High Trans Temp

freddmc wrote:
What is the proper procedure to follow when you are towing up a mountain highway in tow/haul and the trans temp starts to climb up to where you are getting concerned about it i.e. 230. I have a 2005 Dodge Cummins 3500 and want to advise my daughter the proper procedure so as to avoid trans damage. I realize that 230 maybe isn't that bad but I am sure that under 200 is better.

Regrds

Fred

230 for modern ATF is no concern at all. In 1965, yes. In 2013 no. There is lots of good info on the net about tranny temps. Do yourself a favor and look for good info.

In before someone puts up the 1965 tranny heat chart. :R

You are on the right track for being concern about high temps. 230 is on the edge of damage. I tow a 2013 Landmark with a F450. I have a deep sump on the tranny, and an extra large cooler. On a 7 to 9%, my trans only gets to 195 degrees. We drove the Alcan to the Kenai this summer without a problem.

On the steeps grades, monitor you temps and as the temps start to rise, slow down, and if possible raise the rpm by changing gears. On the long pulls, you will see the big trucks crawling up the grades at a higher rpm. Use the gears. Good luck

Add another cooler. I added a trucool rated for a 40K gvw vehicle to my Ford and can't make it get hot on 6/7% grades with toyhauler in 100+*. 230 is getting to the point of concern. If it's been that hot a fluid change would be in order.