Towing without trans cooler?
I have a 2001 Yukon XL 2wd (1/2 ton). I'm having my hitch and brake controller installed Monday so I can pick up my TT on Tuesday. I'm pressed for time and not sure if I'll be able to install a transm...
Forum Discussion
PAThwacker wrote:
My 4l80E cooks to 260F on somehills. HD trans and oem gm trans cooler. Time for auxillary.
Good Grief! I'm towing 9000 lbs and have never seen more than 200 regardless of the hill, or even in stop-n-go traffic (I-80 EB headed for the GW bridge) on a 100* summer day. Of course lower temps didn't keep me from losing reverse at 140k miles....
To the OP:
Best thing you can do is install a trans temp gauge and monitor the temps. Then you can see how hot it's getting and whether you need to install an aux cooler. Until then you are just guessing (and worrying!)
3 options:
1. As Jeremiah noted, get a scan gauge or other diagnostic device that you can plug into the OBD II port. The trans already has a temp sensor and the PCM is monitoring it, it's just not displayed anywhere.
2. Have a trans shop install an aftermarket gauge.
3. Get a dash bezel from a 2500 Suburban or Escalade. They are a plug-n-play swappable with your truck and include a factory trans temp gauge that will work simply by plugging the new dash bezel into the existing harness.
