I am considering a transmission temp gauge. First off, what brand/model most closely resembles the OEM gauge cluster for 2002-2004? Photos? It needs to have a black dial and bezel with white numerals and a red or orange pointer and illuminate green. Next, I just want a simple single-pod gauge mount that will screw into the top of the steering column, where is the best place to find those things?

 

Personally, I use a Scangauge II for that and other gauges - super simple plug and play. The downside obviously is that it reads from sensors so if the sensor is bad so's your reading. Here's a traditional one on JEGS, sounds like it fits your needs pretty well - not sure how it lights up though. B&M Transmission Temperature Gauge - JEGS

 

That one looks okay. I was looking at ISSPRO, they look the closest to OEM Ford, but the font on the gauge is closer to GM trucks than Ford. Also, I want one that will be easy to install. What does the average install of a trans temp gauge require?
Here is a photo of a boost gauge in a WRX. I want it to tie in (in aesthetics) like this one does and mount it in the same spot on my column.

 

Never installed one in a Superduty, but I believe there's a test port in the transmission somewhere so the probe would just screw in there. After that it would just be routing the cable from the probe up to the gauge and hooking up a power source.

 

The ISSPRO EV2 is the model that resembles your factory cluster. Performax is the same gauge but a different control system. Basically put, if you ever plan on getting more gauges, then the Performax is a more practical choice. If you only want the one extra gauge, then the EV2 will fit the bill. The sensor screws right into the side of the trans case. There is a test port plug that you remove just above the shift mechanism on the driver's side.

I prefer the ISSPRO EV2 because they illuminated quite well and are really nice to read at night. My other truck has Autometer and they are practically worthless at night because I find them so difficult to read. During the day the Autometers are fine and look great, but night time viewing is a different story.

The only minus to the ISSPRO EV2 model is the dimmer feature is a little tricky. It works, sorta. If you try and dim it too much then the LED flickers because of the voltage drop. In the end, it's not really an issue for me since I keep my dash on full bright anyway.

Here is a pic of how the gauges look at night.

 

Its very simple. There is a port on the transmission that you pull a bolt out of and the sending unit screws in.

With new tow mirrors and a tranny temp gauge, looks like youre getting set up for towing. What will you be pulling?

 

Well, I tow a small farm trailer regularly anyway, so nothing new. I wanted the mirrors mainly for the appearance, and I figure a temp gauge is the best way to make my transmission last as long as possible.

As far as ISSPRO, the only difference between the EV2 and Performax is the power system? I don't need any other gauge other than trans temp, so I won't need the Performax. The EV2 is the same gauge, just powered on its own?

 

JC,

I know you've already seen my thread on how I made my own gauge pod mount, but incase you've forgotten about it... hear ya go... https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...lp-please.html

 

Might also consider a transmission cooler. That will go a long way to increasing the life of the trans as well.

The Performax has a 'brain box' type thing. I think it's called ESP or something similar. Basically it connects to your PCM and has access to all sorts of data. Depending on what gauge you have installed, it sends the necessary data for that function. So, in the case of the trans temp, it sends the data from the internal trans sensor provided by the factory.

If you go with the standard EV2 method, then you install a dedicated sensor in the test port. If you call Clay at Riffraff, he will explain in more detail. I do not have the Performax so I am just going off what I read on the forum.

 

The transmission already has a cooler.

I will look into it, I just don't like how deep the universal mounting cups are. I want to mount the gauge to the top of the cluster, but I don't want the assembly to be so big as to block other gauges.

 

140-320 or 100-280? Which is better suited for our transmissions?

 

According to Mark, the resident tranny expert, you don't want to see anything over 250...I think I would rather have that at the upper end of the gauge rather than the middle.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...le-towing.html

 

I use the glowshift 7 color series. The font doesn't match exactly, but you can get them in either white or black background and they light up green with a red pointer just like the Ford gauges. Plus they are a fraction of the cost of ISSPRO or autometer

 

Does the Isspro Ev2 trans gauge R17599 come with wiring to attach to interior lighting or do I have to buy the Lighting Wiring Harness R72022? I will only be adding this one gauge, but I do want it's intensity to match my factory gauges.

 

Also, is it not possible to reprogram the OEM cluster gauge to register a more sensitive reading? Is the program in the cluster or in the ECM? What temperature does the factory gauge go to the yellow? or the red? In fact, what temperature will the gauge move off of the center?