Above normal operating temperatures, the oxidation rate doubles (useful life of the fluid is cut in half) with each 20 degree increase in temperature. Beyond this, readings are not reliable because of expansion.Ģ85F - Maximum sump/oil pan temperatures for short duration such as a long hill climb.ģ00F - Metal parts inside the transmission begin to warp and distort in varying degrees, seals melt rapidly, and transmission fluid life is extremely short due to oxidation and distress.ĪUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID OXIDATION Automatic transmission fluidĬan provide up to 100,000 miles of service before oxidation occurs under normal operating temperatures of about 170F. It is possible in low ambient temperature to overcool the transmission with oil to air-type coolers it is hard to overcool if used in conjunction with oil to water coolers installed in most standard automotive radiators.ġ90F-200F - Maximum oil level checking temperature. When the transmission is in stall, the transmission will develop heat at a rate of one degree per second of stall.ġ50F - Minimum operating temperature for continuous operation. Keep a close check to prevent the engine cooling system from overheating.ģ00F would be typical of rocking the vehicle in mud, snow, or sand, or a transmission in stall (full throttle, no vehicle movement). Do not allow the converter outlet temperature to exceed 300F (350F). To lower the transmission temperature with the transmission in NEUTRAL, run the engine at 1,200 RPM for 2-3 minutes to cool the oil. If the temperature reaches 300F (350F), reduce throttle. The temperature in this location will vary significantly with each vehicle start-up or hill.
How to install transmission temp gauge install#
This is the normal place to install a temperature gauge or signal. "OIL TEMPERATURE MEASURED AT CONVERTER OUTLET TO COOLER.ģ00F is the maximum temperature.
Here is a quote from the Orange ($8.95) GM manual: They are one way to instantly increase your vehicles capacity to cool transmission oil.OK I give up.Stick it in the Gas Tank and be done with it :p If you do find your transmission builds excessive heat or retains heat when towing or going offroad then check out our transmission coolers. Having one of our temperature gauge kits will give you the confidence to handle all situations, and more importantly, give you the greatest chance of preventing that dreaded call to roadside assistance. Without having an automatic transmission temperature gauge kit, most users will continue to drive without changing their driving style until the automatic transmission overheats completely and potentially stops altogether. If nothing works and you reach 130° C (265° F), you need to start looking for a place to pull over, put the vehicle in Park, leave the engine running and allow the transmission to circulate the fluid and cool itself down. If the transmission’s temperature doesn’t return to ‘Normal’ or continues to climb during the extra strain, you have the ability to adjust your driving style to give the transmission a chance at recovering. If nothing works and you reach 130° C (265° F) you need to start looking for a place to pull over… Why Monitor Your Automatic Transmission Temperature? When you put extra strain on your transmission with an automatic transmission temperature gauge kit fitted, you will be able to see how your transmission is handling that extra strain and how long it takes to return to ‘Normal’ afterwards. Most importantly, with a transmission temperature monitor you will be able to understand what is ‘Normal’ for your transmission during your normal day to day driving.
This is why we highly recommend that ALL vehicles fit one of our Transmission Temperature Gauges to give you real time feedback on your driving style’s strain on the automatic transmission. But without having some sort of transmission temp gauge or monitoring system, how do you know if you are making your situation better or worse? Is your transmission actually overheating? Is the problem coming from somewhere else?
While all of these reasons can be addressed, some of them are easier said than done. Slipping clutches in a well-worn transmission.Excess heat can build up due to many different reasons. The most common cause of transmission failure is heat. DTC’s Common to Automatic Transmissions.Valve Body Upgrades – Nomad and Extreme.Torque Converters – Heavy Duty & Billet.Thermal Cooler Bypass Valve to suit Ford 6R80 6 Speed Autos.COMPUSHIFT Mini GM 700R4 200-4R & Chrysler.