Warm shift lever shaft?

[MinisterofDOOM]

I could swear there was an ooold thread on this topic, but I can't find it.

The exposed metal shaft at the bottom of my Q's shift lever gets pretty darn warm. I'm assuming it's normal?I highly doubt the trans is getting anywhere near abnormally hot. It's near-brand-new, has a large external cooler, and shifts great. Still, I can't help but wonder.

I may end up installing a trans temp gauge just to put my mind completely at ease (plus it'll save me from loosing my trans the way I lost my Maxima's--assuming I'm still driving it in 12 years). I just need to figure out a nice out-of-the way but still readable place to mount the gauge for it.

[maxnix]

Why the smart Q45 owner always installs an auxiliary transmission cooler.

[Q45tech]

A 174F transmission is still hot to the touch.

[MinisterofDOOM]

A 174F transmission is still hot to the touch.

That was my thinking. Just wanted to be sure. Thanks, Dennis.

[Q45tech]

The transmission bolted to engine gets nearly equalized in surface temperature with engine block. Only the air cools the case and that requires oem belly pan to direct air so it bubbles up after engine. Still in Summer the assembly gets hot as does floor board and especially the tunnel under carpet.

[Rex]

Why the smart Q45 owner always installs an auxiliary transmission cooler.

He has one, as he mentioned.

... It's near-brand-new, has a large external cooler, and shifts great. Still, I can't help but wonder.

[maxnix]

He has one, as he mentioned.

But not everyone on this board does.

[Q45tech]

While reducing the ATF is excellant for AT internals, not sure that dropping the shift level 20F will be noticeable - the metal will still feel hot.

A fight between the AC cooling air of 70F and 174F still averages 122F. Now an extra nozzle focused on the shift lever might work or cooling coils.