transmission temp
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Quinton,VA
transmission temp
So I'm driving the other day and look at the transmission temp Guage (pillar pod)and it is 185°. The stock factory guage says everything is normal. So I took it easy, went home and checked the fluid level. It was good. Since then, I have been watching the guage. It takes a long time to get up there, but it always slowly goes up to at least 170-185°. Lastly, I was backing the other day, put in in reverse and nothing happened, so I put it in drive and back into reverse and it went in. First time it's ever done that. Might be a fluke. It's a 2003 7.3 with around 133, 000 miles. Any thoughts, suggestions..?..
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 6
From: Marseilles IL
What temps were you seeing before to make you worry about 170-185 ? 170-185 is a normal temperature depending on outside temperature. In my truck I would worry about 170-185 because for some reason my Trans stays verry cool. 145 is the highest I have ever seen on a 85 degree day grossing 24,000 lbs, normally mine runs at 110-120. What temp does your Trans normally run at??
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,813
Likes: 1,335
From: Elk Grove, CA
As a rule of thumb the trans will be 75-85 degrees above ambient when warmed up. So if it was hot there, your temps are fine.
The dash gauge is more of an idiot light than a gauge. If it shows hot it's too late.
Not going into reverse can be inconvenient. How is the fluid color and level?
The dash gauge is more of an idiot light than a gauge. If it shows hot it's too late.
Not going into reverse can be inconvenient. How is the fluid color and level?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 77
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From: Quinton,VA
It's been pretty hot here. Temps in the mid 80's to low 90's. The fluid level looks good and was changed about 1-2 yrs ago and has good red color to it. I thought trans temps should stay around 160°. Is that right? Thanks for the input!
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Quinton,VA
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Hampton, Maryland.
When towing 200-210 on really hot days. You start to have a problem whn you get to 220 and above. Personally, I never wantto see anything north of 210. But i am on my 3rd tranny in 175,000 miles so what do I know? Mark is THE authority on these things. What he says, you can take to the bank.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Temperance, MI
You got 9k more then I got....
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Florida
You can run as high as 220°F all day long with no problems. You can go as high as 250°F for no more than a half hour at a time.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Temperance, MI
You should verify that your trans temp gauge is reading the same or close to the gauge that's in it. I use torque app and theres a bit of variance between the two. Mark may correct me but I believe it's due to where the sensors are located.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Hampton, Maryland.
Mark, I have seen you say this before and I absolutely believe you. I would assume there are ramifications as far as fluid change intervals when you run 220 degrees for extended periods as opposed to 180-190. What are your recommendations on fluid changes if you consistently see 220 degrees when towing?