Getting acquainted with my new-to-me 1997 F350 SRW Reg 4x4 7.3L. The drivetrain is bone stock and in excellent well-maintained condition. Someone installed a B&M trans temp gauge at some point along the way. I noticed that even after having driven for a half hour or more (fully warmed up), the trans temp gauge never reads much over 120-130F. Is that normal? For context, I am driving around casually, not pulling anything nor romping on it.

Perhaps the gauge or sensor is faulty? Or can it actually be that cool? Should I be concerned?

 

Where is the sender located for that gauge? You can check what temp the PCM sees with a scanner as well. That's is pretty low if it's the same reading as the PCM takes.

 

Here's a crappy pic showing where the sender is located on the trans. It's on the left side towards the front. Is this correct?



Also, what kind of scanner should I consider purchasing to hook into the PCM?

 

Yes, that's the right place.

 

Ideal trans temps are around 170-180F @ the test port.You can install a thermal bypass in front of your cooler(s) to help the temps come up to ideal temps.


These are the ones I have on my diesel trucks and temps pretty much just stay around the 180F zone.