Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission Temp

[SWC_TX]

It has been hot here in Texas and this is the first year I have had a trans temp gauge hooked up to my 01. So I am wondering what the safe temperature range is for an auto. With normal highway driving and no load, I see between 140-165 degrees. If I get stuck in traffic (no load) the gauge spikes, up to 200 degrees in some cases. My thinking is a 40-50 degree spike in temperature cannot be good for the transmission. Once I get rolling again, the temp falls back to 140-165 range.



I searched the threads and couldn't find any real guidance here, so I apologize if I missed something somewhere.



Any feedback is much appreciated.



SWC

 

[SnoKing]

It has been hot here in Texas and this is the first year I have had a trans temp gauge hooked up to my 01. So I am wondering what the safe temperature range is for an auto. With normal highway driving and no load, I see between 140-165 degrees. If I get stuck in traffic (no load) the gauge spikes, up to 200 degrees in some cases. My thinking is a 40-50 degree spike in temperature cannot be good for the transmission. Once I get rolling again, the temp falls back to 140-165 range.



I searched the threads and couldn't find any real guidance here, so I apologize if I missed something somewhere.



Any feedback is much appreciated.



SWC

Are you reading temps in the pan or output line? SNOKING

 

[MMcCowan]

My gauge reads from the pan. It starts at 140 and is in the green up to 240. Red is 240 to 270. I think what you're seeing is normal given the traffic and outside temp.

 

[KcoleKennyc]

Wife's truck has the sensor in the pan and I have never seen it go over 170. We don't pull a trailer with it but it never gets very hot. It usually runs from 140 to 150. It does have the Double Deep pan that holds about a gallon more fluid.

 

[SWC_TX]

I don't think it is reading from the pan, must be the output line. Really not that familiar with the transmission. I hooked up the Edge Juice / Attitude as instructed to a port on the passenger side of the transmission. Just want to make sure I'm not causing any unnecessary wear and also when to stop and give it a rest while towing, etc.

Thanks for the response... .

 

[Joe Mc]

Mine runs between 125 - 150 sensor is in DD Mag HyTech pan 120 is typical, 150 is idling in "D" in traffic. Cools right down once you get going.



I suggest going for a deep pan = more capacity = better cooling + make sure radiator is clean especially between condenser and rad.