I need a transmission temp gauge...

[s2gots]

Hi guys, I just picked up a '96 chevy tahoe 4x4. I want to install a trans temp gauge that has the sending unit installed directly to a port on the transmission itself. I do not want the one that has to be spliced into a trany fluid line. Anyone know where i can find one? When I do a search, all I come up with is the the ones that splice into a line...TIA

 

[Josh P]

Re: I need a transmission temp gauge...

here you go..pull your pan drill a hole and re install. serves 2 purposes, a drain and its 1/8npt which is what sending units are size wise..
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...smission-Drain-Plug-Kit?itemIdentifier=103014

 

[Splat]

Re: I need a transmission temp gauge...

Better yet find out what transmission you have and determine if there's a diagnostic port you can use.

Would be as simple as removing a bolt, and threading in your sensor. Total instAll time, under a minute.

Bill

 

[Splat]

Re: I need a transmission temp gauge...

I should say, not better yet but its just another option. Temps may vary several degrees depending where you place the sending unit.

Bill

 

[Josh P]

Re: I need a transmission temp gauge...

his trans is most likely a 4l60e.. ya i agree he could use a pressure port for his temp sensor, just not sure how much fluid flow it would see, in the pan the fluid is always moving. i would definatly get a aftermarket cooler and install it even if it has a tow package... the cooler the better.. let us know what your thinking

 

[jeeperman]

Re: I need a transmission temp gauge...

Too cool is not good either.
Almost all automatics run the fluid thru the rad as a standard and an auxillary external cooler as an option.
I believe the engineered goal is to have the operating temp of the tranny equal to the normal operating temp. of the engine.

 

[justchecking]

Re: I need a transmission temp gauge...

Will a Scangauge work in a 96 Tahoe? If so, all you need to do is plug it into the OBD port and then you get a whole bunch of other guages for free. Check out the Scangauge website and they will have the 96 listed if it will work.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: I need a transmission temp gauge...

Will a Scangauge work in a 96 Tahoe? If so, all you need to do is plug it into the OBD port and then you get a whole bunch of other guages for free. Check out the Scangauge website and they will have the 96 listed if it will work.

That is what I use with my 2007 Ranger. My transmission fluid temps run 150-160 at 60mph on a cool day and maybe 10 degree hotter on a hot day when pulling my 17' bowrider. I also use it as a backup speedometer, voltmeter, and mpg gauge although many other options exist. The speedometer in the Scangauge is more accurate than the one in the dash and always reads the same as my GPS (which I consider the last word in speed).

As has been pointed out, all it takes to use the Scangauge is your OBD port under the dash. Of course, you can also use it to read diagnostic OBD codes if you need to.

 

[s2gots]

Re: I need a transmission temp gauge...

I've heard of the scan gauge, I don't think I need all the other stuff that comes with it... I'm going to look into the Pressure port idea and go from there. Thanks!!

 

[justchecking]

Re: I need a transmission temp gauge...

I got my scangauge to monitor transmission temperature. However I noticed my engine temp going up up up down down down and found I had a sticking thermostat. The temperature gauge in the exploder is really only an idiot gauge and doesn't show hot until way too late...

 

[Pontuned]

Re: I need a transmission temp gauge...

Do not use a pressure port, they see no fluid so you only get a heat soak temp.......which is basically useless.
The best place to place a trans temp gauge is in the return line so you will see actual temperature variation, placing in the pan will only give you pan temps which are not a very accurate gauge.

Trans temp gauges are a very useful tool when towing but if you put it in a pressure port you may as well tape it to the side of your transmission because the only use the gauge is going to serve is as added bling to your tow rig.

 

[Splat]

Re: I need a transmission temp gauge...

Correct me if I'm wrong but I would think return line temp would be useless, you'll be reading the temp of the fluid after the cooler has cooled it, not the actual temp of the fluid in the trans on the clutches and such. If you bake the fluid before it's cooled but are reading the temp after it's cooled this information is of no use.

I have heard of people using the diagnostic port, that's why I suggested it. I however have not. Personally I think I would install a bung in the pan, or a sensor in the sending line up to the cooler. The other option is just for ease of use. A simple "t" fitting can be installed in the cooling line and the sensor threaded into that, it's a relatively quick install as well using compression fittings. It all depends on where you want to get your temp.

Sorry theres really no simple answer as to whats best. Everyone has a different opinion.

 

[Pontuned]

Re: I need a transmission temp gauge...

Correct me if I'm wrong but I would think return line temp would be useless, you'll be reading the temp of the fluid after the cooler has cooled it, not the actual temp of the fluid in the trans on the clutches and such. If you bake the fluid before it's cooled but are reading the temp after it's cooled this information is of no use.

I have heard of people using the diagnostic port, that's why I suggested it. I however have not. Personally I think I would install a bung in the pan, or a sensor in the sending line up to the cooler. The other option is just for ease of use. A simple "t" fitting can be installed in the cooling line and the sensor threaded into that, it's a relatively quick install as well using compression fittings. It all depends on where you want to get your temp.

Sorry theres really no simple answer as to whats best. Everyone has a different opinion.

I was referring to the return line (fluid output) to the cooler, sorry if I was not more clear. You want to read the fluid coming out of the unit going to the cooler, that is the only place to get an accurate reading of what is actually going on in the trans temp-wise.