I have the factory tranny gauge on my 2004. It moves into the "normal" range within a few minutes of driving, but it has never moved any higher. It doesn't seem to matter how hot it gets outside, how heavy the trailer is, or how steep and long the grade is, it stays "normal" all the time. Is this some kind of an "idiot" gauge that will only go to hot when things get really bad or is the tranny really staying at normal temps?

The reason I ask is because I burned up a tranny on my '93 suburban, no gauges, and cost alot to repair. I had a gauge installed on it, and noticed that when I tow, temps were between 180-200 and would get as high as 220-230 when going up long grades than come back to the 180 range after the roads got flat again.

I was thinking about installing an accurate tranny gauge on the Ex to better monitor things when towing and while I was at it, installing a pyro gauge as well. I think the two would look nice together above the rear view mirror

Do you guys think this is needed or just a waste of money? The Ex is stock, and the trailer is about 7000 lbs when we go camping. The GCVW is about 15,000 lbs. Just looking for some input and opinions on the matter.

Thanks in advance

Ned

 

Good gauges are never a waste of money.

 

Yes.

Nope.

Your TT weighs about as much as my 4-horse bumper-pull fully loaded. I also tow a 31' TT that weighs just under 10K lbs fully loaded. I wouldn't even think about hitching them up to my Excursion without proper gauges to monitor certain parameters while I'm driving.

I have a pyro gauge (exhaust temp gas) tranny gauge, and boost gauge. I would like to add a water temp gauge too, in the future.

I don't care what anyone says, in my opinion, you can't properly monitor the transmission or exhaust parameters with enough accuracy without having an aftermarket gauge installed.

You don't say if you have a gasser or a smoker, but if you do have a diesel, I'd suggest getting a boost gauge too. It can help you diagnose problems that can crop up over time.

Stewart

 

Stewart, He has a PSD. He wants to add a pryo, too.

 

I read that, and I was like, "where?!?"

So I scrolled back up to his post and found this...

Now I wanna know who put that in his post, because it wasn't there the first time I sped through his post!!!!

Ned, thanks to Ken for pointing out what I missed, that being, that you have a diesel, I'd also suggest you get a boost gauge too. Even though you are stock, having a boost gauge can help you ascertain and diagnose problems that may arise down the road. Plus, if you're like the rest of us who become afflicted with PMS*, having a boost gauge is a must.

Stewart

* = Powerstroke Modification Syndrome. A common and fast moving affliction not unlike a virus. PMS strikes those who own a Powerstroke Diesel, inflicting on them, and infecting within them, an overwhelming and ever growing desire to modify their engine. It is a common malady striking even the healthiest of persons. As PMS spreads throughout a persons body, it can be easily tracked through the inverse proportion of wallet lightening and bank account emptying.

 

Oh yeah, I forgot one thing, Ned, call Jody at DP Tuner. Get his F5 chip and have him load some towing tunes on there for ya. They work great.

Ya might wanna have him add the 80 econo tune too. It's helped my gas mileage quite a bit. Honestly, that's why I got the 80 econo...really...seriously...no lie...

Stewart












...now the 120 tune I also got...that's a different story....