Transmission temp ???
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Glenwood Springs
Transmission temp ???
In recent months I've seen my transmission temps spike unexpectedly. I don't tow, I have an Evo II with Jody's 80 HP econo tune, and the transmission fluid was changed to full synthetic in the last 4000 miles.
Example: last week, I made a 165 mile trip up and over the hill into Denver. On the way over, outside temp was 58-62 most of the way and the trans temp hovered in the low 160s with minor spikes to 170 when crossing the passes. Once in Denver, outside temp was 88 and trans temp moved up to 175 or so. I did several errands around town, and just as I got ready to leave, the trans temp started to climb, reaching 202 before I even got back on the freeway. Outside temp had even fallen into low 70s due to an incoming storm.
Once I started up the hill, the trans temp started to come down, and reached high 160s by the time I reached the tunnel.
As I said, this has now happened on a couple of occasions. Trans temp goes up, then comes back down for no apparent reason, or in the example here, counter to expected behavior.
Thoughts?
Example: last week, I made a 165 mile trip up and over the hill into Denver. On the way over, outside temp was 58-62 most of the way and the trans temp hovered in the low 160s with minor spikes to 170 when crossing the passes. Once in Denver, outside temp was 88 and trans temp moved up to 175 or so. I did several errands around town, and just as I got ready to leave, the trans temp started to climb, reaching 202 before I even got back on the freeway. Outside temp had even fallen into low 70s due to an incoming storm.
Once I started up the hill, the trans temp started to come down, and reached high 160s by the time I reached the tunnel.
As I said, this has now happened on a couple of occasions. Trans temp goes up, then comes back down for no apparent reason, or in the example here, counter to expected behavior.
Thoughts?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by srauner
I did several errands around town, and just as I got ready to leave, the trans temp started to climb, reaching 202 before I even got back on the freeway. Outside temp had even fallen into low 70s due to an incoming storm.
By "errands around town" can we assume lots of slow and go traffic? The tranny temps depend a great deal on airflow over the cooler mounted behind the AC evaporator. Use of the AC, and the amount of air moving thru the front end of the truck can change things a lot!
Can you correlate your "spikes" to AC use, or slow and go driving in town where not much air moves thru the front?
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by Savaged1
ok...So what is a safe temp to stay under?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
I believe the consensus in the 6.0L forum is if you get over 220°F pull over and let it idle in park to cool down (obviously if you are in the middle of the hill try to make it up and then pull over, I believe 240 is where they say permanent damage is likely).
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
No the TorqShift (I believe that's the 5R110 isn't it). I was answering RoyC's question. I'm not terribly familiar with the temps on the 4R100. I would think it would depend on the fluid used (The TorqShift has to have Mercon SP and Motorcraft is the only one that makes it so far).
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
Trans temps can get pretty high before physical damage occurs. According to most information I can find, you don't have to worry unless you get all the way to about 240 degrees. If you do get that hot, you need to change fluids asap.
My temps got up to about 225 on moutain grades pulling over 10K. After that trip, I installed a secondary cooler which has dropped temps about 30 degrees for me. I added the exact same cooler in the second link and can't be happier. Took me about 90 mins from start to finish.
Here's a couple of reference articles:
http://www.tciauto.com/Products/TechInfo/trans_life_expectancy.asp
http://www.dieselpage.com/art0898hy.htm
My temps got up to about 225 on moutain grades pulling over 10K. After that trip, I installed a secondary cooler which has dropped temps about 30 degrees for me. I added the exact same cooler in the second link and can't be happier. Took me about 90 mins from start to finish.
Here's a couple of reference articles:
http://www.tciauto.com/Products/TechInfo/trans_life_expectancy.asp
http://www.dieselpage.com/art0898hy.htm