Transmission temperature on 2019 Ford Expedition goes up to 107C (225F) in winter during normal drive and not towing. Is it normal?

[Azureo81]

The transmission temperature on a 2019 Ford Expedition goes up to 107C (225F) in winter during normal drive and not towing. Is it normal? Also the radiator fan goes on, every few minutes. Again, it is winter where I live and there is no crazy driving/towing involved. The dealer says it is normal for what I mentioned above. I would like to hear your opinions. Is it time to visit another mechanic?

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

The transmission temperature on a 2019 Ford Expedition goes up to 107C (225F) in winter during normal drive and not towing. Is it normal? Also the radiator fan goes on, every few minutes. Again, it is winter where I live and there is no crazy driving/towing involved. The dealer says it is normal for what I mentioned above. I would like to hear your opinions. Is it time to visit another mechanic?

I do not believe those temperatures are normal.

Have you checked your engine coolant - to see if the engine coolant level is low (which would explain the radiator fan turning on and off)?

 

[Azureo81]

I do not believe those temperatures are normal.

Have you checked your engine coolant - to see if the engine coolant level is low (which would explain the radiator fan turning on and off)?

Yes, the coolant is fine. I’m suspecting clogged radiator, or something else. I don’t believe the dealer on it. Also the gearbox temperature looks much too high. They say it is normal.

 

[apex96]

Sounds like a failing thermostat. The temps isn't far off what would be considered normal though. With colder conditions the vehicle wants to keep the grill shutters closed to prevent rapid fluctuations in temps as the hot fluid enters the cold radiator, keeping wind driven cold air from passing through helps smooth out the temp curve and prevents the vehicle from constantly opening and closing the shutters. The PCM is taking coolant temps and ambient temps into consideration when it commands fan and shutters to operate.

I do feel that the 212 temp that activates the electric fans is way to high. I would have a custom tune made and have the tuner lower the engagement temp for the fan. mine is now set to turn fans on around 196/195 and the shutters are always in the full open position now.

 

[Calidad]

Literally just replaced my faulty thermostat last week on my 19. It progressively gets worse over time affecting transmission temperature and eventually popping up coolant temp at 228+ F

190-201 F seems to be normal low load transmission temps with the updated thermostat. I haven’t towed yet but will report back. Probably Mid/late April.

230 is hot 240-260 is pull over and get it cooled off temp.

Fan kicks on around 210-212

 

[Azureo81]

Literally just replaced my faulty thermostat last week on my 19. It progressively gets worse over time affecting transmission temperature and eventually popping up coolant temp at 228+ F

190-201 F seems to be normal low load transmission temps with the updated thermostat. I haven’t towed yet but will report back. Probably Mid/late April.

230 is hot 240-260 is pull over and get it cooled off temp.

Fan kicks on around 210-212

Appreciate your feedback. I will most likely replace the termostat and see if this helps. I’m just surprised that the dealer did not flag it to me.

 

[Azureo81]

Sounds like a failing thermostat. The temps isn't far off what would be considered normal though. With colder conditions the vehicle wants to keep the grill shutters closed to prevent rapid fluctuations in temps as the hot fluid enters the cold radiator, keeping wind driven cold air from passing through helps smooth out the temp curve and prevents the vehicle from constantly opening and closing the shutters. The PCM is taking coolant temps and ambient temps into consideration when it commands fan and shutters to operate.

I do feel that the 212 temp that activates the electric fans is way to high. I would have a custom tune made and have the tuner lower the engagement temp for the fan. mine is now set to turn fans on around 196/195 and the shutters are always in the full open position now.

Thank you for your point of view. I will replace the termostat as few of you pointed it to me as the cause.

 

[Calidad]

Just did a 98 mile 2 directions errand. All highway 70-75mph light traffic 60F outside. Transmission ran 183-185 while moving. Pulling off the highway 187-190 was the high peak while in stopped traffic.

One climb from 100ft to 2000ft at 70mph temp ran 185 the whole climb.
Definitely running cooler and far more consistent temp.
Will be towing heavy mid to end of April and will report back

Anyone running a 2018-2022 seeing 210-212 transmission temps in mild low stress conditions just get the $40 updated thermostat done. Its a 1hr shop time service. Run the numbers and be ready to call BS on anyone charging more than $190 hr shop rate

 

[Azureo81]

Ford service isn’t cheap, but what makes me upset is that I brought up the issue and they did not take care of it. They just disregarded it saying it is normal. I’m going to another dealer hoping they can take my observations seriously and fix the issues

 

[Calidad]

Ford service isn’t cheap, but what makes me upset is that I brought up the issue and they did not take care of it. They just disregarded it saying it is normal. I’m going to another dealer hoping they can take my observations seriously and fix the issues

Mind did the same. I had them work up cost to replace it anyway. Then said no thanks its a 1hour shop job $190hr shop rate and a $40 part. They quoted me $850!! I laughed said no I’ll pick it up have someone else do the fix then I would file a claim against the dealer.

Oh!! Your a premium member I didn’t see that you have $100 deductible and we’ll have it done shortly. Hmm? WTF? That was 4th phone call. Service manager was trying to pump me for a lottery win. By the way that’s standard operating procedure for all dealers

 

[Calidad]

Just a follow up
New thermostat has my Expedition running 183-201 transmission temps on the highway and over a 7400ft pass.

