Suggestions on Measuring Tranny temp?

[rgiles]

I want to add an inline Magnefine filter and switch to Synth ATF on an '02 explorer. Since it is under warantee, I want to do it by the book so that there isn't any way that claims of voided warantee can hold up.

Can an OBDII scanner retrieve Transmission Fluid temperatures on an '02 Explorer? Is there any way to get the temp with the Message center that is standard equipment? I want to measure the temperature for changing the fluid (it needs to be between 80-120 degrees F) in order to get the correct level. Not looking for the most expensive approach, but if an OBDII scanner can do it, then I would consider getting one as it would be nice to have anyway.

In the Ford Service manual it says to use a Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS) New Generation Star (NGS) tester to measure the temperatures. This sounds like an expensive piece of equipment to me.

Also, any opinions on additives that convert Mercon or Dextron Fluid to Mercon V? Is this a safe approach to go? Mobile 1 and Royal Purple don't support Mercon V, but with an additive I suppose it could.

Any Ideas?

Thanks

 

[aldive]

My OBD II scanner ( http://www.autoxray.com/index.htm ) does not measure tranny temp.

I installed a tranny temp gauge from Dakota Digital ( http://dakotadigital.com ) to monitor mine.

I have used Mobil 1 ATF for overr 50k miles ( with changes at 25k ) with narry a problem in my '99.

 

[B94Sport]

I too have a tranny temp gauge, mounted in an A-pillar pod along with an Air/Fuel ratio gauge.

 

[Robert]

It's going to take an expensive scanner to read the tranny temperature. I know the Snap-On scanner I borrowed a couple of years ago would measure it, but it cost about $3000 if I remember correctly. My $350 AutoXray isn't capable but I have mentioned how nice it would be to their Software Engineer on more than one occassion. He just has a hard time working through Ford's cryptic way of doing things so he hasn't found the right mode yet.

 

[rgiles]

The Dakota Digital looks nice but I suspect will set me back a bit more than I was planning. What is a cost effective guage that's on the market? Where does it tap in to get the temperature and is it easy to install? I'm not going to take this off-road much or tow so I don't need the high end stuff.

Thanks!

 

[jjue]

Just get an Autometer Electronic Transmission Temp guage, approximately $40 at Summit for the SportComp Series. The pros use Autometer, so I figure why not Autometer.

 

[rgiles]

Upon Further review, I think I like the Dakota Digital rectangular package since I will mount nicely below my temperature control. There's room for two of those gauges, but not sure if I should get a 2nd, or just the tranny temp.

The Autometer's don't show any pictures on the summit site, so it's hard to tell if it will work for me.

 

[X24]

Aldive and I both put ours here.

 

[aldive]

This is mine....

 

[aldive]

another view....

 

[rgiles]

If you had a nice big space to put them below the climate control would you put them there instead? I like the "heads up" reading, but I think not really necessary for my case and not sure I would like it in the long run.

Also, how did you tap into the tranny line? Did the gauge come with a tap or did you have to purchase it separately. Someone pointed me towards this part# from summit racing:
ATM-2286

Do you think this will work with the Dakota Digital sensor?

Thanks!

 

[X24]

Aldive and I installed a remote tranny filter and took the temp off of that with the temp sending unit from dakota digital.

 

[rgiles]

Where did you mount the external filter? I'm trying to decide whether to go with the Magnafine Inline or the oil filter approach you took. Help me decide! I don't want to mount the oil filter in the wheel well so if that's my only choice I'll go with the Magnafine, and tap into the line with a T adapter of some sort.
Edit: Did you go with the Perma-Cool or the B&M or some other?

 

[X24]

most people put theirs in the wheel well. I used the hose lines that go to the cooler. I didnt want to put my filter in the wheel well either so I put it right in front. You can kinda see it in this pic. You cant see it now because I put a billet grille in the bumper.

 

[rgiles]

Is it the white part hanging down at an angle? Did you need to drill some holes into something to mount it?

Nice looking X!

 

[X24]

thanks. yes, its the white thing hanging down at an angle. I mounted it to the metal bar that goes across there. I drilled 2 holes. Come to think of it, I dont think I put silicon on the bolts. Better do that before winter.

 

[Fischer]

Aldive and 98 Ford,

Did you re-route the tranny tubes after the radiator and then the aux. filter and then inro the cooler? I think that is how I did it. It's been so long.

Point being is that if the above is the case aren't we getting a skewed reading on the tranny temp? As it is either getting cooled or heated in the radiator before the temp unit which is on the fileter?

Also how did you paint the pilar, and do they make only single hole ones?

Thanks!

 

[aldive]

My filter is before the aux cooler.

 

[X24]

Mine is before the tranny cooler also. Its been so cold here lately that my gauge just says EEE which means the tranny temp is less than 30*.

I think they make single pods. I had my friend paint it quick at his body shop.

 

[aldive]

Yes, they make single pods.