Which issue is likely to cause burned clutch plate bands?

Burned clutch plate bands are typically caused by excessive heat generated within the transmission system, and internal leaks due to damaged seals are a significant contributor to this problem. When seals are damaged, hydraulic fluid can leak, resulting in inadequate pressure being applied to the clutch plates. This insufficient pressure means that the clutch cannot engage or disengage properly, leading to slippage. The slippage causes additional friction and, in turn, excessive heat buildup. Over time, this heat can scorch or burn the clutch plates, leading to reduced performance or failure of the transmission.

On the other hand, while a defective governor and a leaking modulator can cause issues in automatic transmission performance, they are less directly connected to the burning of clutch plates. A defective governor affects the shifting patterns and line pressure but does not directly create the thermal overload associated with burned clutch plates. Similarly, a leaking modulator can alter transmission shift quality but is less likely to cause the high-temperature conditions found with damaged seals which lead directly to clutch plate deterioration.