How do I check my Tranmission Fluid Temp?

[760magneticranger]

Hello,

I plan to service my transmission tomorrow for the first time (60,000miles) and have all necessary parts (filter, fluid, pan gasket) but after reading the service guide and guides on here, I still am unsure about one thing.

We are supposed to get the fluid up to 205 degrees in order to get an accurate reading on the dipstick, which is done by just driving around for a bit. My question is, how do you actually check the Tranmission Fluid temperature? Do I need to buy some type of
aftermarket scan tool or is there a way to view it in the trucks settings ?

Any help would be appreciated! Transmission has started to shift somewhat wonky and has me worried so hoping a fluid/filter change will rectify my issues.

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[awd.nv]

I use a Scan Gauge II for monitoring trans and coolant temps, among other things. Sure there are cheaper options since you are just trying to do a fluid change.

Amazon.com: ScanGauge - SG2 II Ultra Compact 3-in-1 Automotive Computer with Customizable Real-Time Fuel Economy Digital Gauges , Black , 5 Inch : Automotive

 

[ctechbob]

I use an OBD2 dongle and the Torque Pro app. You'll have to add a custom PID to it in order to get the temp, but you can be all in for under $15.

 

[Grumpaw]

I use a Scan Gauge II for monitoring trans and coolant temps, among other things. Sure there are cheaper options since you are just trying to do a fluid change.

Amazon.com: ScanGauge - SG2 II Ultra Compact 3-in-1 Automotive Computer with Customizable Real-Time Fuel Economy Digital Gauges , Black , 5 Inch : Automotive

If your considering a Scan ll, you might as well get the ScanGuage lll. It has much more info available including all kinds of boost readings, head temps, mileage, trans and coolant temps...just a lot more info. Also, larger screen, and you can monitor 6 points of info on each of 3 screens you can switch thru.

 

[Dereku]

If your considering a Scan ll, you might as well get the ScanGuage lll. It has much more info available including all kinds of boost readings, head temps, mileage, trans and coolant temps...just a lot more info. Also, larger screen, and you can monitor 6 points of info on each of 3 screens you can switch thru.

I went for the 2, because of mounting location.

 

[RedlandRanger]

I use an OBD2 dongle and the Torque Pro app. You'll have to add a custom PID to it in order to get the temp, but you can be all in for under $15.

Another vote for this option. I did this at my first change and it has worked well.

Also, I would recommend reading this thread, which talks about levels at various temps - very useful I think:

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...ngs-measured-at-different-ambient-temps.33733

 

[760magneticranger]

I use an OBD2 dongle and the Torque Pro app. You'll have to add a custom PID to it in order to get the temp, but you can be all in for under $15.

$15 sounds good to me! Considering selling the truck fairly soon so not particularly interested in the more expensive Scan Gauge setup.

What is a PID ?

 

[awd.nv]

I went for the 2, because of mounting location.

That is where I have mine too, granted I had mine since 2018 before the 3 came out, I haven't upgraded because the location is PERFECT. I thought about it but can't find as clean a spot for it. Easy to see while driving/towing which is perfect.

 

[Beach]

I went for the 2, because of mounting location.

My truck mechanics had to run it while on the lift to get the temp up high enough when they changed the trans fluid, they were following the book (don't know if that's really required). I had then looked at this approach before but didn't buy, I assume there are a few like this and perhaps better to use your phone instead of a mount, this Blacktec is $70ish

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2JQH5NY

 

[RangerBill]

$15 sounds good to me! Considering selling the truck fairly soon so not particularly interested in the more expensive Scan Gauge setup.

What is a PID ?

Parameter Identification, or Parameter ID, PID. You need to know it to monitor it with a scanner.

 

[760magneticranger]

Parameter Identification, or Parameter ID, PID. You need to know it to monitor it with a scanner.

Would the PID be specific to my truck itself, or just to the year/model of my truck ? Some more guidance on this aspect of the setup would be appreciated!

Also, would something like this be sufficient, coupled with the Torque Pro app ??

https://a.co/d/7wYU0mn

 

[Big Blue]

Torque pro with the Ford specific extra PIDs has a built in PID for Transmission Temp. That's the one I use.

It is PID 221e1c, the name is [FORD]Transmission Temp

 

[fjwlobo]

Hello,

I plan to service my transmission tomorrow for the first time (60,000miles) and have all necessary parts (filter, fluid, pan gasket) but after reading the service guide and guides on here, I still am unsure about one thing.

We are supposed to get the fluid up to 205 degrees in order to get an accurate reading on the dipstick, which is done by just driving around for a bit. My question is, how do you actually check the Tranmission Fluid temperature? Do I need to buy some type of
aftermarket scan tool or is there a way to view it in the trucks settings ?

Any help would be appreciated! Transmission has started to shift somewhat wonky and has me worried so hoping a fluid/filter change will rectify my issues.

Only thing you don't have on your list is a MBS fitzstick (@Fitzmotor) ?

Your first transmission fluid change should not be done without it. ? It will make any fluid level checks and future fluid changes sooooo much easier ?

https://mikesbuildshop.com/

You won't be disappointed (and Mike has been GREAT to work with !!!)

 

[760magneticranger]

Only thing you don't have on your list is a MBS fitzstick (@Fitzmotor) ?

Your first transmission fluid change should not be done without it. ? It will make any fluid level checks and future fluid changes sooooo much easier ?

https://mikesbuildshop.com/

You won't be disappointed (and Mike has been GREAT to work with !!!)

Ya I was curious about buying those as well as a PPE pan but like I was saying, I will most likely be selling the truck if the fluid/filter change fixes the shifting quirks. Not particularly happy with the trucks transmission and having to change the EGR/DPFE sensor three times since having the truck… gonna sell it and go with something with a more proven track record of reliability. So I appreciate the advice and that Fitzstick does look like an awesome invention! Just not for me if I’m gonna be getting rid of the truck…

 

[fjwlobo]

Ya I was curious about buying those as well as a PPE pan but like I was saying, I will most likely be selling the truck if the fluid/filter change fixes the shifting quirks. Not particularly happy with the trucks transmission and having to change the EGR/DPFE sensor three times since having the truck… gonna sell it and go with something with a more proven track record of reliability. So I appreciate the advice and that Fitzstick does look like an awesome invention! Just not for me if I’m gonna be getting rid of the truck…

One more thing you can do is add LubeGard Platinum (15 oz). A few people said that they added it when they changed their fluid and it made a big difference to how it shifted.

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