Auto Transmission Temps

[Hagsta61 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Hagsta61]

Apologies if this has been asked before but I couldn’t find an answer using the search function. I have a 2016 GX 2.8L diesel auto 112k on the clock and have a Kaon trans cooler. I have recently fitted a scan gauge and trans temps have ranged between 65 & 75 for the pan and between 65 & 85 for the torque converter with a mix of around town and HWY driving and not towing. I’m about to head off for 6 weeks Brisbane Plenty Hwy Uluru Maree Birdsville Brisbane all towing a 2 ton (loaded) pop top van. I plan to tow in S4. What temps should I begin to worry and is pan temp more important than TC temp? Thanks for your help

[carco Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close carco]

If the converter is locked, pan temp will be similar to converter temp.
And both will be at or less than coolant temp since the trany oil runs through the cold tank of the radiator.
The trick with any auto is to stay converter locked. It’s only when the converter unlocks that oil temps rise.
Have seen converter temps of 120 deg C and the oil copes OK.
Not for me though, I like it same as coolant.

[Daniel150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel150]

Hi mate.
My 21 model with Davies Craig cooler sees about 10 degrees lower than coolant around town.
Towing a 2 ton van in s4 sees 85-95 on cruising. Doesn’t take long to jump up to 105 around the hills.
120 is my max temp before I start getting concerned. Toyota alarm comes on at 150.
Opposite to what you’d think, sometimes when you see the temp climbing when going up a hill it actually pays to give it a bit more stick and the temperature will drop as the converter locks up.
Torque converter temp will always be the same or higher as pan sensor. When cruising, both sensors will level out to be the same. Up and down hills will see the torque converter temp climb, sometimes 20 degrees hotter.
Hope that helps
Oh yeah, all the above temps are pan sensor readings

[Hagsta61 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Hagsta61]

Thanks guys this is the info I’m looking for. 12 days till I leave…. Can’t wait

[Daniel150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel150]

Aside from all that, definitely look at kings canyon. Possibly one of the best areas out there.

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

Today on the Hay Plain. 2800 rpm in S4 both transmission temps about 88 deg into a 20 kph headwind. Flick it into S5 temps go to 110-115. Flick it back to S4 and temps plummet back to high 80s within a km. Towing an off-road camper which is lower and narrower than the car. Roof rack with basket and 2nd spare and rooftop awning ie max drag 18 l/100km. 2016 GX 2.8 auto.

[gunda Member Find all posts View Profile Close gunda]

I've been across the Hay plans a couple of times this year with my MY21 Kakadu towing a 2.2 low profile hybrid, and It locks in S5 very readily and ATF was below 90 at close to 100km/h. Locks in 6th quite often and no rise in ATF temp. Fuel consumption in the low 13s.

[Daniel150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel150]

Mine will lock in fifth at 100-110 no probs.
2 ton van, cage rack and other usual goodies gets me 19-20lph at those speeds.
Im guessing 13 is on a fairly standard rig at sub 100kph??

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

No way will my 2016 lock in 5 or 6 in those conditions. 4 is fine.

[gunda Member Find all posts View Profile Close gunda]

Im guessing 13 is on a fairly standard rig at sub 100kph??

The MY21 Kakadu is pretty standard. Standard sized AT LT tyres. Van is fairly low profile. Same width as the car and only a little higher. I don't like to do much less than 100 on a 110 road, but tend so sit closer to 90 otherwise, unless I'm in a hurry. Doesn't make that much difference to fuel consumption or ATF temp so long as I drive smoothly. Hills are another matter.