Automatic gearbox temperature.

iana · Guru

Automatic gearbox temperature.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

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 · Newbie

Have a look at the Scanguage 2. Plugs into the OBD port under the dash

outlaw40 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

Hi Iana smile

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 biggrin

Jaahn

outlaw40 · Guru

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 · Senior Member

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 · Guru

My Scangauge2 reads auto temp after I entered the correct code.

Aussie Paul. smile

outlaw40 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Senior Member

My apologies for sugesting the 4wd supa centres scan tool.
Should have done my research first!!!!
Kezngaz.

Big Mal · Senior Member

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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

Trial Fuel Rail Pressure (Output is scaled, eg 10 = 10000 PSI)
-TXD 07DF0123
-RXF 044145230000
-RXD 2810
-MTH 001D00C80000

iana · Guru

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

macka17 · Guru

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 · Senior Member

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 · Guru

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 · Member

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.

macka17 · Guru

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 · Member

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 · Member

Not hard to work out what normal running temperature is,is it?

blaze · Guru

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