As I understand it, the one thing that can kill a vehicle when towing is the automatic gearbox oil temperature. I want to find some sort of gauge that will give me a referance temperature, i.e. I don't need to know the exact temperature, but just need to have an indication of when to stop and have a tea break, or to take it much more easily while towing.
I have looked at the various engine diagnostic units, and none that I have read the specs on say they read gearbox temperature. This is for the Mazda BT50/Ranger 3.2 motor. If anyone knows other wise please tell. I have been assured by Mazda that there is a gearbox temp readout on there machines and it works in real time.
I am also looking at the idea of attaching a thermocouple to the gearbox housing, as a cheap alternative.
Aus-Kiwi said
01:25 PM Jul 1, 2017
Something like this . How it's fitted to sump or trans fluid line is another thing ? I guess drill and tapping trans sump . ?? http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/VDO-****PIT-VISION-GAUGE-ELECTRIC-WATER-TEMP-12V-52MM-BLACK-SENDER-FREE-POST-/221707478129?epid=1342062279&hash=item339ecba471%3Ag%3AVdkAAOSwZjJU96p4&_trkparms=pageci%253A67e0e5e2-5e0c-11e7-b61b-74dbd180c11e%257Cparentrq%253Afc2b1e9315c0aa493663fac0fff5bef6%257Ciid%253A9
hoffy said
02:39 PM Jul 1, 2017
Have a look at the Scanguage 2. Plugs into the OBD port under the dash
outlaw40 said
03:31 PM Jul 1, 2017
Hi iana the scanguage 2 will do what you want they have what they call xgauges which you can program yourself. i just put one in my 3.2 bt50 and they work very well
iana said
03:38 PM Jul 1, 2017
Hi outlaw40, just to confirm the scanguage 2 can be programed to read gearbox temperature, and the unit can be positioned so it can be read while on the go?
Would be handy to have as I intend to do at least minor services on our BT50.
Jaahn said
03:42 PM Jul 1, 2017
Hi Iana
The OBD2 port will certainly have the automatic transmission temperature available to read in real time. The professional 'tools' read it. Perhaps the cheap an' cheerful units only have a restricted menu. So you do need a reader which has the software to read all the various available information. Other people may check what their unit will read.
As far as the actual over temperature goes, the current autos all monitor the temperature and actively control the flows through the heat exchanger to warm it up quickly and also to cool it as needed. They also engage the TC clutch to reduce the heat load and do some other tricks also. So it is not so important as it was in the ol'days to fit a cooler etc. But in the extreme case when there are no more tricks for the computer to play, stopping for a cuppa seems a good win/win idea. Cheap too
Jaahn
outlaw40 said
04:41 PM Jul 1, 2017
Yes Iana The scangauge will definitely read auto temp i ran the cable for mine up the drivers side A pillar and across under the dash matt to the centre of the dash and mounted it with some velcro to the dash matt above the radio. bought mine on ebay from here www.ebay.com.au/itm/ScanGauge-2-II-OBD2-Auto-OBD-Scan-Tool-Digital-Gauge-Car-Trip-Computer/251627828771%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648
let me know if you want the codes for the bt50 auto temp
cheers Steve
kezngaz said
04:56 PM Jul 1, 2017
There is also 4wd supa centres version of the scan gauge.
It retails at 99 dollars.
Dont know how reliable they are compared to the scan gauge2.
Maybe worth a look depending on budget.
Hope this helps.
Kezngaz.
aussie_paul said
04:56 PM Jul 1, 2017
My Scangauge2 reads auto temp after I entered the correct code.
Aussie Paul.
outlaw40 said
05:09 PM Jul 1, 2017
kezngaz wrote:
There is also 4wd supa centres version of the scan gauge. It retails at 99 dollars. Dont know how reliable they are compared to the scan gauge2. Maybe worth a look depending on budget. Hope this helps. Kezngaz.
they dont have the ability to read auto temp
iana said
06:49 PM Jul 1, 2017
I have read up on all the units advertised by Repco and Super Cheap etc., but did not read anything about gearbox temperature. Many other things but no gearbox temp. So the news about the scan gauge 2 is good. And as I said, the Mazda service center use the pro tool to measure the gearbox temperature in real time when they do gearbox oil changes, and to get the level correct.
