Trans Temp range
I recently purchased an OBD2 dongle and I'm using Dash Command to give me more info gauges etc.
I was not happy to see that some of the OBD info was Ford proprietary and required an extra purchase, but whatever.
I want a trans temp gauge, and while it's easy to set up a gauge with Dash Command, I don't know what range & limits I should put on a trans temp gauge.
So does anyone know what the normal range should be...and what a warning limit should be?
STOCK READINGS
Normal
150 - 195
Severe Service
195 - 200
Alarm
220
As for the "Factory" transmission temp gauge, it is a glorified "idiot" light as its response is severely dampened. The panel gauge will show the temp as fully warmed up at 50 *F. Between 100-220F the needle will remain in the same position on the gauge. At 230F it will move up slightly to the middle of the normal range. At 250F it will move to Yellow. The gage moves to red at 280. This is supported on page 36 of the OBDII Theory and Operations manual. The tow/haul light will flash at 275.
Over 220 is really too hot for continuous service IMO - most likely something is not right when you see temps continuously this high. Never exceed 250 for more than 30 minutes for reasons below.
Mark Kovalsky (former Ford tranny engineer) says the fluid can get to 300 for a SHORT time w/o any seal damage (however a measured temp of 250 could actually mean that some areas and parts may already be as high as 300 - normal tranny fluid is good to 300 or so, but your tranny isn't!).
Also, what I'm wondering now, is whether it's the temp sensor, or he gauge that is the 'idiot light'.
In other words, if I set up an OBD2 gauge to display the precise tranny fluid temp, is the sensor going to send that info? Is it just the stock gauge that is limited...or is it the sensor that is limited?
The sensor sends very accurate data good to about 1/10th of a degree. The PCM converts that to actual temperature. That's what you'll read. This data is used for calculations in the PCM, and is also sent to the dash computer. The dash computer decides where to place the needle on the dash display. This is where it gets dumbed down. You OBDII gauge will read the proper temperature.
I've been trying to find the specs on my Tranny. I thought I had read or heard that it was the 6 speed, so I just assumed that. The code in the door jam is 'T'....which isn't on the list around here.
*edit*
So I think I have the 5R110W....which is 5 speed...plus overdirve?
The Ford 5R110W transmission
is a 5 speed computer controlled transmission with lockup torque converter clutch.
It was first introduced in 2003
model year Ford F series trucks and then International CF trucksin 2004, and the Ford LFC trucks in 2005.
In “cold mode” (under 5 deg. F.) the unit shifts 1-2-3-4-6.
In “hot mode” (over 5 deg. F.) the unit shifts 1-2-3-5-6 with torque converter clutch.
Ratios: 1st gear: 3.09, 2nd: 2.20, 3rd: 1.54, 4th:1.09, 5th: 1.00 6th: .71 (overdrive)
I've been trying to find the specs on my Tranny. I thought I had read or heard that it was the 6 speed, so I just assumed that. The code in the door jam is 'T'....which isn't on the list around here.
*edit*
So I think I have the 5R110W....which is 5 speed...plus overdirve?
If you want to call it a three speed plus overdrive, why discriminate against only the overdrive? Why not call it a one speed with two underdrives (first and second gears) and one overdrive (fourth gear?)
The 5R110W is a five speed transmission. It has six ratios, but it never uses all six ratios. It uses either 1-2-3-4-6 or 1-2-3-5-6. So that's always five ratios. The highest gear, labeled 6 here, is overdrive. Fourth gear is only used when the trans is colder than 0°F, fifth gear is used when the trans is warmer than 0°F.
In 2011 Ford brought out the 6R140. That is a six speed transmission, with the two highest ratios being overdrive ratios.
Notice how the names start with a number? That number is how many ratios the trans uses.
If you want to call it a three speed plus overdrive, why discriminate against only the overdrive? Why not call it a one speed with two underdrives (first and second gears) and one overdrive (fourth gear?)
The 5R110W is a five speed transmission. It has six ratios, but it never uses all six ratios. It uses either 1-2-3-4-6 or 1-2-3-5-6. So that's always five ratios. The highest gear, labeled 6 here, is overdrive. Fourth gear is only used when the trans is colder than 0°F, fifth gear is used when the trans is warmer than 0°F.
In 2011 Ford brought out the 6R140. That is a six speed transmission, with the two highest ratios being overdrive ratios.
Notice how the names start with a number? That number is how many ratios the trans uses.
thanks for the info! I didn't know the 5r only used one of the 2 od's. I always knew the first number was for the number of gears but was confused when I saw that the 5r had 2 overdrives.
how beneficial is it to add a radiator with a internal trans cooler to a early sd that didn't come with one for a 4r with a 6.8L? is it worth it for light to med towing? thanks!
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The ratios:
First 3.11:1
Second 2.2:1
Third 1.54:1
Fourth 1.09:1
Fifth 1:1
Sixth 0.71:1 This is the only overdrive ratio.
Yes, it's worth it.
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
6R140:
6 forward gears
R Reverse (?)
What does the 140 signify? (Not overall spread.) Just curious. These things are seldom random.
Best,
Dan
Last edited by Wambo; Aug 4, 2016 at 07:41 AM. Reason: Clarity







