Max Chevy Trans Temperature

[herk7769]

I printed your chart and have it laminated in the truck.

[rockwood06]

Originally Posted by herk7769

I printed your chart and have it laminated in the truck.

herk7769, I am glad that is what it is there for and hope it helps others keep an eye on things.

[acadianbob]

OK, so what do these temps mean? It seems to me that a temporary spike to a temp is a lot different than a continuous run at the same temp. So, for example, when I hit 205 at the end of a big mountain climb, but otherwise run about 155, I would think there is not much reason to be concerned. If, on the other hand, someone ran 205 all day for a couple of days, that would be a whole other thing. That temporary spike is unlikely to shorten transmission life I would think.

[herk7769]

Bob I feel the same way. The idea is to monitor the trans temp and pull over when it gets too hot. What had been missing was the yard stick of "what is too hot".

[Hipshot]

Thanks Lou. I asked my dealer service department what the max temp was when I bought the truck and they did not know. They "thought" 220 was max. I did not know until your post that the DIC gives an alarm at 250. That is good to know. On our trip to Big Bend last spring I had a long climb into a strong headwind. The trans temp got to 216 and worried the heck out of me. Knowledge is good, thanks again.

[mtnguy]

According to Wade's chart, it lists the average temperature. I interpret that to mean if your tow vehicle runs 200 degrees all of the time, expect the transmission to last ~80,000 miles. Now that being said, I realize a huge spike in temperature could break down the transmission fluid some, and cause problems. I can't think that the low 200s for short periods of time would be too bad.

[herk7769]

Chap's point is well taken. I keep my Driver Information Center (DIC) on Trans Temp while towing just so I know what is going on there. Forewarned is forearmed.