Thanks for your comment Jaahn, Its quite a system in the BT50/Ranger for oil cooling, and fitting an extra oil cooler would be an expensive exercise. Those are cute little heat exchangers, I guess the idea is that if you have a frontal impact, you won't loose your gearbox oil and you may be able to continue your journey. However it is not my intent to get carried away with cooler mods etc, but just to keep an eye on what is happening.
Anyway thanks all for the effort, I shall have to see my local supplier for a scan gauge 2
Aus-Kiwi said
08:36 PM Jul 1, 2017
Pull it down manually if it doesn't change down.On long hills or head wind . Towing in high gear with turbo can heat turbine too ! Modern ECU's hopefully guard these issues .
landy said
10:53 PM Jul 1, 2017
the gauge that Aus kiwi sugested will do the job quite well and can be bought a lot cheaper than the one shown. I have one connected to the transfer box on the Landy. to get the sender into the oil I just drilled and tapped the drain plug if you ever want to take it out just replace the plug. Landy
iana said
11:20 AM Jul 2, 2017
Hi Landy, the gauges that Aus-Kiwi has suggested require a hole and thread to be tapped in the system somewhere, the I really don't want to go there and touch anything. The Scan gauge sounds the simplest solution.
kezngaz said
02:28 PM Jul 2, 2017
My apologies for sugesting the 4wd supa centres scan tool.
Should have done my research first!!!!
Kezngaz.
Big Mal said
07:15 PM Jul 2, 2017
On my Colorado luckily I can read it on the dash or I can use Torque Pro on my phone thru a OBD dongle, not all gauges can read the tranny temp, depends on the protocol used by the car manufacturer.
When you get a gauge try to keep below 106 deg when towing above that for long periods doesn't do the oil much good, in time you will learn to pick high temps by just looking at the eng temp and change down manually early.........................all manufacturers reckon they don't need extra coolers but in reality they really do, when it's 40deg in the waterbag the cooler your tranny the better.
dogbox said
07:26 PM Jul 2, 2017
iana wrote:
Hi outlaw40, just to confirm the scanguage 2 can be programed to read gearbox temperature, and the unit can be positioned so it can be read while on the go?
Would be handy to have as I intend to do at least minor services on our BT50.
caution when changing oil if the pump drains dry it won't self prime resulting in no oil pressure
Aus-Kiwi said
10:42 PM Jul 2, 2017
Op was wanting to know trans temp .. Yes drain and fill with oil and fill filter before fitting .. My old Mitsi Triton had a high temp light come the dash if trans was hot . I would hold it in gear with foot on brakes to heat cold engine as soon as possible .. yes don't recommend it but had over 200ks when sold .. Didn't take long for auto overheat light to come on ..
iana said
09:02 AM Jul 3, 2017
Thanks dogbox, I am aware of the quirky things on this engine/gearbox unit, and changing the engine oil is one of them.
I re-read about the scan gauge 2 and I am dammed if I can find a reference to gearbox temperature. They say it can display over 15 parameters and they list 17, but gearbox temp is not on the list. I think someone told me or I read somewhere that turbo temperature is also something to keep an eye on, however if I can get gearbox temp I will be happy.
Draining the oil in the gearbox is an other issue, and should probably only be attempted at the service center, no dip stick of filler ports, you have to get up from underneath and pump the oil in and there is a cap to undo, that has a small hooked shape dipstick on it to see the level. Only to be attempted on a hoist.
They list gearbox oil changes at 250,000 but that time would be reduced by a substantial amount if the oil gets burnt.
The transmission cooling system uses a small heat exchanger at the gearbox, and modifications to it, is very expensive, and so I hope I don't have to go in that direction. Towing in sports mode should sort out the gears when towing.
outlaw40 said
11:17 AM Jul 3, 2017
iana the scangauge2 has what they call xgauge function which allows you to input your own gauges if you have the right codes as i said in an earlier post to you i have the codes if you want them and i can assure you it does read auto temp .mine is a my16 3.2 bt50 auto temp sits at 90 deg c
outlaw40 said
11:18 AM Jul 3, 2017
Codes for bt50 scangauge if anyone wants them
ATF Temperature for BT-50 (B32P/Q) 2011+ (5 cylinder turbo diesel models)
-TXD 07E1221E1C
-RXF 0462451E061C
-RXD 3010
-MTH 003F000A0000
.
