Transmission temperature question

What size/weight trailer will you be towing? With a 2009 I believe that you still have the four speed transmission. Depending on the size of the trailer, I think I would keep it in thrid/drive and use tow haul. When using tow haul if the trailer is large enough, it probably wouldn't want to shift into OD anyway...at least with my 05 Suburban it wouldn't until up around 65MPH with tow haul on in OD.

I have a trans cooler and temp gauge...I tend to worry a bit more when it hits 200f. It doesnt seem to stay there long, usually in the 160-180 range

Dexron VI begins to break down at 270°. I doubt you'll get anywhere near that.

I recently pulled my TT on I-70 in CO over Vail Pass and the Eisenhower tunnel. Total weight was 14,500 lbs. We were also doing some four-wheeling in Moab in 100°+ temperatures. Through all of that abuse, highest my trans temp went was 235°.

Keep an eye on it if you want, but the computer will put the truck into limp mode or tell you to pull over and idle the engine if things get too hot.

Have fun.

No gauge, but the area where the odometer is can be set to read trans temp. We have a small trailer, so should be no problem, just wanted to know.

High temp idiot light probably comes on at 250*F

If it doesn't come on.....good to go

Use Tow/Haul mode
If transmission is 'hunting' (shifting alot back/forth) take it out of Overdrive or drop down a gear

Come down a steep grade using same gear you went up the grade in.

Course it matters whether or not you have a tranny cooler, its clean & trailer is not overloading tow vehicle

I have a gauge....
Tranny temp runs 160*F to 180*F normal temp...depends on how hot day temps are.
See temp climb to 200*-205*F going up long steep grade when towing 5vr
See temp climb over 210*F when backing into a tough to get into site

250*F or more is generally considered too hot. The closer to that, the less time I'd want to be there. As an example, 240*F while climbing a grade and a quick drop in temp down the other side is nothing to worry about. 240*F all day on the flats is too hot. JMHO.

Do you have an external gauge or just a fancy idiot light that sits in the middle of the dial the entire time?

Even the digital readout on my Ram, my trans temp never varied more than 10-15 deg F towing on the flat or up some crazy steep and long grades. I suspect it's not a "real" number the computer is feeding me, but some approximation the computer fabricates.

Unless you suspect trans problems, dont' worry about it - your computer will tell you if it's getting too hot, check your owners manual - there's probably a message that pops up in the little gear selection / odometer window.