Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) transmission Temp

[fleahead]

Having installed my transmission temperature gauge (TST) this past week-end, I was wondering what would be considered normal. On my test drive, I was beginning to wonder if it was working, but after about 15 min, it did finally get up to about 110. This non-pulling, so I presume this is normal, and I imagine I'll see some higher readings under load. The probe is installed in the test plug specified by TST.

 

[mstimac]

First question would be : Where's your sensor located? If it is in the pan then I would say your temps are normal. Mines in the line and I see about 140-145 with outside air temps in the 80's. In the winter it can be hard to get the temps over 140 and that's when I'm towing the boat. Stop and go traffic while towing I'll see it go anywhere from 150-190 until I get rolling then it drops right back down to 140 or so.

 

[fleahead]

TST says to remove a test plug on the passenger side and screw it in there. I guess it would be considered the pan.

 

[LHartman]

I noticed a small plug just above the pan on the passenger side. It was at the upper right corner. Is this the plug you remove to put the sensor in? I'm about to do the install, but not sure where the best place to put the sensor is.



Loren

 

[illflem]

Are you sure TST recommended the test port for your RE transmission?

I've always been told that the test port probe location will only work on the RH trans used from '94 to '96.

With the RE trans the temp will only read correctly in certain gears when the test ports are used.

 

[fleahead]

Yep... . that's what the instruction sheet from TST says. It had a picture of the port on the sheet. I don't have it with me now, but I believe they refer to it as the "secondary port" on the passenger side. The picture was unmistakable.

 

[tgrfan2]

trans temp

I installed a gauge from TST in that location in my 95 several years ago. It seems to run about 50-60 degrees above ambient temperature after warmup. On 70 degree mornings it takes about 15 miles before the gauge reads above 100. TST told me they used to sell a gauge with a range starting at 150, but alot of customers thought the gauge was not working because these trannys run so cool. I have seen 190 pulling a 9K trailer in stop and go driving where I could not keep the transmission locked up, but locked up on the interstate it still runs real cool.

 

[fleahead]

So... is this location really reporting accurate information as to the actual operating temprature of the transmission? Also, from what I've been reading, the TC is the real problem. What is the best way to keep an eye on its condition? Will the temp probe in this location have anything to do with the TC probe?

 

[tgrfan2]

I think you can use this as a good baseline for your trans. I am sure every gauge and sender is a little different. You can definitely tell how the lack of torque converter lock up increases temperature rapidly. My recommendation to anyone pulling heavy loads is to drive your automatic like a stick and keep the rpm's up and try to stay locked up without lugging. For me that is shifting in and out of drive at around 55-60mph. I'll also hold drive to crest a hill before shifting to overdrive to save the slippage. I had a member on another topic tell me I wouldn't make my first pull with our new fiver without destroying my transmission, but so far we have pulled it over 600 miles with no problems.