Transmission Temp while Plowing Snow

Christopher Vespoli · December 7, 2020

Hey all,

Just wondering, i've got 2012 GMC 1500 Sierra and plowed with it for the first time yesterday and at times hit 215 for a tranny temp. Should I be worried? I just had the fluid dumped and replaced with a new filter. The snow was ridiculously wet and heavy so I'm hoping that was the issue and nothing more. The temp recovered today and shifting isn't a problem. Any thoughts? Besides get a 2500 or 3500 HD, that's coming eventually.

txab · December 7, 2020

You should install an additional transmission cooler, since you'll be working your trans hard at no speed

Edited December 7, 2020 by txab

aseibel · December 7, 2020

depends how much plowing you do and if you are always moving at slow speeds. If you're just doing your own home, I wouldn't worry about it. A few minutes at 215 degrees doesn't seem out of range for these trucks. Several people have posted questions about towing temps. They can all run high sometimes. If you're doing commercial work, you should get the new HD truck in the budget soon.

I plowed a couple driveways and never had an issue with my 1500. I was more concerned with the messed up ambient air temp readings (due to lack of air flow over the sensor) which would not allow me to control the interior thermostat correctly.

CamGTP · December 7, 2020

I wouldn't be concerned with 215-225 degrees while plowing on good fluid. It's not going to start hurting the fluid life and possible parts until you are over 230 degrees for a long time.

newdude · December 7, 2020

Drive blade angled when going from site to site. Low and straight doesn't offer the air flow that raised all the way and angled left and right does. You can also upgrade your cooler or try and do a fan on the stock cooler.