ATF Temperature for BT-50 (B3000)
-TXD 07E1221674
-RXF 046205160674
-RXD 3010
-MTH 00050048FFEE
-- Edited by iana on Monday 3rd of July 2017 05:14:08 PM
macka17 said
04:32 PM Jul 3, 2017
If your towing.
an extra cooler. Specially if you going inland or up here.
is pretty much a requirement.
Some use extra radiator, I use a tubular Aluminium finned unit with two way flow.
Much more compact. out of way. less chance of damage.
and gives you a "flushing point" for the fluid when doing a service.
I've seen Rally cars well bent up.
With these Finned units still sitting there along the chassis rails
or across front. solid as. NO leaking.
I have Scanguage 2
but yet to get codes for AUto transm for 2010 3 ltr D-max.
grrrr. I stopped looking.
2012 onwards Fine.
Big Mal said
08:30 AM Jul 4, 2017
Is Tranny oil change interval really 250K, the box would be full of grey crud by then surely, the filter would be stuffed well and truly........................changes around the 100 to 150K mark usually means a big clean and flush to get the crap out, very expensive.
macka17 said
07:35 PM Jul 4, 2017
Hey.
I change mine every yr if towing. Specially if a BIG van. 3 ish ton up.
every second yr or so if not.
If doing yourself. Read up on "flushing" your Auto System b4 starting.
If getting somebody. Make sure they do service ?(filter etc).
WITH a full flush.
Not just a drain.
My D'Max. 2010 4 spd,
took near 17 ltrs to flush fully. Clear pink ed.
Probably good enuff at 15 ltrs. Just makin' sure.
cheap insurance.
jjellfern said
09:36 PM Jul 4, 2017
Hi all. Have a look at this unit, reads engine and transmission temp, alarm points are user programmable, heat sensor fits under any bolt on engine and gear box. Very cost affective at around $150, easily installed by anybody with very little mech. Knowledge.
All depends WHERE the sensors are placed.
as to how effective\accurate it'll be though.
The Scanguage type take them directly from cars Computer readings.
jjellfern said
07:00 PM Jul 5, 2017
Just make your alarm points a little above normal running/towing temp. Worked for me, saved an engine in my Ford. When that alarm goes off you can't ignor it, fair dinkum, you will have to stop and investigate. If you don't, nothing will save you.
jjellfern said
07:01 PM Jul 5, 2017
Not hard to work out what normal running temperature is,is it?
blaze said
07:29 PM Jul 5, 2017
jjellfern wrote:
Not hard to work out what normal running temperature is,is it?
so you think your temp reading on your gauge is accurate, in the normal position of gauge the true temp read from a mechanical gauge will be any where between 60 degrees and 95 degrees
As I understand it, the one thing that can kill a vehicle when towing is the automatic gearbox oil temperature. I want to find some sort of gauge that will give me a referance temperature, i.e. I don't need to know the exact temperature, but just need to have an indication of when to stop and have a tea break, or to take it much more easily while towing.
I have looked at the various engine diagnostic units, and none that I have read the specs on say they read gearbox temperature. This is for the Mazda BT50/Ranger 3.2 motor. If anyone knows other wise please tell. I have been assured by Mazda that there is a gearbox temp readout on there machines and it works in real time.
I am also looking at the idea of attaching a thermocouple to the gearbox housing, as a cheap alternative.
Would be handy to have as I intend to do at least minor services on our BT50.
Hi Iana
The OBD2 port will certainly have the automatic transmission temperature available to read in real time. The professional 'tools' read it. Perhaps the cheap an' cheerful units only have a restricted menu. So you do need a reader which has the software to read all the various available information. Other people may check what their unit will read.
As far as the actual over temperature goes, the current autos all monitor the temperature and actively control the flows through the heat exchanger to warm it up quickly and also to cool it as needed. They also engage the TC clutch to reduce the heat load and do some other tricks also. So it is not so important as it was in the ol'days to fit a cooler etc. But in the extreme case when there are no more tricks for the computer to play, stopping for a cuppa seems a good win/win idea. Cheap too
Jaahn
let me know if you want the codes for the bt50 auto temp
cheers Steve
It retails at 99 dollars.
Dont know how reliable they are compared to the scan gauge2.
Maybe worth a look depending on budget.
Hope this helps.
Kezngaz.
