Do you have a transmission temperature gauge? Do I need one?

[IGBT]

Our rig, on a 2006 Isuzu NRR with 5.2L diesel engine and 4 speed Isuzu transmission does not have any indication of transmission temperature.

When we went to the Northwest Overland Rally, we were around 17,500 pounds on a vehicle with a GVWR of 19,500. I drove up Stevens Pass in the slow lane in 3rd gear with an engine RPM of about 2200 and speed around 37mph.

I tried to take it easy on the vehicle because I have no idea how hard the transmission is working or what the temperature of the fluid is. The engine coolant stayed mid gauge, no problem there.

Would it be wise to add some form of temperature gauge for the transmission fluid?

 

[yabanja]

Knowledge is power. More gauges never hurt anything!


Allan

 

[boostin]

I death installed one in my truck . Heat kills autos pretty fast so it never hurts to keep an eye on things . I feel these trucks were designed for a urban environment end not being loaded out in the mountains so I am unsure if the tranny cooler systems are adequate .

plus from my understanding the longer you run your fluid hot the more often you should change it .

 

[unkamonkey]

If you are running an automatic, I would consider a temp guage. If your transmission was overheating, it would raise your engine temp as well since both are cooled by the radiator.
An old trailering trick is the aux transmission fluid cooler. Just be sure you put it in the line going to the radiator so in the winter, the trans fluid is actually warmed by the radiator.
The last few trips over Wolf Creek Pass, I could have gone faster while towing my Jeep, Instead, I just downshifted to third (Manual) and rolled down the window, turned off the AC and just enjoyed the trip. I spent a bit of time looking at 28 MPH on the clock. Heck, I'm on vacation, why should I worry?
The old '53 Mack I drove a few times had a temp guage for each transmission, both rear axles and of course the engine. Throw in the fuel pressure and air pressure for the brakes.
It could be a bit confusing.