Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Question on installing auto trans temp gauge ?

[MErickson1]

Your help is appreciated !!!



I'am about to install an Autometer trans temprature gauge in my 2001 automatic (59000 miles). Where does the gauge sensor go ? Does it go in the bottom of the pan ? If it does, how is it secured ? Isn't the pan plastic ?



I was planning on mounting the gauge and have the trans serviced by Dodge and have them install the sensor aswell. Any suggestions ????



I don't know to much about this kind of thing, so your help would be greatly appreciated !



Thanks !

Matt

 

[qkoop]

Go with a mag pan or bd, they already are tapped for a probe.

 

[CCahill]

Or... you can got to the dealer and buy a return line for a 98 (I believe), and earlier that allready has a tee in it for a sender... plus thats the hottest fluid you'll see...

 

[ANG012]

I think the T lines are on the 95 trucks. Buy a T fitting and put it in the line going from the transmission to the cooler. You will get a temp reading on the fluid coming from the transmission.

 

[keimmmo]

I too recommend installing the sensor in the line coming from the trans to the cooler. If you trace the lines, the one that comes out of the front driver's side of the trans is the pressure line. The one toward the rear is a return line.



I used compression fittings and installed a galvinized 1/2 inch "T" just below the cooler on the passenger side of the block. I used the "T" to replace the 90* bend just below the cooler... with a port for the sensor facing forward. You need to use a reducer bushing to adapt to the size of your sensor. But, that is good since it allows fluid to circulate around the end of the sensor. Make sure the lines are well supported to withstand the extra weight of the "T" and sensor.



I have been running this system for over 120k miles... no leaks and no problems.



Steve Keim

 

[MErickson1]

Thanks very much guys !!!



Sounds like connecting a T line is the way to go..... !



Thanks !



On a side note:



I called up DTT transmissions and asked them about flushing trans's versus a regular trans service..... They said that they do not recommend "flushes" as you can get crap stuck in the valve body.



Do you guys agree or disagree with that comment ?



Thanks again !!!!!!!!!!

 

[Fishin Guide]

Thanks very much guys !!!



Sounds like connecting a T line is the way to go..... !



Thanks !



On a side note:



I called up DTT transmissions and asked them about flushing trans's versus a regular trans service..... They said that they do not recommend "flushes" as you can get crap stuck in the valve body.



Do you guys agree or disagree with that comment ?



Thanks again !!!!!!!!!!

Get the Mopar crossover line. It fits as it should and does not leak.



I completely agree with DTT. Do not use the power flushes. Change your fluid and filters ona regular basis and your trans will be as clean as it can be.



Dave

 

[MartyK]

What is the Mopar crossover line? Do you have a part number or picture?

 

[Nate]

A brass T and the compression fittings is like $12. It works fine, no need to waste your money on different lines, etc IMO.

 

[keimmmo]

The line would be nice, but is pricey. Besides, I live in central Mexico and ordering the line was not an option. The fittings are cheap and work fine. Just be careful and pay attention to details.



I have never flushed my trans. I just change the oil regularly. I brazed a fitting into the bottom of the trans pan the first time I had it off. I just pull the plug and drain the oil about every 15k miles. I drop the pan and change the filter and adjust the bands as needed every 3-4 oil changes.



Steve Keim

 

[MErickson1]

Get the Mopar crossover line. It fits as it should and does not leak.



I completely agree with DTT. Do not use the power flushes. Change your fluid and filters ona regular basis and your trans will be as clean as it can be.



Dave

I'll check into the Mopar crossover line. If you do have a part number... . that would be great !



Thanks !

 

[CCahill]

I bought the early line for my 01 truck, and never looked back... why buy a tee, and have a possibility of leaks... whats the trans worth to ya ?

 

[Nate]

Why would a T leak? The line could leak just the same :-laf How much does that line cost? T setup cost me about $15.

 

[BILLVO]

On my 02 the sender came with directions to install in trans case I believe it was the servo port it was an 1/8 pipe plug to remove and sender just scews into it I believe this is the same as what would be the cooler outlet of the trans. the plug is just below it. does this sound right? I ran it there for a while but then decided to go to pan. The temps read a lot cooler in pan.

 

[MErickson1]

On my 02 the sender came with directions to install in trans case I believe it was the servo port it was an 1/8 pipe plug to remove and sender just scews into it I believe this is the same as what would be the cooler outlet of the trans. the plug is just below it. does this sound right? I ran it there for a while but then decided to go to pan. The temps read a lot cooler in pan.

I wonder why the temps are cooler in the pan than before it goes in the cooler ???



You would think that the oil temp would be roughly the same just before it enters the cooler !



Is the pan a better way to go ???



Anyone else had that experience ?



So many freakin questions !!! :{

 

[MChildress]

I put one in an e40d (Ford trans) last weekend and used the presure port on the drivers side for the sending unit and it works fine. Like said above I believe your the Dodge auto has the same port. Look for a plug it should be 1/8 pipe thread the same size as your sending unit.

 

[MErickson1]

I put one in an e40d (Ford trans) last weekend and used the presure port on the drivers side for the sending unit and it works fine. Like said above I believe your the Dodge auto has the same port. Look for a plug it should be 1/8 pipe thread the same size as your sending unit.

Excuse my ignorance... . your talking about the fitting on the trans cooler correct ?





Anyone out there with an opinion on having the sensor in the bottom of the pan vs plugging into the trans cooler line & the possible temperature differences ???

 

[V Baker]

Oil cooler tube, Mopar #05011244AA

 

[MHollars]

I just installed a trans temp gauge in my 2000 diesel pickup and installed the sensor in the perssure test port for the trans shift governor. I bougth an adapter from Diesel Manor (about $15. 00) that screws into the port then the temp sensor screws into it. Seems to work good. Anyways, just my to cents.



Mark

 

[SnoKing]

I have two sensors, one in the pan and one in the older cross over line installed by DTT. The one in the pan hardly moves and your transmission will be toast before you see much of a reading in the pan. The one in the outlet line shows you right away when you are starting to heat things up. I had a sender pod from Jarnetty installed and Bill replaced it with the 96 line and extension that they provide, as he does not like compression fittings. That is the way to go. Call Bill. SNOKING