Transmission Temp. Question
 

Hey Folks,

I have got about 3000 miles on my '12 5.0L F150xlt 4x4 SCrew. This is the first truck I have owned where I can monitor the transmission temps. I haven't towed with it yet, but the highest temp I have seen is 199. What temps should cause me alarm, and/or what is the acceptable temp range for the tranny. I think it is a 3.55 rear end if that matters. Thanks for all input.

-CN

I have had my temp up to 218 under really hard driving. Normally it sits between 199 and 204. 25k miles and no issues.

Since Ford uses a heat exchanger between the engine coolant and transmission fluid, it's going to always be around what the thermostat regulates. ( What is the factory thermostat temp?) I used to worry about it being 190 - 200, but that's being regulated by the design of the truck, which works I suppose. Sure wish it was closer to 165-170, but that's the way Ford does it. Since I tow quite a bit, I'll be changing the trans fluid more often.

About the only way to get it down would be to either put in a cooler thermostat, or route the transmission fluid to an external cooler, both of which are fraught with calamity.

If you get to 220 then your pushing it too much

I figured I was getting it a little on the high side. It cooled back down quickly but I wasn't to comfortable with it sittin at 218 for more than a couple seconds. Does anyone what the actual limit is before damaged is caused

For my prior 06 F150 I asked this question of another forum member that is a retired ford Tranny engineer. Below was his reply...

Don, a fan will help at low speed and stop and go. Your temp on the highway is just fine. 203 isn't anything to worry about. If it doesn't get over 220 you are fine.

Mark
__________________
Mark
Former Ford Automatic Transmission Engineer

I've seen tables like this, but that still doesn't jive with the maintenance schedule Ford publishes. I'm changing mine at 50K regardless.

Thank you everyone for the replies. I appreciate it!

-CN