressure to correctly shift gears.

Eventually, you could start experiencing reduced transmission performance, including slipping gears and rough shifting.

3. Expensive Repairs

Experts recommend inspecting the transmission pan magnet every so often. If you notice large or excessive metal shavings around the magnet, it could be a sign of abnormal component wear. This allows you to repair the worn parts before they cause more damage to other components.

So, if the magnet is not there to catch the shavings, it will be impossible to detect problems with the transmission early on. As a result, you could deal with expensive repairs in the long run involving engine damage.

4. Loud Car Noises

When the transmission pan does not have a magnet to catch the metal filings, it can cause the fluid to break down. When this happens, the transmission fluid will not lubricate the mechanical gears properly.

Therefore, the transmission components will experience increased friction, causing them to produce loud noises. Some noises your car will make are clunking, whining, and humming.

What To Do When You Forget To Put Magnet in Transmission Pan

Now that you know the repercussions of forgetting to put the transmission pan magnet. So, to prevent the harsh consequences, what do you do? Here is what you can do to fix the problem.

1. Install a Magnet Outside the Pan

One of the quickest solutions is to buy a new magnet and stick it to the outside of the transmission pan. This way, you don’t have to disassemble the pan again.

The good news is there are many stronger aftermarket magnets designed to stick to the bottom of the pan. However, they don’t do an excellent job of protecting your transmission.

Instead, these magnets serve as a warning, telling you about the condition of your transmission. For example, if the magnets come out with small particles, it is an indication of normal wear. But if the metal filings on the magnets are large and many, it is a sign that something is wrong with your trans.

2. Drop Down the Transmission Pan

This solution is a little more tasking, but it’s the most effective. It requires you to tear apart the transmission pan and reinstall the magnet. Below is how to go about it:

Step 1

Lift your vehicle using jack stands.

Step 2

Get underneath your car and locate the transmission fluid pan affixed to the bottom of the transmission.

Step 3

If the pan has a drain plug, use a socket wrench to loosen it. Then, drain the transmission fluid into a clean bucket or drain pan and remove the trans pan.

Step 4

If there is no drain plug, remove the entire transmission pan by unscrewing the bolts and securing it. Then, drain the fluid.

Step 5

Next, clean the pan and install the magnet inside it. If you no longer have the magnet, I recommend getting an OEM replacement magnet.

Step 6

Reinstall the transmission fluid pan and torque the bolts, but avoid over-tightening them. If the pan has a drain plug, reinstall it too.

Step 7

Slide out from under your car and lower your vehicle to the floor.

Step 8

Open your car’s hood and pinpoint the transmission fluid port. Then, use a funnel to refill the fluid you had drained directly into the port.

Step 9

Start your car and let it idle for a few minutes. Then, shut it off and check the fluid levels. If low, add some more. But can you mix Dexron 3 with Dexron 6? Yes. If you were previously using Dex 3, you can top up the fluid levels with Dex VI.

3. Install a Magnetic Drain Plug

If your transmission fluid pan is fitted with a drain plug, you can replace it with a magnetic one to solve the issue. This way, you don’t have to remove the pan as well.

As the name suggests, magnetic plugs have a powerful magnet that sits under the transmission filter. This ensures that as the transmission fluid swirls past the magnet, it attracts and traps any metal shavings present in the oil.

Consequently, the fluid will stay clean for more efficient transmission operation. To install the plug, I suggest you follow these steps:

Step 1

Raise your car off the ground and unscrew the drain plug from the transmission pan.

Step 2

Drain all the oil.

Step 3

Install the new magnetic drain plug securely. I recommend getting a premium-quality plug made of premium stainless materials for maximum durability.

Step 4

Lower your car to the ground and refill the transmission fluid.

Conclusion

Driving your car without the transmission pan magnet for a short should be okay. But you must not wait until the next service to reinstall it. This is because, without the magnet, the oil will be filled with ferrous metal particles over time. These metal pieces will cause havoc to your car, including the transmission.

The good news? You can always put it back, although you have to tear the transmission pan apart. Alternatively, you could invest in a magnetic drain plug or another stronger magnet and slap it outside the pan.

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