My Scangauge2 reads auto temp after I entered the correct code.
Aussie Paul.
they dont have the ability to read auto temp
Thanks for your comment Jaahn, Its quite a system in the BT50/Ranger for oil cooling, and fitting an extra oil cooler would be an expensive exercise. Those are cute little heat exchangers, I guess the idea is that if you have a frontal impact, you won't loose your gearbox oil and you may be able to continue your journey. However it is not my intent to get carried away with cooler mods etc, but just to keep an eye on what is happening.
Anyway thanks all for the effort, I shall have to see my local supplier for a scan gauge 2
Landy
Should have done my research first!!!!
Kezngaz.
When you get a gauge try to keep below 106 deg when towing above that for long periods doesn't do the oil much good, in time you will learn to pick high temps by just looking at the eng temp and change down manually early.........................all manufacturers reckon they don't need extra coolers but in reality they really do, when it's 40deg in the waterbag the cooler your tranny the better.
caution when changing oil if the pump drains dry it won't self prime resulting in no oil pressure
I re-read about the scan gauge 2 and I am dammed if I can find a reference to gearbox temperature. They say it can display over 15 parameters and they list 17, but gearbox temp is not on the list. I think someone told me or I read somewhere that turbo temperature is also something to keep an eye on, however if I can get gearbox temp I will be happy.
Draining the oil in the gearbox is an other issue, and should probably only be attempted at the service center, no dip stick of filler ports, you have to get up from underneath and pump the oil in and there is a cap to undo, that has a small hooked shape dipstick on it to see the level. Only to be attempted on a hoist.
They list gearbox oil changes at 250,000 but that time would be reduced by a substantial amount if the oil gets burnt.
The transmission cooling system uses a small heat exchanger at the gearbox, and modifications to it, is very expensive, and so I hope I don't have to go in that direction. Towing in sports mode should sort out the gears when towing.
ATF Temperature for BT-50 (B32P/Q) 2011+ (5 cylinder turbo diesel models)
-TXD 07E1221E1C
-RXF 0462451E061C
-RXD 3010
-MTH 003F000A0000
.
ATF Temperature for BT-50 (B3000)
-TXD 07E1221674
-RXF 046205160674
-RXD 3010
-MTH 00050048FFEE
Trial Fuel Rail Pressure (Output is scaled, eg 10 = 10000 PSI)
-TXD 07DF0123
-RXF 044145230000
-RXD 2810
-MTH 001D00C80000
OK, OK, I'll get it on order :)
Done and on its way.
-- Edited by iana on Monday 3rd of July 2017 05:14:08 PM
an extra cooler. Specially if you going inland or up here.
is pretty much a requirement.
Some use extra radiator, I use a tubular Aluminium finned unit with two way flow.
Much more compact. out of way. less chance of damage.
and gives you a "flushing point" for the fluid when doing a service.
I've seen Rally cars well bent up.
With these Finned units still sitting there along the chassis rails
or across front. solid as. NO leaking.
I have Scanguage 2
but yet to get codes for AUto transm for 2010 3 ltr D-max.
grrrr. I stopped looking.
2012 onwards Fine.
I change mine every yr if towing. Specially if a BIG van. 3 ish ton up.
every second yr or so if not.
If doing yourself. Read up on "flushing" your Auto System b4 starting.
If getting somebody. Make sure they do service ?(filter etc).
WITH a full flush.
Not just a drain.
My D'Max. 2010 4 spd,
took near 17 ltrs to flush fully. Clear pink
ed.
Probably good enuff at 15 ltrs. Just makin' sure.
cheap insurance.
Hi all. Have a look at this unit, reads engine and transmission temp, alarm points are user programmable, heat sensor fits under any bolt on engine and gear box. Very cost affective at around $150, easily installed by anybody with very little mech. Knowledge.
as to how effective\accurate it'll be though.
The Scanguage type take them directly from cars Computer readings.
Just make your alarm points a little above normal running/towing temp. Worked for me, saved an engine in my Ford. When that alarm goes off you can't ignor it, fair dinkum, you will have to stop and investigate. If you don't, nothing will save you.
Not hard to work out what normal running temperature is,is it?
so you think your temp reading on your gauge is accurate, in the normal position of gauge the true temp read from a mechanical gauge will be any where between 60 degrees and 95 degrees