Towing my large boat recently in heavy stop and go traffic I saw 216 and it cooled off during a decent climb at 2500 rpm cooled to 205 during the climb. Prior failing thermostat would have seen 227-230 temps and definitely wouldn’t have cooled during the climb.

I towed the same boat over the 7400 pass with a F250 6.8L gas engine. It was slower to accelerate than the Expedition while running 3500-4000 rpm vs the Expedition towing never runs more than 3000rpm.

The F250 ran 200-210 transmission temps. Its cooling setup obviously far beefier than the Expedition.

 

[Azureo81]

Just a follow up
New thermostat has my Expedition running 183-201 transmission temps on the highway and over a 7400ft pass.

Towing my large boat recently in heavy stop and go traffic I saw 216 and it cooled off during a decent climb at 2500 rpm cooled to 205 during the climb. Prior failing thermostat would have seen 227-230 temps and definitely wouldn’t have cooled during the climb.

I towed the same boat over the 7400 pass with a F250 6.8L gas engine. It was slower to accelerate than the Expedition while running 3500-4000 rpm vs the Expedition towing never runs more than 3000rpm.

The F250 ran 200-210 transmission temps. Its cooling setup obviously far beefier than the Expedition.

Thanks for the feedback. I’m seeing a dealer again with mine today, so will see what happens. Most likely a failing thermostat as well.

 

[Azureo81]

I replaced the thermostat and the issues went away.

 

[Azureo81]

Sounds like a failing thermostat. The temps isn't far off what would be considered normal though. With colder conditions the vehicle wants to keep the grill shutters closed to prevent rapid fluctuations in temps as the hot fluid enters the cold radiator, keeping wind driven cold air from passing through helps smooth out the temp curve and prevents the vehicle from constantly opening and closing the shutters. The PCM is taking coolant temps and ambient temps into consideration when it commands fan and shutters to operate.

I do feel that the 212 temp that activates the electric fans is way to high. I would have a custom tune made and have the tuner lower the engagement temp for the fan. mine is now set to turn fans on around 196/195 and the shutters are always in the full open position now.

it was exactly what you said. Once replaced, all the issues went away.

 

[Mr Big]

I just took my 2019 Platinum for a recall or TSB regarding reprogramming something to do with the tranny and temps. My tranny was always around 212 to 220. Not it operates between 150 and 180, and I'm in Tampa Bay Forida.
So, if you haven't had the programming done yet, contact your dealership and it is free.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I just took my 2019 Platinum for a recall or TSB regarding reprogramming something to do with the tranny and temps. My tranny was always around 212 to 220. Not it operates between 150 and 180, and I'm in Tampa Bay Forida.
So, if you haven't had the programming done yet, contact your dealership and it is free.

Different vehicle - but with the 10-speed automatic transmission co-developed with Ford:

I bought a new 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier 4WD with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

Driving at highway speeds with an ambient temperature of about 90 degrees F, no towing but with passengers, the transmission fluid temperature stays between 150 - 156 degrees F.

Many people have posted about high transmission fluid temperatures with the Expedtion and the 10-speed transmission. I’m convinced the issues are a result of Ford’s design and build, which has resulted in numerous transmission failures and multiple TSB’s and rebuild procedures from Ford.

 

[Mr Big]

Different vehicle - but with the 10-speed automatic transmission co-developed with Ford:

I bought a new 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier 4WD with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

Driving at highway speeds with an ambient temperature of about 90 degrees F, no towing but with passengers, the transmission fluid temperature stays between 150 - 156 degrees F.

Many people have posted about high transmission fluid temperatures with the Expedtion and the 10-speed transmission. I’m convinced the issues are a result of Ford’s design and build, which has resulted in numerous transmission failures and multiple TSB’s and rebuild procedures from Ford.

I agree, however, after my TSB programming update, my temps are like your Tahoe temps most of the time. .

 

[kep5niner]

Mr. Big, do you have any details the recall / TSB? Since getting my Navigator this past April, I immediately noticed what I thought were high trans temps (215+), so I installed the updated thermostat. Highest I’ve seen since then has been 205*, and that’s in Excite mode with mildly spirited driving.

What ever happened to the days of trans temp that were only supposed to be 80* over ambient temperature? I’d love to see temps in the 150s.

 

[Mr Big]

Mr. Big, do you have any details the recall / TSB? Since getting my Navigator this past April, I immediately noticed what I thought were high trans temps (215+), so I installed the updated thermostat. Highest I’ve seen since then has been 205*, and that’s in Excite mode with mildly spirited driving.

I attached the info for the Recall. It is free. It pertains to an emissions/reprogram, due to transmission and catalytic converter false readings. I actually had the bad or clogged catalytic converter warning code and there was nothing wrong with it. And like I mentioned, my tranny temps are as low as 150 degrees on a cool day or evening and 185 on hot 90+ degree days after long drive.
I also experimented with turning of tranny learn for a while, but it really made no difference, and I didn't really like the sportier shifting all the time. So, I turned the learning process back on and so far, all has been great. The transmission shifts a lot smoother and I have not had the occasional harsh shift when aggressively accelerating from around 30mph.