Best way to read Trans Temps while towing

[MattyMMA]

What options are there for transmission temp monitoring while towing?

2010 EL Limited Towing a 30'Bunkhouse.

Simple hardwire?
Programmer?
Something that fits on the A pillar like on a diesel?

We tow a bit and I just want to make sure i'm not pushing it too hard, or to see a problem starting before it leaves me stranded. The towing setup works great, just want more. I would like to be able to have it "mounted" like the edge programmers had that housing for the F150. If I can re-calibrate for a different tire, or if there was a decent tune I would look into tuners, though I don't want to run premium fuel. I have run mid-grade when towing. Didn't see much of an increase in power, though I did see a decrease in fuel economy.

I guess if I had a code hit while towing I could also look at it if I got a programmer.
Like the stupid wrench icon that hit when I first started towing, found it was more me and my throttle build in to the hills than any actual issue with the transmission.

Thanks for thoughts and input.

Also if i use the OBD-II port for the programmer than it can't be used if I want to add the Smart Link option Ford is coming out with right? So it there another option, or will the smart link tell me everthing i want to know

Matt.

 

[Big Brian]

OBDII Bluetooth reader and your phone tablet etc

I use the Torque Pro app there are others

 

[LokiWolf]

OBDII Bluetooth reader and your phone tablet etc

I use the Torque Pro app there are others

Torque Pro is not available for iPhone. I use Dash Command on my iPhone with a Kiwi3. There are cheaper OBDII readers, but the Kiwi3 always works and is fast. Won't work with Forscan though...so you could also buy one of the OBDLink versions depending on OS of your phone. MX works with Windows and Android. WX works with Windows, Android, and iPhone.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

View media item 6295
old school and like the gauges myself.View media item 1186

 

[Big Brian]

Torque Pro is not available for iPhone. I use Dash Command on my iPhone with a Kiwi3. There are cheaper OBDII readers, but the Kiwi3 always works and is fast. Won't work with Forscan though...so you could also buy one of the OBDLink versions depending on OS of your phone. MX works with Windows and Android. WX works with Windows, Android, and iPhone.

that's why I said there are others, I was only using it as an example. He did not mention anything about an I phone either that I read

 

[LokiWolf]

that's why I said there are others, I was only using it as an example. He did not mention anything about an I phone either that I read

Calm down, I wasn’t correcting you, just adding to what you said. A lot of iPhone users go looking for Torque Pro. Wanted to save him the hassle if he did have one. Wish they would port it for iOS.

 

[Big Brian]

I am not upset just trying to set the record straight is all

 

[mjp2]

I keep a Scangauge II around for reading/clearing codes across multiple vehicles and it has the ability to read the trans temp in realtime from the OBDII port on the Expeditions. It's not something I wired in or mounted -- just keep it around and use for monitoring when I feel the need.

For something more vehicle-specific, I went with an SCT x3 and a custom tow tune from 5-star but my particular setup doesn't have the monitoring functionality of some of the higher end tuners.

 

[Jeffrey Falkner]

I have torque pro and my trans and coolant temp are the same... anyone else see this too?

 

[Big Brian]

I have torque pro and my trans and coolant temp are the same... anyone else see this too?

you are using the wrong PID I had the same problem

don't use TRANS TEMP use TRANS FLUID TEMP

drove me crazy until I figured this out

 

[chuck s]

It's on the OBD2 data stream. The Aeroforce Interceptor will work but ensure you get one that works with your model year. The gauge that worked fine on my 2007 5.4 V8 did not work well on my 2017 3.5 V6. I gifted it to another member here but don't recall his success (if he ever told me). My first generation gauge did not dim so I had red LEDs installed to prevent blinding me at night. I Velcroed it to the dash so I could just put it on when towing but in practice it never moved off the dash for years.

When towing my 6000 pound hybrid I'd set mine to display trans temp and cylinder temp. The gauge will auto scroll thru as many parameters as you want including current gear and transmission slip.

-- Chuck

 

[07xln]

Go up to your local auto parts store and get a Scan Gauge II

I've used it in multiple vehicles and it works great

 

[Jeffrey Falkner]

you are using the wrong PID I had the same problem

don't use TRANS TEMP use TRANS FLUID TEMP

drove me crazy until I figured this out

I don't have that on my version. I only have Method 1 and Method 2... Could it be something different between the EL and MAX (US vs Canada)?

 

[Jeffrey Falkner]

I don't have that on my version. I only have Method 1 and Method 2... Could it be something different between the EL and MAX (US vs Canada)?

Nevermind... found out how to add this...

For those who are wondering, this is on another forum...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1236227-pid-code-for-transmission-temp.html

 

[Big Brian]

do you have the Ford custom PIDs loaded? You need to do that separately from what I recall. But its in the program, nothing else to download off the internet

I could look at mine and provide more detail if you cant figure it out

 

[chuck s]

Transmission temperature was Trans Temp 2 on my Interceptor scan gauge. It was specifically custom programmed into the early generation gauge at their lab with a computer reading the OBD2 data. They added it to the EPROM. Transmission slip is actually analog and never shows zero (0) just a number in the 0-3 or 4 range. The '07 transmission locked up immediately which was nice to know. (No tow/haul option then.)

I was always going to fit this scan gauge into a pillar gauge pod but never did.

BTW, towing my 6000 pound travel trailer with the HD towing package in my '07 never saw the transmission temp much above 200°F so checking it was merely of interest not importance. Same thing with my '17 where trans temp shows on the dash display. Nothing more severe than Pennsylvania and West Virginia mountains.

- Chuck

 

[Big Brian]

I tow a 5000lb boat and I have never hit 200f I agree its just interesting and nice to know

another interesting value I look at while towing is engine load %

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

forgot to mention I also replaced factory pan with a mag-hytech that holds an additional 8 qts.

View media item 1184

 

[Deesko]

I use an older version of this programmer by Edge. Probably pricier than some of the other options here but I also picked mine up on sale somewhere for 60% off the list price for this one, so it was a much better deal.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ege-85450

I use my 2010 for towing a 33ft travel trailer that runs around 6000lbs and don't think I've ever seen my tranny temps go above 190, even towing in the summer. Actually heading out for a trip Friday so I'll keep a closer eye on it and see how it fairs in our "mountains".

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

I tow a 5000lb boat and I have never hit 200f I agree its just interesting and nice to know

another interesting value I look at while towing is engine load %

I've hit 201 degrees on a long highway trip without towing anything. It seems to be the norm for my truck.