The pan magnet catches metal wear particles. What's on it tells you everything about trans health.
What the pan magnet does
- Catches ferrous (iron/steel) particles
- Keeps them out of valve body
- Prevents valve sticking
- Reveals wear pattern when inspected
- Read our transmission pan inspection
What you might find
Fine gray dust:
- Normal wear
- Acceptable in moderation
- Service interval fine
Visible metal shavings:
- Excessive wear
- Hard parts deteriorating
- Plan inspection or rebuild
Large chunks:
- Catastrophic failure imminent
- Stop driving
- Read our transmission warning signs
Brass/copper-colored particles:
- Bushing wear
- Specific component failing
- Read our 4L80E pump bushing
Aluminum flake:
- Case or aluminum part wear
- Investigate source
What burnt friction looks like
- Brown/black flaky material
- Not metal
- Sometimes mistaken for dust
- Indicates clutch wear
- Read our burnt transmission fluid
During every pan service
- Clean magnet thoroughly
- Photograph if concerning
- Re-install with new gasket
- Document in service records
Read our how to flush transmission fluid
Upgrade options
HD magnet:
- Larger surface area
- Catches more debris
- $10-$30 part
Multiple magnets:
- Some HD pans include several
- Better debris capture
- Read our deep transmission pan
Pan with drain plug + magnet:
- Easier service
- Inspect more often
Service interval implications
Lots of debris:
- Shorten service interval
- Inspect every 15,000 miles
- Or plan rebuild
Clean magnet:
- Normal interval OK
- 30,000-50,000 miles
Read our transmission failure modes
When magnet inspection saves you money
- Catches problem before catastrophic
- Lets you plan rebuild
- Avoids stranded breakdown
- Read our transmission warning signs
What good rebuilders document
- Magnet contents at teardown
- Photos for warranty record
- Helps diagnose recurring issues
- Read our transmission rebuild quality check
Need pan service parts or HD pans? Shop our complete catalog. HD pans, gaskets, magnets, filters. Free shipping over $70.
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