2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Adding electric heater to trans pan (4 winter)

[KPerson]

Has anyone added a heater magnetic etc. to there trans pan? I'm looking for something to warm the fluid on cold days. I'd want the trans oil getting warmed when the engine heater is plugged in.

 

[Cummins Pilot]

I did it to mine even though its a stick. Shifts much easier. I'd do it again, all my trucks a sticks and I don't use the transmission heater until after about -10. I'm not sure when I'd turn on an auto pan heater.

 

[ntillm01]

Just a thought, but don't the auto CTD powertrains already have electric-heated oil? I mean, indirectly, but the oil-water heat exchanger would transfer some heat to the trans fluid when the block heater is plugged in, right? Maybe you don't need any additional heat. A pan heater would warm it up more though.



Trans fluid is thin (at least thinner than 90W) at cold temps so I don't know that you need to heat it.

 

[Silver_Ram]

Doesn't the automatic fluid run through the radiator on its way to the transmission cooler? I thought this was done to help bring the transmission fluid up to operating temperature quicker, then keep it at an even temperature during driving.

 

[TGaines]

Up here in Alaska we use trans pans to heat the fluid, but it gets 40 below. Ours are just rubber pads with heating elements inside that you glue on with rtv. Seem to work just fine.



Travis