Trans pan feels hot

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Jun 10, 2008 | 08:11 AM

lexus114

Thread Starter

Lexus Champion

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 4,507

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From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania

Trans pan feels hot

I would really like to know what temperature these trannies. operate at.in the summer.During the colder months here in the north east,I can place my hand on the transmission pan,(after driving)and hold it their because it`s not real hot.Now with temps in the 90`s it feels like its running at very high(almost inoperable temps)I have been in the automotive field a while,and I know its probably running at least 190-200 degrees.Is their a radiator cooler on this vehicle as well?Or just the external cooler?Any one have any input re;this?I can only see the ext.cooling lines.Maybe I should install another cooler in the front of the vehicle.I am concerned because heat is an automatic transmissions worst enemy.I may add a bottle of Lube Guard witch is supposed to lower the temperature of the fluid.

Last edited by lexus114; Jun 10, 2008 at 08:32 AM. Reason: added

Jun 11, 2008 | 07:13 AM

Lexmex

CL Community Team

Joined: Apr 2004

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From: Miami, Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexus114

I am not exactly sure on the internal temps of these trannies. The only cooler is the external one, there's nothing on the radiator. When I had the tranny out back in December I took a look to see if there was anything extra that was connected for cooling, but just saw the two cooling lines. Best thing I have found yet is the Amsoil ATF in terms of combatting the heat, which I need in Florida (and could have used in Mexico).

When I was in Mexico, I often poured (as a test) a bit of water on the top of the tranny and would see if it would bubble or not after running at the track. That was also an indication for me that the transmission fluid needed changing.

Jun 11, 2008 | 07:27 AM

lexus114

Thread Starter

Lexus Champion

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 4,507

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From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania

Lex,have you noticed any shift improvements using the Amsoil?My fist to second gear is my worst shift point(kinda slips @ times) my other gears are fine.But when I changed my filter,on the bottom of the pan was normal wear.I also cleaned my speed sensors over the weekend.The one facing the front was clean,the one on top had slight metal particles.I did not swap them @ this time.I will probably do that at a later date.I am also surprised that lexus did not run the trans colling through the radiator for added cooling,witch would ensure the fluid would not get hotter than the engine temp(along with the protection of the cooler already in place)That is the way American cars do it,and it works out very well.

Last edited by lexus114; Jun 11, 2008 at 07:40 AM. Reason: added

Jun 11, 2008 | 07:37 AM

bob2200

Driver

Joined: Mar 2002

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From: Maryland

My recollection is that a transmission cooler part of the towing-prep package (at least on the FWD models). It may have been standard on the 4WD models. Which model do you have?

Jun 11, 2008 | 07:37 AM

Lexmex

CL Community Team

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 17,321

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From: Miami, Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexus114

Yes, shifts are much smoother (even putting down more power than when I was at high altitude). You hear them, but the actual shift itself is barely felt. I had replaced my transfer case and rear differential oils a few months ago, so that also makes a difference, because if the they aren't changed after a while there is a noticeable difference in the feel of the 2nd to 3rd gear change.

Jun 11, 2008 | 07:41 AM

lexus114

Thread Starter

Lexus Champion

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 4,507

Likes: 38

From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob2200

My recollection is that a transmission cooler part of the towing-prep package (at least on the FWD models). It may have been standard on the 4WD models. Which model do you have?

AWD,and I think it is standard on AWD.Thank God or they wouldnt last 10,000 miles

Jun 11, 2008 | 07:47 AM

lexus114

Thread Starter

Lexus Champion

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 4,507

Likes: 38

From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania

I really cant afford to switch to Amsoil rite now,so I picked up a bottle of Lube Guard.My mercedes mechanic used it when he serviced my 300E.Supposed to reduce the fluid temp.And fortify the fluid.(yeah right)I`ll let you know my opinion on it.

Update re; Lube Guard,I put some in on tue.(i believe it was)and I like it so far.seems to have helped my 1st to 2nd shifts so far.

Last edited by lexus114; Jun 13, 2008 at 07:37 AM.

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Jun 13, 2008 | 06:17 AM

lexus114

Thread Starter

Lexus Champion

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 4,507

Likes: 38

From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomas1

I believe a good normal temp for the tranny would be around 160 to 180degrees. I wish I knew what ours are running at. Maybe I will add a tranny temp guage...

They sell trans. temp. guages online.It threads into the transmission pan.