Tranny over heating while towing

[Grumpy Tooch]

For the past few weeks I have been towing my trailer every day. Tranny temp lately has gone to about 210deg, then i have to pull over and idle for bout 5-10min. Most of the time its clost to 200. I usually pull it to a job (its filled with tools) and leave it there for the durration of it. Usually from 3-6weeks. Lately cercumstances have changes and I need to keep driving it daily. I know you need furrther details so...my truck, a GMC SIERRA 2500HD SLE 6.0 w/plow prep pack. The truck was designed to tow and I feel that it runs too hot by the end of the day and i head home. usually 1 -2 hrs travel in morning and way home too, sometimes multiple stops.

 

My question is , Is this normal?

[Chris]

What's the weather where you are? My 1500 with a 6.0 has trans temps around 200-210 but its also over 90 degrees and I spend a lot of time in traffic and not towing.

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

[KMGZ400]

also, how much does the trailer weigh?

[Z45]

Normal operating temperature is 160°F to 200°F so if all it does it get to 210° I don't see anything wrong. If it concerns you then you might want to make sure you change out you ATF to a better synthetic fluid than what the oem sticks in there.

[Grumpy Tooch]

What's the weather where you are? My 1500 with a 6.0 has trans temps around 200-210 but its also over 90 degrees and I spend a lot of time in traffic and not towing.

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

Only 60-65 right now

[brainpause]

Is it a lit of stop and go on this particular drive? Is it highway, but lots of downshifts?

[crankman]

Something doesnt seem right, ambient temps 60-65 deg just cant see why tranny shoots up to 210. Maybe need to get it serviced or checked. What your temps without trailer?

[Grumpy Tooch]

Something doesnt seem right, ambient temps 60-65 deg just cant see why tranny shoots up to 210. Maybe need to get it serviced or checked. What your temps without trailer?

Usually around 175

Now that I think about it, last year I brought it to dealer to have torque converter replaced with all lines going to radiator, and they gave me all new fluid. Maybe time for new fluid

[Z45]

Ambient temperature has nothing to do with how hot the transmission runs. An automatic transmission creates a lot of internal heat through friction: the friction of the fluid churning inside the torque converter, friction created when the clutch plates engage, and the normal friction created by gears and bearings carrying their loads. Normal driving will raise temps to 180-200 degrees.

 

When you go to the dealer or quick lube place they are going to sell you ATF they bought in bulk for the lowest price. All it has to do it meet the spec, not exceed it. They want your vehicle to break down, after all they make the most money on parts and repairs.

[Grumpy Tooch]

Ambient temperature has nothing to do with how hot the transmission runs. An automatic transmission creates a lot of internal heat through friction: the friction of the fluid churning inside the torque converter, friction created when the clutch plates engage, and the normal friction created by gears and bearings carrying their loads. Normal driving will raise temps to 180-200 degrees.

 

When you go to the dealer or quick lube place they are going to sell you ATF they bought in bulk for the lowest price. All it has to do it meet the spec, not exceed it. They want your vehicle to break down, after all they make the most money on parts and repairs.

so what you are saying is its normal? ok then

 

and I know all about the dealer, I only took it there because they were honoring a warranty i didnt have and i payed $200 for new torque converter and new tranny oil lines.

 

I know I do need new syn fluid, I had good plwing winter and I pull this trailer most of the year, I think the weight is around 2500-3000lbs but never weighed it

[CKNSLS]

Did the "overheating transmission" message come on in the DIC? I have a 2011 and I have seen 210 or so with no message on the DIC.

 

Please clarify if you have seen the transmission overheating message.

[Z45]

fyi.....................................................................

[brantjs]

Seems high...have you considered an aftermarket cooler? I don't have/need one on my current truck at this time, but I had one on my last truck and it made a huge difference.

[txab]

Put a larger aftermarket cooler on it no matter what. Btw, ambient temps do make a difference in trans temps, if you have a large enough cooler. The higher the ambient temp, the more difficult it is to transfer heat from the radiator and trans cooler

[Grumpy Tooch]

So you don't think it's the fluid?