Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Auto transmission Temp

[Claw231]

I have a 2000 Ram 2500 Auto 2x4 and recently put in some gauges. One of them was the transmission gauge, and the sensor for it was put in the transmission pan. Should I see A temperature of 140 to 240 register in daily driving of 20 to 25 mile trips empty? It usually registers right at the bottom of the 140, which to me seems a little cool? Will the fluid in the pan only heat up when I tow? Was this the correct place to put the sensor?



Thanks

 

[klaybus]

Trans Temps

Was this the correct place to put the sensor?



You can put the trans sensor anywhere you would like, but NO that really isn't the best location for it. If you want the most accurate trans temperature readings, go to DC & spend the $100+- & buy the transmission line with the port for installing the sensor. This is the trans line that is taking the fluid from the torque converter to the heat exchanger, & then to the transmission cooler. Many people have cut this line and put a Tee in and built it for 10% or less of the cost of the line, but for $100 I would rather have a factory built and approved line that I don't have to worry about vibrating loose and leaking or coming apart & damaging my $4000 transmission.



Temps: 120 degrees in lockup going down freeway. 160-180 In & out of lockup driving around town. Up to 200 degrees stuck in commuter traffic... At 180 degrees I start putting it in neural to try to keep the temperature down. Oops, I forgot..... While backing up my trailer I've seen 220 degrees. I usually let the trans cool a bit before I back the trailer in the driveway now so I don't see that kind of temperature. Climbs fast from 180-220. For some great trans info go to www.dieseltrans.com or call Bill Kondolay at

1-866-504-4002



I hope this helps.



Clay

 

[RowJ]

Claw

Gauge reading from the pan will work ok. There are more instantanous readings (and higher) from in-line hook ups but you are getting a reading from somewhere in the system, which is the most important thing.

Don't get too hung up on specific temps. Watch for trends and observe under what conditions your temps climb.

Your 140 reading is ok. Cooler is always better! The 240 peak is high unless your stuck in gridlock everyday. On a stock transmission with non synthetic ATF fluid, I would go to neutral (if stuck in traffic) anytime over 200 degrees, to increase flow. Without the ram air to the cooler the temps can shoot up fast.

Repeated temps over 200 degrees require changing fluid more often. Good rule to cover most cases-ATF with good red color and no burnt smell is still ok!

If you post your truck info in your signature (User Control Panel - Edit Profile) you will get answers with more specific info.

 

[Claw231]

Thanks for the info.

 

[JR2]

Claw,

I have a DTT transmission and I have a double deep pan. My temp sensor is in the port in the pan. I have plans to move it but I have not got that far yet. The temps on my transmission run from 100 degs when crusing down the highway at 70 in overdrive to about 170 when stuck in traffic. I am running the Dexron-3 Mercon fluid not the fancy expensive stuff. Your tems sound fine to me.





John

 

[LSMITH]

If you are really seeing 240 in the pan things are NOT good. Keep pan temps UNDER 200, and change the fluid if you see 200. When it gets hot pull over and put it in nuetral, rev it to 1500-2000 and hold it there until temps come down. 240 in the pan is a trans that is not going to live long.

 

[donyo]

The hottest temps. in the system are those coming right out of the T/C, as klaybus stated. As long as you are monitoring the temps. , that is the important thing.



:--) 240 in the pan!:--) Thinking it is time for a rebuild, upgrade! Usually the only time I see my gauge come off the 140 peg is in stop and go traffic, towing my 5er, or in reverse. A trip of 20-25 miles should't even warm the oil, unless it is all stop and go. Will always get highest temps in reverse. If you are interested in an explaination for this contact Bill K. at DTT

 

[y-knot]

I to have the sensor located in the pan, My temps are normally in the 140-150 range. I have never been over 195. I run AMSOIL ATF and also monitor transmission pressure.

 

[c-hawk]

I may be the odd ball here, but the way i read Claw231's post, he's not saying he gets temps of 240 in the pan. I thought he was asking if it's normal that he barely see's the needle move on his gauge (with a range of 140-240) when driving 20-25 miles, with the sensor in the pan.



He wrote - "It usually registers right at the bottom of the 140, which to me seems a little cool? Will the fluid in the pan only heat up when I tow?"



Later,

Chris

 

[klaybus]

C-HAWK

I see A temperature of 140 to 240 register in daily driving of 20 to 25 mile trips empty?



Thats what I just read in his post. Kinda confusing exactly what he wants to know..... He will definately benefit with more accurate readings from the line IMHO. .



Clay

 

[klaybus]

C_HAWK....I stand corrected!

Apparently Everyone, myself included (You excluded) didn't catch the "Should I see"... ... .

I'm glad someone is reading his post correctly.



Clay