Tranny temp How hot is too hot??

[gcloss]

I have a 2012 Ram 2500 with 5.7 Hemi. My trans temp almost anytime of the year without my TT is 170 to 173 summer or winter.

In June I did a 2200 mile round trip to Nashville in 95+ temperatures with A/C on full blast and TT weighed in at about 8400# on the Cat Scales. On a few long uphill pulls on I-40 and I-81 the trans temp would creep up to 188 to 190. As soon as the road would level out or start downhill, the trans temp would come back down to about 178 -180

Sounds like your trans temps are in acceptable range.

[Collinp]

There doesn't seem to be a "correct" answer to this question for all vehicles. My 2014 Ram with an 8 Speed runs 175-180 under daily driving conditions and I have watched it towing go from 195-203. I have yet to watch it towing in the mountains but I suspect I will see 210.

[tylersdad]

My 2014 Ford F-150 EcoBoost hovers in the 195 - 205 range when towing in the mountains or flats. So my conclusion is that those are essentially normal ranges for my vehicle.

I think Colinp hit the nail on the head. Every make/model is different.

[THE MEEKER]

Originally Posted by tylersdad

My 2014 Ford F-150 EcoBoost hovers in the 195 - 205 range when towing in the mountains or flats. So my conclusion is that those are essentially normal ranges for my vehicle.

I think Colinp hit the nail on the head. Every make/model is different.

Good discussion! I was towing my 27 RLS with my 2012 Ford F-150 on a 90 degree day and my tranny temp spiked up to 205 F. I was a little concerned but the analogue gauge was reading normal. Thanks for setting my mind at ease.

[norty1]

Mine got so hot once pulling a steep slow grade that it melted the transmission seals. No damage to the transmission but I had to tow it to a shop and have the front seals replaced.
Next stop was an after market trans temp gauge.

[dmward]

Travelling in 30C/86F weather, with lots of shifting in city traffic, my EcoBoost will peak at 95C/203F. It will drop to about 91C/196F on the highway in the same weather.

For hilly conditions, I will remove 6th gear to keep it from shifting constantly.

[namusmc65]

Originally Posted by norty1

Mine got so hot once pulling a steep slow grade that it melted the transmission seals. No damage to the transmission but I had to tow it to a shop and have the front seals replaced.
Next stop was an after market trans temp gauge.

Noted this was on a 2006 model. Not sure so someone with knowledge can step in but most all of the latest models are controlled by computer and if they get a reading high enough to melt seals, I think the computer would shut you down first! Anyone know if this is correct???

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by namusmc65

Noted this was on a 2006 model. Not sure so someone with knowledge can step in but most all of the latest models are controlled by computer and if they get a reading high enough to melt seals, I think the computer would shut you down first! Anyone know if this is correct???

I believe that's what is called "Limp Home Mode" in my truck. 2015 RAM 2500 6.4L HEMI 4x4. There is definitely a "Limp Home Mode", but I don't remember reading in the manual what specifically will trigger it (transmission, engine etc ...).

Since I've owned my RAM (4000 miles +/-; est 1/3 of that towing?) I've never seen the trans temp get over 175, and I check it frequently while towing.

My GMC Sierra 1500 reached 240 once towing in traffic on a hot day; it was not a comfortable feeling, but from what I read, it's within spec. (EDIT: for brief periods, not running all day at that temp!)