RPM's vs Cold Temps
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 385
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From: Flat Rock, Michigan
RPM's vs Cold Temps
Since the temps have reached the single digits here, i have noticed that my RPM's have increased until the engine is thoroughly warmed up.
At 70 mph my RPM's are 2000 when warm and 2400 when cold. At 60 mph (when cold) the the RPM's are at 2000. It takes a good 8-10 miles of 70 mph driving for the RPM's to drop.
1. Has anyone else noticed this behavior in cold weather?
2. Is this caused from the 5W30 motor oil being extremely cold or the trans fluid thickening up?
2002/ F150/ 5.4/ 4x4/ 3.73 gear
-hooD
At 70 mph my RPM's are 2000 when warm and 2400 when cold. At 60 mph (when cold) the the RPM's are at 2000. It takes a good 8-10 miles of 70 mph driving for the RPM's to drop.
1. Has anyone else noticed this behavior in cold weather?
2. Is this caused from the 5W30 motor oil being extremely cold or the trans fluid thickening up?
2002/ F150/ 5.4/ 4x4/ 3.73 gear
-hooD
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 327
Likes: 1
From: Midwest
This behavior is entirely normal. The 5.4/4r100 combination delays locking the torque converter in cold weather until the engine warms up. This results in the engine running at higher rpms at highway speeds, which generates additional heat, and helps the truck warm up faster. Once the engine is adequately warmed, the truck will lock the torque converter and RPMs will be reduced appropriately.
Not sure if Taurus' have the same programming.
It is unrelated to oil thickening.
Not sure if Taurus' have the same programming.
It is unrelated to oil thickening.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Answered my question for sure, I think all of the above is also true for my 1997 4.6/4r70w combo.
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As stated already, it's the TC lockup waiting for the tranny temp to get up there.
I wonder if it's really a way to not expose the customer to the "lockup shudder" issue that keeps rearing it's ugly head?
I wonder if it's really a way to not expose the customer to the "lockup shudder" issue that keeps rearing it's ugly head?