Auto SR transmission temperature gauge probe location help.

[Spins]

I want to install a transmission temperature gauge. I purchased a cheap manual gauge with probe. I thought the probe would just screw into the transmission drain plug, but that would be too simple. The probe it too big and I dont want to drill out the pan and tap it. I went to a hardware store and purchased some brass fittings. I constructed a T fitting so the the probe can be screwed into the middle section and have the fluid pass the ends. My thinking was to place this T with probe inline after the transmission cooler on the rubber line. Will this give me an accurate or close to accurate transmission fluid temp? I was told it would be best to have the probe inserted into the transmission pan.

[Spins]

Well I did the mod. The gauge works and shows temps around 180-185* in stop and go traffic and drops to around 140+ while at cruising speeds. These reading are taken inline about 12inches after the fluid has passed through the transmission cooler. Do the temps sound ok?

[sirwarrior]

thats all nice, but that isn't the temp of the fluid IN the trans.What you are actually measuring is the coldest part of the system (as it has just been cooled down by the trans cooler)You have to understand that the temps in the trans itself are higher than that.

[PalmerWMD]

Those readings show me your trans cooler is working properly and as designed.

Fred..:thumbup

[Spins]

Yes, I know the temps in the transmission are going to be higher. I wanted to first know what the temps where coming out of the cooler. I thought of actually adding a second temp sensor before the cooler or just swaping the unit I have now to compare the readings. It would be nice to have a dual reading gauge. Input and output.Once I get a reading from the input side I can determine if I need to add another cooler somewhere. What's the ideal temp for a auto transmission? I know it has a working temperature it needs to be at. I would think somewhere between 160-190 *. Right now with my transmission cooler mounted inside the fender well area where the foglight used to be I have no way of pulling air over the cooler at a stop. The temps drop quickly one I start to move.