Transmission temperature

I should run at 190 or above with a load up long pulls. It is mounted behind the engine oil sump which can get hotter than that. Put a digital gauge on it and forget the dash mounted one. They are notoriously wrong.

Normal operating temp is 82°C to 93°C
(180°F to 200°F) for a GM automatic Transmission. according to GM

Either way you do it, that is 100% the best place to monitor trans temps. I had that set up on my 2002.

The only downside to making it yourself is the possibility of leaks, but then again, you can get leaks out of a factory made line too.

The DieselManor line in the link above is exactly what I made using a tubing cutter and $3 in fittings.

Get one of THESE and a gauge kit. This is the best way of monitoring trans temp on a 2nd gen Ram/Cummins.

Pull the trans fluid dip stick and point your IR thermometer at it. That should give you your best data. Plus, a lot easier than crawling underneath your truck.

gkainz wrote:
I put my trans temp sensor in my output line just before the check ball and cooler. Took a little bit of plumbing with adapters from Ace Hardware but works well.
Mine runs around 130* highway empty, 180*-190* up some of the little hills here (Berthoud Pass, Loveland Pass, Vail Pass, etc)

Lately the gauge has started acting up - temps will swing wildly and rapidly - either the gauge, the sensor or wiring ... any thoughts on which to swap first or how to test to find the defective part?

Apology in advance for a little thread hijack.

With that in mind I would look for the wire going to ground or touching ground.

I put my trans temp sensor in my output line just before the check ball and cooler. Took a little bit of plumbing with adapters from Ace Hardware but works well.
Mine runs around 130* highway empty, 180*-190* up some of the little hills here (Berthoud Pass, Loveland Pass, Vail Pass, etc)

Lately the gauge has started acting up - temps will swing wildly and rapidly - either the gauge, the sensor or wiring ... any thoughts on which to swap first or how to test to find the defective part?

Apology in advance for a little thread hijack.

Don't know if this will help or not. As a baseline my 2001 5.9 Unloaded runs 127 (Totally unloaded, except my 200 pounds)

Ford puts the trans temp sensor on the solenoid body, inside the pan. I don't know where the other manufacturers put theirs.