Tranny fluid was changed about 18K miles ago, have 55K on the truck. Temp probe is a hotline

Ive noticed that my tranny seems to run a lot warmer then my 97 Ford did. And it really warms up going slower then about 35. On the freeway I run about 150, but in town it easily hits 190-200. A few weeks ago I was up running around in the hills, I drove up a fairly steep gravel road and noticed at the top I was at 230.

So.... This weekend going camping pulling my 9000lbs travel trailer I again went up a steep hill only going about 20mpg, when I peaked the top my tranny temp had reached almost 270, I couldnt stop on the way up as I had another vehicle behind me and there were lots of corners and it was a one way. When I got out I smelled tranny fluid and saw the vent line under the truck having some steam come from it. I checked my fluid and and the level was good but it did have a slight smell of burnt to it.

If I tow about about 50mph going up any hill my tranny stays nice and cool, but the slower speeds are killing me

It still shifts fine, but im worried about getting it so hot and the smelly oil. Im planning on changing the fluid this week, but want to know if something is screwed up?

Thanks.

 

Change the fluid, and then the next time you go up the hill drop into 4 low. The torque converter was slipping to beat the band! Thats where all the heat came from. You need to be able to get into a higher gear, and 4 low will put you in just the right range it sounds. I would change the fluid and filter, and maybe consider getting it flushed if the tranny fluid is still burned smelling.

 

Agree.
Pulling a hill at 20MPH is slipping the tranny realllllly bad.
Put your foot in it and speed up to 45 ish to lock in the convertor.

 

i PULL A trailor on a 40mile remote road in mexico where you can't get above 10mph up some steep grades,i just leave it in 4low and keep it in 2nd gear and let it putt it's way up. it will almost pull anything at an idle in low and your TC isn't spinning as hard causing al the excess heat.even at 100degrees running the a/c i will seldom see trans get above 220.

 

Is your temp probe restricting the flow to the coolers? If it is just for a short time, I wouldn't worry about it. I am guessing you have larger tires since your sig mentions a 3.5 inch lift. Your gearing isn't helping as much.

 

Okay, so I guess I see that I need to be changing gears when pulling those steep hills, So with the slight burnt smell of oil and no noticeable slipping, is it likely that something is broke? Would I be smart to put a new valve body in for more reliability?

I am going to change all the fluid this week, but will not be doing a flush. And I dont think my temp sensor is restricting flow, with so many people running a hotline, I think we would of heard of more problems?

Thanks guys!

 

Yes on the valve body if you are wanting to upgrade and extend the life of the o.e. converter. And yes to the fluid/filter change. If you can smell it, it has burned some and that will decrease the performance of the fluid. There are friction modifiers and antifoaming agents and such in the fluid that are now used up in my opinion if it smells burned. As for anything breaking......more than likely not. You would have troubles very noticabley if something were broke. Eventually you will probably want to upgrade the converter as well, but I wouldn't until you have more HP or have problems in the tranny. No sense in removing the tranny just to upgrade when the O.E. converter may last a lot longer.

 

Another thought in addition to the above advice, if you get the new VB, get one that allows for TC lock-up in 2nd gear. Install the TC lock up switch by the instructions on the tread for that. When you get to a speed to where 2nd gear is needed, regardless of 4wd high/low or 2wd high, you can flip a switch and lock the TC and your temps will stay much lower.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...t=t%2Fc+lockup

 

Does the goerend VB come with an TC lockout switch?

Does the goerend VB come with installation directions?

 

new converter and u will never see problems....

 

Uhhhhh last I checked if you shift to "MANUAL 2ND" on a 48re you can achieve torque converter lock up....

...and for those who worship the TSB here's a little reading for you. Pay particular attention to the "fluid color" section:

In general terms, If ATF+, ATF+2 or ATF+3 was the recommended fluid, it is now
recommended to use ATF+4.

BENEFITS
•Better anti-wear properties
•Improved rust/corrosion prevention
•Controls oxidation
•Eliminates deposits
•Controls friction
•Retains anti-foaming properties
•Superior properties for low temperature operation

FLUID COLOR
Mopar ATF+4® has exceptional durability. However, the red dye used in ATF+4® is not
permanent; as the fluid ages it may become darker or appear brown in color. ATF+4® also
has a unique odor that may change with age. With ATF+4® fluid, color and odor are no
longer indicators of fluid condition and do not necessarily support a fluid change.

 

Took the words right out of my mouth. If you would of locked out OD the TC would of locked in 3rd, shifted to 2 the TC would of locked in 2nd. No problems just manually downshift to lock the TC in second.

 

Sweet, good info to know. Thanks! Now I just need to decide what valve body to get.