Quote:
Originally Posted by Hazman65
Interesting question. I tow with a Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel and keep a careful watch on all the temps, oil, coolant, and transmission. The Jeep makes it very easy as all can be displayed. I have never seen the numbers on my oil or my trans go much over what they are normally when I am not towing. My coolant is another story. It has never gone into the "red" but has gotten close on some long uphill grades. Trans temp stays in the 190s which the display shows in the normal range. The system on the Jeep is sealed! Can't check it the transmission fluid or ever change it! Doesn't sit well with me but I guess they expect the synthetic fluid to last the life of the vehicle and don't want a pathway for any contamination.
|
I have basically the same setup. 2015 JGC Limited Eco Diesel 4X4 W/tow pkg. It's a ZF 8 speed tranny with paddle shifters that I always use when towing so I can control what gear I feel comfortable with.
Towing capacity is 7200#. I tow a 23RLSW that I weighed and it was 5700# on the trailer axles setup to tow.
I did a 5200 mile road trip last summer thru Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and Utah. Obviously a lot of mountain driving. I bought a Scan Gauge II with X commands set up for the Eco Diesel. Wanted to monitor exact water temps and turbo exhaust gas temps.
I've included a PDF with readings I saved climbing the Baker grade from SoCal heading toward Vegas. It's a long steady climb of about 19 miles.
As you mentioned, on the dash water temp gauge, needle got very close to the red mark. Water temp at the top of the grade was 240 degrees per the Scan Gauge. Tranny fluid temp was 214 degrees.
With the nature of theses new trannys and the synthetic fluid available, higher temps are really not an issue. That said my opinion is there is no such thing as lifetime fluid life, especially when towing.
Since I tow a lot, I plan on changing the fluid & filter at about 35K miles. Hazman, here is some info on what needed and how it's done.
It is changeable and I included a video on a Ram 1500 which has the same tranny. Very expensive to do, but so is a new tranny. Found the fluid for $23/qt. and the pan & filter are a 1 piece design.
If I remember right about $190 for that. Has to be the ZF 8 speed fluid. I guess the Germans are getting pay back.
Like anything else, it's about doing the correct maint. and I tend to error on the side of caution with changing oil and other fluids before the recommended intervals. JMO
JEEP TOWING TEMPS ON BAKER GRADE 8-2016.pdf