1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Transmission temp guage

Discussion in 'Towing' started by uno676, Jul 1, 2017.

  1. Jul 1, 2017 at 7:55 PM
    #1
    uno676

    uno676 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2012
    Member:
    #77386
    Messages:
    89
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lonnie
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2009 DCB Long Box 4x4
    Looking for a recommendation for transmission temp guage for towing.
     
  2. Jul 2, 2017 at 8:30 AM
    #2
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    Member:
    #166403
    Messages:
    3,174
    Gender:
    Male
    NW ONT, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra SX
    Use the Torque app on your phone.
     
  3. Jul 2, 2017 at 8:32 AM
    #3
    gearcruncher

    gearcruncher Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2012
    Member:
    #90305
    Messages:
    7,130
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Canadain bumper technician
    Great white North 51.0333° N, 93.8333° W
    Vehicle:
    2010.TRD.SportDCLB4x4Limited leather package
    TRD Sport Rally -5 speed automatic Limited ,Factory heated leather seats ,chrome package,Super white with front windows tinted to 35 % Dick Cepek DC-2 wheels Summer tires - Good year silent armor P265/65R17 Winter tires - Good year P265/65R17 Ultra Ice studded Illuminated 4x4 switch TRD 3rd brake light cover ($20) TRD seat belt shoulder protectors (5). ($50) TRD ...B pillar emblems ($20) TRD rear slider sticker with devil horns ( $6) TRD summer floor matts ($60) TRD steering wheel emblem ($20) TRD floor pedals .($95) TRD shorty antenna ($14) TRD front Windshield emblems ($17) TRD head pillows .($60) TRD head rest protectors TRD door scuff protection $20 TRD floor matt emblems ($40) TRD tow plug emblem . ($40) TRD cigarette lighter with LED.($35) TRD tissue dispenser ($12) TRD front bezel emblems ($9) TRD door emblems ($6) TRD lanyards($9) TRD lisence plates with TRD bolts($50) TRD fender emblems TRD center caps Part Number:PT904-35070-CC ($80) TRD cd
    I have info for your transmission here
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/


    Lets have a peek at what transmission coolers do
    TRANSMISSION COOLERS
    If you do not have a transmission cooler on your truck and you plan to tow or haul heavy loads or you are in heavy stop and go traffic and use 4X4 low a lot , consider purchasing a cooler . The cooler thats built into your rad is designed to cool the transmission with the weight of just the truck by itself .When you are in 4x4 low , your torque converter is usually in the stall stage and creates a tonne of additional heat .You dont have much air flow going through your rad when you are in low range 4x4 .
    160 - 200 are considered normal temps providing your engine radiator is functioning properly . If your engine overheats , your transmission will also overheat
    Normal fluid temperature in transmission to be 175 deg. F.

    Rate of oxidation to double for each temperature increase of 20 deg F above normal (175 deg F). As oxidation rate doubles, useful life of fluid is cut in half.

    At 175 deg F life is 100,000 miles
    At 195 deg F (20 deg above 175) life is 50k miles
    At 215 life is 25k miles
    At 235 life is 12k
    At 255 life is 6,250
    At 275 life is 3,000
    At 295 life is 1500
    At 315 life is 750

    At temperatures much above 300 deg F the metals in the transmission will tend to warp, twist etc. high temperatures causes the formation of varnish deposits which impair or pre vent transmission operation.

    At a fluid temperature of 415 deg F fluid life is 30 minutes!

    Source: Empire Lubricants Inc.
    Consider a scan guage [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]http://www.amazon.com/ScanGauge-Comp.../dp/B000AAMY86
    Here is the best information for the scan guage http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd...-pressure.html

    Ultraguage is now offering transmission temps http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/318340-ultragauge-transmission-temp.html

    You could also use the Torque app with an Android phone as a cheap alternative to watch your temps http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/per...d2-reader.html


    A picture heavy write up showing a manual gauge install
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/trans-temp-sensor.456998/#post-13594000

    https://www.amazon.ca/80212-Transmission-Temperature-Gauge-Kit/dp/B0002A596I
    [​IMG]

    This is how Low Pressure Drop technology works::
    When Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is cold it is viscous. The unique Tru-Cool design allows the colder, thicker ATF to flow more efficiently through two open bypass channels positioned at the top of the cooler. As operating temperatures increase, the ATF becomes hotter and thinner, It's then directed through the core where it is cooled. Tru-Cool's highly efficient cooling technology combines improved protection against lube failure with optimal heat transfer.
    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]http://www.amazon.com/Long-Tru-Cool-.../dp/B005XZXB1M
    Long Tru-Cool Oil Coolers offer advanced cooling protection for many towing applications. The advanced technology out performs TUBE & FIN Designs, Delivers up to 15 times less flow restrictions, 30% more cooling delivers maximum heat transfer, Self-Regulating for maximum lube flow protection through start-up, varied temperatures and driving conditions, heavy loads and towing.
    Here is Toyotas fluid flow guide ...Look at page 8 on this PDF http://www.toyotatundraforum.com/pdf/A750E.pdf
    And here is a guy who recently installed a cooler correctly http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st...agram-pic.html

    cooler and fan install http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd...n-install.html

    HERE is the Tacoma World Towing Bible https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

    CAN YOU OVER COOL ? Yes . Transmissions are designed to operate at 170ish . There are demulsifiers in the fluid to assist with internal condensation but you still need the steady heat to bake that water off . If installing a cooler , ask yourself what plans you have for the cooler during the winter months .

