Transmission temp. gauge

[gregdan24]

Not sure about your year, but on earlier models the aftermarket trans temp gauges (the accurate ones) use a sender that is installed in another port on the side of the trans - just have to remove a plug.

[jackel1959]

If all you want is a monitor, check out this website: ScanGauge. I've been using one for a couple of years now and like it. It plugs into the OBDI and monitors 4 different systems at one time and a number of different ones that you can select. I normally monitor voltage, trans temp, coolant temp and engine oil temp. It is inexpensive, accurate, compact and you can move it from vehicle to vehicle. If all you want is a monitor, this is very good for the price. You can call and talk with them...they are very helpful and will be able to answer any questions you might have.
Jack

[FLSTS03]

Dodge now offers gauges in the 2010 performance cat.,guess they are finally coming around. Steve

[Slufoot733]

As a follow up to this inquiry I purchased and installed a gauge. I placed the temperature sending unit in the pressure test port. As I understand it this position will show the temperature of the fluid as it's picked up by the pump from the sump. I took a 100 mile trip and found the temperature did vary between 160 and 180 degrees. The in-dash gauge never moved. It wasn't too hot out so the temps may be a bit higher on warmer days. I plan to also install a second sending unit in the pressure line leading from the tranny to the cooler which will show the highest temp, right out of the converter. I will use a DPDT switch to choose which sending unit I want to read. I feel more comfortable now that I can see when the temps are beginning to rise. I also sent a 'nasty-gram' to Ford about their idiot gauges. When one considers all the high tech in today's vehicles it amazes me that anyone would put cheap idiot gauges in a vehicle, especially one used for heavy towing. Go figure.

Anyway, thanks to all for your input. Happy camping!

[8e3k0]

The public think they want gauges, but then when they get a set what do you do when they do rise without alarm or the driver never watches the same?? Likely 80% of today's drivers do not watch gauges other than maybe the speedo!!
My tranny temp on our 09 F350 will crawl up to 226F on a heavy pull and steep long grade and this is normal on all trannys if you work them ultra hard.
I've seen the old Allisons in the 70s on the heavy trucks crawl up to 240F and stay there all day when pulling heavy loads yet never give any problems; a great majority of those trannys are still going.
Actually we have one in our yard that is a 1975 5 ton dump truck with the good old Allison; engine burns oil but tranny still operates as it should.

[RCN.Stoker]

My 08 Chev has the tranny temp as one of the data points in the DIC. I have no idea where it takes its reading.

[Illini Trekker]

Tom I agree with what you have said about the larger trans pan. I have a Mag-Hytec trans pan, with this pan it will keep my temperature spikes lower on average. Spikes am talking about are long hills, and traffic around town when pulling. The pan will keep the average temps lower.

[ONERUNNING]

I'm driving a 2007 Chevy 2500 HD 4x4 Duramax/Allison. Of course have the data point in DIC. Just this pass weekend on a short trip I noticed that the trans temp got up to 194F while going through some stop and go traffic, but then dropped back down once I was rolling again. My question is, what is the danger point on the trans temp, and if I'm reaching 194F in stop and go traffic on flat roads? What kind of problem am I going to have on step grades? Looking for good advice from those driving the same type TV, with D/A.

[Slufoot733]

Onerunning, here's link to a transmission failure chart. It shows the expected life of an automatic transmission running at various temperatures. It's generic of course and may vary slightly between manufacturers. Short spikes are not serious as long as they don't last too long.

http://www.txchange.com/heatchrt.htm

Remember to check your fluid often and have the tranny serviced as required by your manufacturer. If the fluid smells burnt or is dark have it checked and/or serviced. Extended high temps will shorten fluid life considerably.

Kevin

[ONERUNNING]

Thanks Kevin, That's just what I was looking for. Just some idea on what the danger range is. From what I'm seeing and reading, I don't have too much to worry about at this point. After reading all the different threads on what some of the other members were doing or have done because of the transmission temperatures, had me a little worried. Once I start hitting the road into the mountains, I may have to looking into it some more. But on the flat roads of the south east, I think I'll be ok. Thanks again.
Joe

[mail2us]

Tks for the link Kevin. I have experienced tran temps from the DIC on the Duramax as high as the high 220's. Our road to the house here in western NC will jump it up really hot, but as I said only about 225. I know it can go higher and your chart shows that. I have no extra guages on the TV except for air bag inflation guage. Servicing these haulers is key.

[ONERUNNING]

Thanks Dennis for your input. Between Kevin and yourself, I feel alot better, and not as worried. Oh! Yes, I agree that service and proper maintenance is the life to these haulers. Thanks again, Dennis.