additional dash gauges
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Boise
additional dash gauges
I will be installing an auto tranny cooler soon and would like to include a fluid temp sensor. Can you post links to a sensor install.
Also, what additional sensors/dash displays are worth having?
Also, what additional sensors/dash displays are worth having?
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,907
Likes: 185
From: Maine
Get an AeroForce gauge. It will read transmission sump temperature.
It will also read more things than you will know what to do with!
If the AeroForce gauge is more than you want to spend, below is my take on where temp probe should be installed:
This is what my research has revealed about trans temp probes located in the various points on the 42RLE transmission.
The following is what I have concluded based on my best effort to get the facts.
Line out to the cooler:
This will show temperature of fluid coming out of the trans, but it will be variable with short term spikes as the TC locks and unlocks. Short term temp spikes are normal and not detrimental to transmission fluid life. A probe in this location can lead to unnecessary anxiety.
Line from cooler to transmission:
This will show the fluid after cooling, and will be lower than what the pump picks up from the pan.
In one of the many pressure ports on the side of the transmission:
This will show temp of the fluid only when the particular circuit is in operation. You would have to choose which port to monitor. They are: torque converter clutch on; torque converter clutch off; reverse; low/reverse; 2/4; under-drive; over-drive.
This brings us to the pan:
This will show temp of fluid the pump picks up and sends through the transmission. The sump is sort of a "dampener" for fluid temperatures. It reflects the steady state temperature of the fluid. Long term temp rise, which is what degrades the transmission and fluid, will show in the sump. As mentioned above, short spikes in temp as the fluid leaves the transmission are not a factor.
The transmission's factory temp sensor monitors the fluid in the sump. The normal programs in the tranny controller respond to sump fluid temperatures.
The troubleshooting charts and operational limits are based on sump temps.
Some brands of transmission temp gauges recommend an inline probe location IF installing it in the pan is not possible for some reason.
Several local transmission shops recommend the pan location. However, they say most people choose one of the inline locations for ease of installation.
Based on what I have learned, I have installed the temp sensor in the pan.
It will also read more things than you will know what to do with!
If the AeroForce gauge is more than you want to spend, below is my take on where temp probe should be installed:
This is what my research has revealed about trans temp probes located in the various points on the 42RLE transmission.
The following is what I have concluded based on my best effort to get the facts.
Line out to the cooler:
This will show temperature of fluid coming out of the trans, but it will be variable with short term spikes as the TC locks and unlocks. Short term temp spikes are normal and not detrimental to transmission fluid life. A probe in this location can lead to unnecessary anxiety.
Line from cooler to transmission:
This will show the fluid after cooling, and will be lower than what the pump picks up from the pan.
In one of the many pressure ports on the side of the transmission:
This will show temp of the fluid only when the particular circuit is in operation. You would have to choose which port to monitor. They are: torque converter clutch on; torque converter clutch off; reverse; low/reverse; 2/4; under-drive; over-drive.
This brings us to the pan:
This will show temp of fluid the pump picks up and sends through the transmission. The sump is sort of a "dampener" for fluid temperatures. It reflects the steady state temperature of the fluid. Long term temp rise, which is what degrades the transmission and fluid, will show in the sump. As mentioned above, short spikes in temp as the fluid leaves the transmission are not a factor.
The transmission's factory temp sensor monitors the fluid in the sump. The normal programs in the tranny controller respond to sump fluid temperatures.
The troubleshooting charts and operational limits are based on sump temps.
Some brands of transmission temp gauges recommend an inline probe location IF installing it in the pan is not possible for some reason.
Several local transmission shops recommend the pan location. However, they say most people choose one of the inline locations for ease of installation.
Based on what I have learned, I have installed the temp sensor in the pan.
Last edited by ronjenx; Jun 22, 2010 at 08:52 PM.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
If you're running an Android phone, check out the Torque app. I don't know if it provides transmission temp, but it's the cheapest way to read the OBD port. Here's a video ...
Torque App YouTube Video
Additional sensors/dash displays: The most obvious one missing, which isn't on the OBD bus, is engine oil pressure.
Torque App YouTube Video
Additional sensors/dash displays: The most obvious one missing, which isn't on the OBD bus, is engine oil pressure.
