Cold weather trans temp
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Iowa
Cold weather trans temp
What trans temp does your truck normally run unloaded in cold weather (below 20 degrees F) ? Mine seems to stabilize around 40 degrees. That is much lower than any other truck I have had. Other truck I have owned will stabilize around 85 degrees in cold weather. Is my 40 degrees ok, or is there a thermostat for the trans somewhere that may be stuck open?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Minnesota
What trans temp does your truck normally run unloaded in cold weather (below 20 degrees F) ? Mine seems to stabilize around 40 degrees. That is much lower than any other truck I have had. Other truck I have owned will stabilize around 70 degrees in cold weather. Is my 40 degrees ok, or is there a thermostat for the trans somewhere that may be stuck open?
i was having that same question. around here (southern mn) its been pretty damn cold. mine wont go over 120-130 when it would usually run 150ish. i have not yet figured it out..
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,712
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From: SE Florida
What trans temp does your truck normally run unloaded in cold weather (below 20 degrees F) ? Mine seems to stabilize around 40 degrees. That is much lower than any other truck I have had. Other truck I have owned will stabilize around 70 degrees in cold weather. Is my 40 degrees ok, or is there a thermostat for the trans somewhere that may be stuck open?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2010
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More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 537
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From: Carvel, AB, Canada
I believe all SD's came with a separate transmission cooler. It's not tied into your radiator.
Towing and 8500lbs skidsteer and 2000 lbs. trailer, mine recently hit 164 at -25C. I think your temps really depend on how cold it is, how long you drive and what kind of load. The 40 degrees though would have me worried. That is way too low. After a few minutes (5-10) of idling at -25C, my tranny temp will be over 60F.
Towing and 8500lbs skidsteer and 2000 lbs. trailer, mine recently hit 164 at -25C. I think your temps really depend on how cold it is, how long you drive and what kind of load. The 40 degrees though would have me worried. That is way too low. After a few minutes (5-10) of idling at -25C, my tranny temp will be over 60F.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Iowa
Update: I put a "winter front" on the truck from a 2010 super duty and it fit right up. Ambient temp on the way to work was 3 degrees F. Trans temp stabilized at 60 degrees F 20 degrees higher than what I've been seeing. I'm almost positive the thermostat is stuck open now. I've heard its a pita to change though. Anyone see a problem with putting an "inline" thermostat after the external trans filter?
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,712
Likes: 2,632
From: SE Florida
Yes it is, but the TorqShift has a thermostat. When the trans is under 165°F the flow to the coolers is cut by 90%.
All SDs from mid-2000 to present came with a separate trans cooler AND a trans cooler in the radiator.
You're probably right. The thermostat is located in the pump body. The trans has to come out of the truck to replace it.
I don't know anyone that has tried and external thermostat.
I don't know anyone that has tried and external thermostat.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2009
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I talked to the mechanic at my dealership today about the above issue, after an hour of talking and looking at one that he had in pieces he suggested a hot flush before we went any further to see if any gunk had accumliated on the thermostat.
I have also thought about adding an external thermostat to cure the problem, and today I found out that the 4r100 had one. I don't know if this would work or not, but the mechanic told me ford pays 6.5 hrs. to remove and install the trans, that doesn't include tear-down to replace thermostat.
I have also thought about adding an external thermostat to cure the problem, and today I found out that the 4r100 had one. I don't know if this would work or not, but the mechanic told me ford pays 6.5 hrs. to remove and install the trans, that doesn't include tear-down to replace thermostat.