Trans Temperature on V-8 When Towing

[D Hook]

Towing a boat (18.5' BW) with my '06 V8 six speed explorer today and was watching the trans temp on my Torque app. Fluid temp got up to 203° with in-town driving and around 190° on the highway. No external cooler but does have the tow package. Kept OD off the whole time Just had the tranny serviced (pan drop, filter change) about 2000k miles ago. No shifting problems during towing.

Anyone know what temperature starts to do damage and tranny fluid breakdown may start? Checking the google machine, fluid doesn't start to break down until temp hits about 230°.

This is the first time I've pulled the boat with this Explorer so not sure what to expect and what is normal.

The coolant temp stayed pretty steady, which was surprising. I was more nervous about the coolant temp than the transmission temp since I've been having some issues with the cooling over the past couple years. I guess the last flush and fill must've done the trick.

Thanks!

 

[FordFlintrock]

Sounds to me you are doing pretty darn good.
As a comparison on my 2016 no tow, trans temp will get mid to high 190's and coolant temp of 215. If you have an electric cooling fan then with A/C on I would expect your numbers to come down a bit more with fan running continuously.

 

[Turdle]

Adding a larger external cooler with some cheap switched fans will really help, but those temps look good. Maybe just try a switched fan on the cooler for city driving. Over 200 gets me to start worrying.

 

[Bill MacLeod]

You sure your Limited doesn't have an aux cooler? Thought all tow packages had one. Mine does.
If you have a big hitch, aux cooler should be there. All part of the package.

I've seen 205 plus in stop and go traffic. Cools down once moving. So I would say you are seeing normal operating temps. Mukaloco recommends fluid change every 30 to 50k.

 

[D Hook]

Bill, thanks for that. I'll double check for that aux cooler. Is it located in front of the radiator? I know there's a cooler located just below the radiator but always though that was for the power steering.

It def. has the tow package. Wiring for the trailer looks to be all factory; both a 7 pin round plug and a flat four. I seem to remember checking the door label but I'll have to look again.

 

[Bill MacLeod]

Bill, thanks for that. I'll double check for that aux cooler. Is it located in front of the radiator? I know there's a cooler located just below the radiator but always though that was for the power steering.

It def. has the tow package. Wiring for the trailer looks to be all factory; both a 7 pin round plug and a flat four. I seem to remember checking the door label but I'll have to look again.

 

[Bill MacLeod]

Check here.