    When you first start your truck in the morning , the transmission uses the heat provided by the engine to warm the transmission .
    This results in better fuel economy as well as improved transmission shifting .
    With this said , I will always recommend using the factory in line radiator and then place the cooler after the original rad .
    There are exceptions to this rule mind you . The strawberry Milkshake effect , a former transmission failure causing the internal rad cooler to plug up or you simply live in an extremely warm area
     
    TearingGears and chutson99 like this.
  4. Jul 2, 2017 at 8:37 PM
    #4
    uno676

    uno676 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2012
    Member:
    #77386
    Messages:
    89
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lonnie
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2009 DCB Long Box 4x4
    Thank you I'm going to try the scan guage. I don't want to depend on my phone I use it for too many other things.
     
  5. Jul 3, 2017 at 8:05 PM
    #5
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    Member:
    #166403
    Messages:
    3,174
    Gender:
    Male
    NW ONT, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra SX
    Something I not understanding on the above post. 160 to 200 is consider normal. At 195 transmission fluid has a life of 50k. At 215 trans fluid has a life of 25k. Transmission and engine temps should run close to the same (trans cooler in rad). My engine coolant will run 195. My transmission oil will run @ 182. When I'm towing my TT my trans temp will run 195 and if I'm working it hard on a warm day I can see temps up to 218 from the torque converter and 208 in the pan. That would mean I'm overheating my transmission even though my engine temps are 195 to 200? It's hard for me to believe that running a transmission 20° higher than the engine temp would be a cause for concern?
     
  6. Jul 4, 2017 at 9:47 AM
    #6
    gearcruncher

    gearcruncher Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2012
    Member:
    #90305
    Messages:
    7,130
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Canadain bumper technician
    Great white North 51.0333° N, 93.8333° W
    Vehicle:
    2010.TRD.SportDCLB4x4Limited leather package
    TRD Sport Rally -5 speed automatic Limited ,Factory heated leather seats ,chrome package,Super white with front windows tinted to 35 % Dick Cepek DC-2 wheels Summer tires - Good year silent armor P265/65R17 Winter tires - Good year P265/65R17 Ultra Ice studded Illuminated 4x4 switch TRD 3rd brake light cover ($20) TRD seat belt shoulder protectors (5). ($50) TRD ...B pillar emblems ($20) TRD rear slider sticker with devil horns ( $6) TRD summer floor matts ($60) TRD steering wheel emblem ($20) TRD floor pedals .($95) TRD shorty antenna ($14) TRD front Windshield emblems ($17) TRD head pillows .($60) TRD head rest protectors TRD door scuff protection $20 TRD floor matt emblems ($40) TRD tow plug emblem . ($40) TRD cigarette lighter with LED.($35) TRD tissue dispenser ($12) TRD front bezel emblems ($9) TRD door emblems ($6) TRD lanyards($9) TRD lisence plates with TRD bolts($50) TRD fender emblems TRD center caps Part Number:PT904-35070-CC ($80) TRD cd
    Not necessarily overheating the transmission but degrading the life of the fluid . Did you have a larger cooler installed in place of the tiny factory after cooler ?
     
  7. Jul 4, 2017 at 9:50 AM
    #7
    ramonortiz55

    ramonortiz55 Not A Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2012
    Member:
    #92013
    Messages:
    34,628
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ramon
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2015 DCSB Offroad 4x4
    stock

    thank you for this @gearcruncher
     
  8. Jul 4, 2017 at 10:38 AM
    #8
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    Member:
    #166403
    Messages:
    3,174
    Gender:
    Male
    NW ONT, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra SX

    I'm running the Toyota cooler and using Maxlife fluid which is suppose to have a higher oxidization point than WS. I'm on the fence about the larger cooler. I'm planning a trip to the Rockies in late summer.
     
  9. Jul 5, 2017 at 6:33 PM
    #9
    uno676

    uno676 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2012
    Member:
    #77386
    Messages:
    89
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lonnie
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2009 DCB Long Box 4x4
    Got my scanguage today I love it. Thank you again for your help
     
    Ruggybuggy and gearcruncher like this.
  10. Jul 7, 2017 at 1:03 PM
    #10
    stickyTaco

    stickyTaco Fuck Cancer

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2012
    Member:
    #92904
    Messages:
    5,642
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zack
    Reno/Tahoe
    Vehicle:
    '12 DCSB TRD-OR
    Fox/Dakar with Relentless goodies and stuff
    Just curious if these temps are specific to the WS fluid?
     
