2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Transmission Guage Installation

[wrk24wheel]

I am installing a Autometer transmission temp guage today and was trying to install it in the transmission itself. I saw a post that was made a while ago about a place on the drivers side. I found the torx bolt, but it is behind the spring. I have a feeling this spring will get in the way. I would like to do this, because it seems like the easiest way. I do however, have the Jannety adapter. I did not want to go this route if I don't have to.



If I do have to use the adapter, do you have to drain the fluid first? Or will you just loose a little bit where you actually cut? Also, how do you tell which line is going to the cooler and which one is the return.



Any advice would be greatly appreciated.



By the way, the triple pod looks GREAT! I replaced the original by moulding a base out of epoxy and using a couple of interior moulding snaps. I did not want to screw the pod in from the outside. It looks like it came from the factory this way.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

You dont have to drain any fluid, just have a clean pan handy since you will lose a little (maybe a quart). The line you want is the VERTICAL line going into the cooler on the engine (The long black "tank" like device mounted on the engine). Just measure the gap you need to take out of the line to fit the Jannetty thermowell plus the fittings. Then just mark the two cuts you need to make on the line with a pencil and get your tubng cutter out. The aluminum is easy to cut so dont overtighten the cutter wheel. Once you make the first cut you will see the ATF spill out, it will stop, dont worry. I installed the compression fittings and the temp sender to the thermowell prior to starting the job using teflon. Once the section is cut out just put the thermowell in position and puch the lines in, tighten them snug and wipe away any ATF so you when you startup you can see if there are any drips. Topp off any lost fluid.

If there are no drips or leaks, take it for a road test and heat everything up then go back and check for any leaks. If none, your all set and getting your temp readings from the best location possible. Pan readings are not great since the temp in the pan is post cooler and the fluid has not come directly from the trans. There was thread awhile back that found one of the plugs on the transmission itself if used could actaully interfere with the trans operation, so if you go that route, be careful. Doing the installation inline is the way to go, this way you can see a temp problem immediatley. The whole job should take no more then 40 minutes.

 

[pkane]

Originally posted by EMDDIESEL

... The line you want is the VERTICAL line going into the cooler on the engine (The long black "tank" like device mounted on the engine)...

THANK YOU. I just received the Jannetty fitting and plan to install my temperature gauge sometime this week.



I'm assuming the fluid flow is as follows: from the transmission through the cooler on the engine, then to the cooler in front of the radiator and finally back into the transmission.



If so, I assume I need to cut the line that goes from the transmission to the cooler (at engine) instead of the line leaving the cooler (at engine) that goes to the cooler (at radiator).



Is that correct?



Thanks,

Pat

'02 Ram 2500

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Correct Pkane. Cut the line going from the transmission to the engine mounted cooler. Cut the line where it is vertical. You will lose some fluid, i used a clean container to catch it and then poured it back in again.

 

[wrk24wheel]

Thanks for all the help. I just installed it today and it went great. Barely lost any fluid. Not even enough to put back into it.

 

[pkane]

Thanks again for the help EMDDIESEL.



wrk24wheel, I didn't realize my "location" wasn't set (hopefully it is now). I'm just down the road from you. I've been paying attention to the locations and it doesn't appear that many post from our area. I just bought my truck this year (upgrading from the Ram 1500) and am starting the process of installing gauges. The forum has been quite helpful and I think I can see my way clear for the EGT, boost and now the transmission temp. Fuel pressure on the '02 is a little different, and I've yet to explore that, but will soon. If you don't mind, I'll pencil your name in my book in case I need experienced help some day.



Regards,

Pat

'02 Ram 2500