Transmission gauge
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Transmission gauge
I just noticed it today. But after sitting all night. I got in my Excursion and went to start it up, and while waiting for the glow plug light to go out. I noticed after the gauges went through there checking phase. That the transmission temp gauge was already half way up the dial. Like it was warm. But the truck hadn't been driven in 12 hours. Looking for some idea of what may be going on. Thanks for any info.
Mike.
Mike.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 812
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Florida
Hello Mikel94, welcome to the forum. It doesn't much matter with the stock transmission guage. Truth is it's a guage in name only. It'll usually indicate three positions, cold, normal, and overheated. If you do a search on the topic, you'll find Ford truck guages are notoriously inept. Many here install various aftermarket guages, depending on which engine, what mods, and personal preferences.
Stick around, do some searching and browsing and you'll be amazed at what great people and information are found here.
On your next post, tell us what year and engine your Expy has. Again, welcome.
Edit: Just reread your post, glow plugs = diesel, doh!
Stick around, do some searching and browsing and you'll be amazed at what great people and information are found here.
On your next post, tell us what year and engine your Expy has. Again, welcome.
Edit: Just reread your post, glow plugs = diesel, doh!
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Thanks for the reply bunklash. Well it has a PSD 7.3L in it. And I was worried because after sitting all night that it showed already warm before I even started it this morning. So I hope someone can tell me if there is something wrong with the sending unit or there is something wrong with the trans. Thanks again.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 8
From: WV
You might check your battery(s). I've seen that with my truck when I let the battery get too low. The gauges all swept and in my particular case, the ABS light came on (went out the first time I got it up to about 25mph) and the gas gauge read way low and SLOWLY crept back up to the right reading after about 30 miles. I didn't notice if the trans temp gauge was wrong though.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 812
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From: Northwest Florida
Very unlikely there's anything wrong with the tranny. If it were mine, I'd put in an inexpensive aftermarket guage or just ignore the stock one. Unless you do hard, fast driving, or tow a lot, tranny temp will seldom be an issue. And they say once the stock guage shows ovreheat, you've already fried the tranny.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 8
From: WV
Please keep us posted on what you end up finding!
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Florida
In reality, there is no problem anywhere. It's normal. I'm guessing you are in a part of the country where it's not getting very cold overnight. Ford designed the transmission gauge to read in the middle of the normal scale whenever the transmission is at least 50°F. Did it stay at least that warm last night? That's why it is already there.
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,717
Likes: 2,642
From: SE Florida
In testing I've run transmissions as high as 320°F without damage. The trans was torn down and everything inspected and measured. Don't try this at home, I'm a professional
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 812
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From: Northwest Florida
Too funny Mark! Now I do remember you saying something like that some time in the past. Not doubting you, but it still scares me when I see it much above 200F for any period of time. 
(Sorry) When does the fluid start to get damaged?
(Sorry) When does the fluid start to get damaged?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 534
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From: Oregon
I just noticed it today. But after sitting all night. I got in my Excursion and went to start it up, and while waiting for the glow plug light to go out. I noticed after the gauges went through there checking phase. That the transmission temp gauge was already half way up the dial. Like it was warm. But the truck hadn't been driven in 12 hours. Looking for some idea of what may be going on. Thanks for any info.
Mike.
Mike.
You might also want to ask over in the Excursion section to get Excursion specific answers and go to the 7.3L section to get specific drivetrain information there.
Also include MY, mileage, any Mods. This will help greatly.
Welcome to FTE hope you are able to get all your questions answered. The help here is second to none.
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