Transmission temperature

[352]

I have a 2000 5.9 Cummins. 3-55 gears. Took it on a test run with the built transmission and 12,000 load. Is pointing an inferred temperature sensor at the pan or transmission an accurate way to determine all round transmission temperature? Sensor was 164 to 172 all over the transmission and pan. Is that within the norm?

[Passin_Thru]

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.

[Jacksons]

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

[ib516]

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.

[gkainz]

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

[ib516]

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

[Ric_Flair]

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.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

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.

[gkainz]

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.

[path1]

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)

[Mark_Kovalsky]

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

[mileshuff]

Pointing an infrared sensor at the pan or transmission most likely would result in a somewhat lower temperature than the oil itself. Run at highway speeds without towing up a good grade then immediately check it. Then at least you have a reference point to compare how much higher its getting when towing. A sensor in the pan is next best but the preferred method is a sensor in the line going to the cooler.

Anyone know where manufactures typically put the sensor thats read by the trucks controller and available thru OBDII?

[Davidlatham2012]

yes, this is ok. 210 and above we start having concerns

[Ric_Flair]

sounds like normal operating temps when towing