  11. Jul 7, 2017 at 1:05 PM
    #11
    SonnyBones

    SonnyBones I VOID WARRANTIES

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2015
    Member:
    #170342
    Messages:
    833
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeffery
    Vehicle:
    2015 TACOMA ACCESS CAB
  12. Jul 9, 2017 at 5:05 PM
    #12
    uno676

    uno676 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2012
    Member:
    #77386
    Messages:
    89
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lonnie
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2009 DCB Long Box 4x4
    So I have a question on the temps. So if your towing and your temp is like 195 and you go up a hill and spikes to 219 is your fluid degraded instantly or is it if its constantly at that temp for a long period of time?
     
  13. Jul 10, 2017 at 9:06 AM
    #13
    uno676

    uno676 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2012
    Member:
    #77386
    Messages:
    89
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lonnie
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2009 DCB Long Box 4x4
    Does that cooler hold up well? With temp control built in that it doesn't cause any problems?
     
  14. Jul 10, 2017 at 3:14 PM
    #14
    airsavage

    airsavage Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2017
    Member:
    #213699
    Messages:
    1,589
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Butch
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra Sport 4x4 MGM, 2000 Prerunner
    I put a tru-cool on as per Gearcruchers recommendation and my temps dropped from running at 170 around town down to 150 running around town. There are no problems with it whatsoever. If you install one just make sure there are no leaks. You will be happy with it.
     
    jonnytacoo likes this.
  15. Jul 10, 2017 at 3:18 PM
    #15
    Pirhett

    Pirhett Instagram @pirhett_ship

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2015
    Member:
    #147498
    Messages:
    5,218
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rhett
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2014 TRD Sport 4x4 DCLB MGM
    Stock...
    @gearcruncher think the cooler that comes with trd sport tow package is good? Plan on running 35s with stock gears and bout the scan gauge to keep an eye on temps
     
    jonnytacoo likes this.
  16. Jul 10, 2017 at 6:44 PM
    #16
    stickyTaco

    stickyTaco Fuck Cancer

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2012
    Member:
    #92904
    Messages:
    5,642
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zack
    Reno/Tahoe
    Vehicle:
    '12 DCSB TRD-OR
    Fox/Dakar with Relentless goodies and stuff
    It is not going to be sufficient if you tow.
     
    jonnytacoo and Pirhett[QUOTED] like this.
  17. Jul 10, 2017 at 6:59 PM
    #17
    anonemoose

    anonemoose Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2016
    Member:
    #195322
    Messages:
    1,318
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bill
    Big Pine, Calif
    Vehicle:
    2015 White TRD Sport V6 DCSB
    Ride-Rites, Everything Weather-Tech Makes Added some 12 volt outlets with relays
    I am curious why you say that. Is it because of the weight you are towing? or it just isn't up to par? So far mine has towed well but I just got the scan gauge set up and will keep an eye on the temps also.
     
    jonnytacoo likes this.
  18. Jul 10, 2017 at 7:32 PM
    #18
    stickyTaco

    stickyTaco Fuck Cancer

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2012
    Member:
    #92904
    Messages:
    5,642
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zack
    Reno/Tahoe
    Vehicle:
    '12 DCSB TRD-OR
    Fox/Dakar with Relentless goodies and stuff
    Personal experience towing with only 265/75/16s. The factory cooler barely keeps up on my truck...can't imagine how it would be if I had to spin another 20+ lbs per wheel with a diff gearing that was too low.

    Are you towing with 35s and stock gearing?
     
    jonnytacoo likes this.
  19. Jul 10, 2017 at 7:40 PM
    #19
    anonemoose

    anonemoose Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2016
    Member:
    #195322
    Messages:
    1,318
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bill
    Big Pine, Calif
    Vehicle:
    2015 White TRD Sport V6 DCSB
    Ride-Rites, Everything Weather-Tech Makes Added some 12 volt outlets with relays
    My sport is stock 2015 v6 with Toyota tow package except for ride-rites but I have shell on it and tow a 1000 lb teardrop and a few hundred pounds in the bed. I have gone 75mph up hill until I learned better, now I keep it in 4th and TRY to stay at 60mph. We are retired and this is my last new vehicle (12000 miles) and want to keep it running for as long as we can so if I need to change something I want to do it now.

    Thanks for any feed back.
     
    jonnytacoo likes this.
  20. Jul 10, 2017 at 7:45 PM
    #20
    stickyTaco

    stickyTaco Fuck Cancer

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2012
    Member:
    #92904
    Messages:
    5,642
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zack
    Reno/Tahoe
    Vehicle:
    '12 DCSB TRD-OR
    Fox/Dakar with Relentless goodies and stuff
    You should be fine. Just keep doing what you do (tow only in 4th and keep an eye on the transmission temps). My trailer is about 5,000lbs loaded and it seems like every trip we take with it is uphill both ways ;) when I push it I get temps at the torque converter up to about 250 but on the flats it's usually around 190 when towing.
     
    jonnytacoo and jsnyder1025 like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top