Thank again for the responses.
Quote:
Originally Posted by investor74  Just wondering, how did you know your trans fluid is getting too hot? How do you measure it, or is it one of the DTC codes? |
Short version: I have recently acquired the semi-common Catera problem where my transmission shifts like a brand new car as long as my coolant temp gauge is below the 5/8 mark, but any time my temperature is at 5/8 or above, it slips every single shift.
Long continuation: I didn't measure it and I don't have a single code, but since it started slipping, I drained the coolant, changed the filter and refilled 7 qts of new fluid, and did a ton of research. I've seen a ton of write-ups of the exact symptoms I have at the exact temps, and every single one turned out to be a crack in the #2 clutch inside the trans, IIRC, and every single trans had to be replaced or rebuilt (for $ thousands).
What I'm in the middle of doing now is...I'm leaving the original radiator style cooler in place, and sending the fluid through it first...then out and directly into a new external tube & fin style trans fluid cooler located between the grille and the A/C condenser fans...then blow a pusher style cooling fan on it that's controlled by an in-line, non adjustable, fan controller set to come on when the ATX fluid goes above 180 degrees.
It'll cost less than $100 total, be done in only a couple hours once my parts come in, and my ATX fluid temp should be cut in half at least, while the engine and coolant remain at normal operating temperature.
Best Case: I may be able to put off replacing my transmission indefinitely.
Worst Case: There's a chance I may still have to replace the trans in a few months, but the replacement will have far cooler fluid temps from the start, making it unlikely that I would have this slipping problem again.
I decided to run it as an additional cooler rather than a replacement as pictured here on the left...
