Trans Temp Question
04-15-2009, 07:37 PM
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Trans Temp Question
I was towing my trailer last weekend up some pretty steep hils but for no longer than 10 minutes. I arrived at the campsite and had to back up a pretty steep hill about 30 yards before I could manuever into the site. As soon as I got into the site, the trans temp light came on. Is it safe to assume that the tranny wasn't designed to back up heavy loads? I don't have a temp guage for the tranny but I am now thinking of getting one. Anyone ever experience this before?
04-15-2009, 08:25 PM
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I've had it happen pulling about 18,000lbs of hay up a hill in a field. Pulling a load from a dead stop up a steep grade backwards or forwards can heat the tranny up especially in a automatic.
04-15-2009, 09:21 PM
#3
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The TC slips and creates heat like crazy, when it is unlocked.
Situations when the TC is unlocked: Backing, low speed (<~30mph) driving/maneuvering.
Dodge ATF+4 is a synthetic fluid, which is able to withstand temperature extremes MUCH better than conventional oil.
Unless you find a driveability issue or shifting problem, you are likely just fine. Just be sure to change the oil at the recommended 30k mile intervals.
Tony
Situations when the TC is unlocked: Backing, low speed (<~30mph) driving/maneuvering.
Dodge ATF+4 is a synthetic fluid, which is able to withstand temperature extremes MUCH better than conventional oil.
Unless you find a driveability issue or shifting problem, you are likely just fine. Just be sure to change the oil at the recommended 30k mile intervals.
Tony
04-17-2009, 02:14 PM
#4
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FYI, ATF+4 trans fluid is not really synthetic its made from group III based Dino oil.
From the Allpar website about ATF+4.
The use of Group III base oils is probably the leading cause for ATF+4 being a more expensive fluid than ATF+3 (which according to the paper uses a Group II base oil).
The paper noted that one alternative was to use synthetic Group IV base stock, which are even more expensive than the ATF+4 solution,
About oil groups:
Group I base oils can have a mix of different hydrocarbon chains, with relatively little uniformity; these oils are the least refined. They are usually not used for autos.
Group II are the most common base oils in “dino juice,” with good performance in most areas except cold temperature viscosity.
Group III are called synthetic, and have high molecular uniformity and stability. Group III oil bases are used in most synthetic oils.
Group IV are chemically engineered stocks, arguably with the highest performance and longevity and called true synthetics.
From the Allpar website about ATF+4.
The use of Group III base oils is probably the leading cause for ATF+4 being a more expensive fluid than ATF+3 (which according to the paper uses a Group II base oil).
The paper noted that one alternative was to use synthetic Group IV base stock, which are even more expensive than the ATF+4 solution,
About oil groups:
Group I base oils can have a mix of different hydrocarbon chains, with relatively little uniformity; these oils are the least refined. They are usually not used for autos.
Group II are the most common base oils in “dino juice,” with good performance in most areas except cold temperature viscosity.
Group III are called synthetic, and have high molecular uniformity and stability. Group III oil bases are used in most synthetic oils.
Group IV are chemically engineered stocks, arguably with the highest performance and longevity and called true synthetics.
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