Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) trans temp gauge questioin

[TowPro]

I am thinking of adding a trans temp gauge to my new truck.



What temp range do I need? The one I looked at was 100-250 but the manual says the trans temp light comes on at 260. What temps do you guys see in real life towing a big camper with an auto?



Where do you install the sender?

 

[RADdodge]

I haul a Lance camper and generally see transmission temps in the 160 degree range. I’ve seen it as high as about 180 – 190 degrees or so. I do have a modified transmission, but the temps were about the same as before. I bought the trans cooler return line for a 95 that has a provision for a sender in it from Mopar4Less.com. There are a number of threads already submitted that go into various details on this subject. Try a search. BTW, I wouldn’t wait for the transmission light to tell me the transmission is too hot. By that time, it has already been to hot for a while. The temperature differences between the temp sensors mounted in the cooler line and the factory temp sensor located in the transmission can be as high as 150 degrees. The transmission is getting too hot when the temp hits 280 degrees or so measured at the cooler line. Personally, I'd back off way before then. Hope this helps.

 

[rblomquist]

I just bought the universal temp gauge kit w/dipstick sensor from Genos. It is cheap and easy to install, maybe not as nice as buying the replacement line to get line temps but it is still an effective diagnostic tool i. e. you can establish a baseline temp range to guide you in case something starts to go south.