yoda-g2

I'm considering doing this in the near future, which is the correct way? Also Gadget, how exactly did you splice in to your line, and what parts did you use?

Thanks

ManyMods

I have always understood that the only correct way to get a true reading is to measure the temperature of the fluid as soon as it leaves the transmission, therefore the sensor should be in the line that goes TO the cooler. An accurate reading is not achieved with the sensor in the return line or in the pan.

jmutto

How do you go about testing the lockup clutch in the torque converter? My sone is having temp problems in his '90 4Runner and we can't seem to figure it out.

3.4v6

any updates on this install from anybody. i plan on installing a tranny temp gauge soon and want to know the best/accurate way to do it.

so far put sender close to tranny on the line going to cooler but still kinda confused on how to tap the sender in. the tranny doesnt have any plugs like the engine block?

ManyMods

Jason,
You want the sender manifold block spliced into the cooler line as close as possible to the point where it exits the transmission. You do not want to tap into the pan itself because that will not give you accurate readings and you may develop leaks if you do not braze the fitting to the pan. Anyway, I used very expensive metric compression couplers when I did my install because I did not want to use clamps and rubber hoses. Good luck.

4mydogs

I couldn't locate the compression couplers and being impatient I went the clamps and rubber hoses route. That was 6 months and 7,000 miles ago. I check it every month and so far no runs, no drips, no errors. Funny thing is, the A/T Temp light hasn't come on since I installed the gauge.

ManyMods

4mydogs -
I am not saying that your way is wrong, it is just that I decided I was on a mission to do it the other way so I located an importer of compression fittings and had them ordered. Yeah, it was a PITA and yeah, it was a very expensive but it is done now and I am happy. When you think that the damn cooler is plumbed in using clamps and rubber hose it is really stupid to obsess the way I did on the gauge installation. Oh well!

I do not understand why your temp light does not go on any longer, not that mine ever did. Is there a sender / wire close to where you installed the coupler that you might have disconnected? My tranny temp rarely gets over 180F so for anyone with a good external cooler there is nothing to worry about unless you are towing a semi-trailer up a mountain.

MTL_4runner

Hey Peter!

I did something sorta like that when I moved from Arizona....it wasn't pretty.
The poor truck engine overheated several times, but I bet I saved my tranny by having a cooler on it.
.....now I just hire movers.

3.4v6

ive been googling a tranny temp gauge install and some people are replacing the drain plug for the tranny with the sending unit... ionno but would this be ok?

4mydogs
do you have any pics of install?

3.4v6

i need to know if this setup will work. its kind of like the manifold that ManyMods got , but on mine it looks like the sender is a little too high to get accurate readings. anyone ????


heres a pic of something ive been working on for about 2 weeks now. no one makes a triple gauge pod for a 2001 taco so i made my own. still have a little more sanding and filling to do.

Robinhood150

Bump. I'd like to know too.

Marc P

I have also been looking at an easy solution for a trans temp guage. I have been looking at this Perma-cool setup--

Perma-Cool Industries

3.4v6

i installed that "t" fitting and the guage stays around 125 but hasnt passed 150 so far. i do have a tranny cooler installed but i dont know if those are accurate readings.

rugerm44

I mounted mine in the rubber hose just behind the radiator.Cost including b and m temp gauge was 48 bucks.Same reading in temp as the one mounted close to the trans.Its not digital and placing it at the tran or close to the cooler hasnt made a difference in the reading.Its been on there for 20,000 miles no leaks.You just have to ground the housing because it was made for a hard line.I screwed 2 barbed fittings on it and it was done.Took me longer to pull the console and cut the hole for the gauge than to mount the sending unit.Each his own.You can pay over a 100 bucks or under 50.The gauge dosent know the difference.

yoda-g2

That's almost exactly what I used. I put it as close as I could to the tranny, which ended up being pretty close to the radiator just under the AC belt I believe. The only trick was grounding the "t". I did a pretty ghetto job by wrapping wire around it but it has been working for over a year now.... Personally I'd braze a bolt to it so you can attach a wire.

I do a bit of towing and the readings I get seem pretty realistic. 120-150 regular driving, 150-180 while towing 5000lbs at 65 mph, and the occasional 210 when hitting a steep grade.

Robinhood150

Alrighty, thanks guys.

4mydogs

Those readings are very close to mine, except I frequently see 180-190 spikes on a 55 mph highway with many stop lights, lots of start and stop traffic. As soon as I'm through the gears it drops quickly.

I've seen it hit 210-230 accelerating on steep grades but the trans temp light never came on. I wonder what temp activates the light?

yoda-g2

I'm a little curious myself. I hit the 220-250 range a couple of times before my IPT VB was in and when I left OD on like an idoit :pat:

What the heck does it take to make that thing come on??? The tranny blowing up??

Robinhood150

Sooner or later I'll let you guys know at what temperature it comes on...

AH64ID

Anyone ever figure out what temp it comes on at?