Amber light
Transmission Warning Light
The automatic gearbox control unit has found a fault or the transmission is overheating.
High risk
Drive gently to a safe place. The gearbox may go into a limp mode with one gear; overheating can damage it.
Short answer · What does the transmission warning light mean?
It shows that the gearbox control unit has stored a fault or that the transmission fluid is too hot. The gearbox may stay in one gear to protect itself. Stop and let it cool if it is overheating, then have the fault code read; continuing in limp mode for long distances can cause further damage.
What to do
- Drive gentlyAvoid towing and hard acceleration.
- Let it coolStop if the warning mentions temperature.
- Read the codeGearbox fault codes guide the repair.
How is the light behaving?
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Steady | Gearbox fault stored or limp mode | Drive gently to a workshop |
| Flashing | Overheating on some cars | Stop and let it cool |
Possible causes
- Low or old transmission fluidPoor lubrication and overheating.
- Solenoid or valve body faultShift control fails.
- Speed sensor faultThe unit cannot calculate gears.
- OverheatingTowing or heavy traffic.