Can I add a Transmission Temp Gauge? 2011 Expy 4WD

[notamechanicbrad]

I just purchased this 4wd 2011 Expy direct from the owner (not a used car dealer). They claimed they knew of no issues with it but were just driving it short distances a few times a month. But, I plan on pulling a 16ft box trailer @ about 5000lbs all day everyday.

So...I took it on a test drive with an empty trailer for about 80 miles. The truck runs and shifts fine. But I believe the transmission is not cooling properly. I drove it 40 miles then got off the highway and was sitting in a parking lot for about 15 minutes with the truck running. When I put it in gear it almost feels like the emergency brake is on. Once I get on the road it seems to drive fine. Im thinking the transmission is getting hot. Or could it possibly be a problem with the 4wd?

I am going to do a fluid and filter change and upgrade the cooler with a much larger one. I would like to be able to monitor the trans temp. Im trying to figure out if this truck already has a trans temp sensor. It has no trans temp gauge.

Any suggestions??? Before I spend the time and money on my planned transmission "maintenance"!

 

[mhg1]

With a tuner you should be able to get the trans temps along with many other gauges.
I use an SCT on my 06 Expy. You can also firm up the shift points to help with longevity of the rtans.

 

[chuck s]

Been darn near 20 years (!) but this gauge and a pod on my A-pillar worked well on my '07. I recall it just plugged onto the OBD2 port (but was probably more complex than that). I used it for towing my travel trailer. Could monitor transmission temps and lockup among other data on the buss. Had settable alarms.

https://aeroforcetech.com/products/...e-ford-expedition-2005?variant=37390555676826

-- Chuck

 

[notamechanicbrad]

Thanks for the messages mhg1 and chuck s. Those are both pretty expensive options but it tells me there is a thermostat already in the transmission. I am going to see if I can find it in the Forscan software. Obviously I wouldnt drive it connected to Forscan all the time. But it would let me check the current temp to see if overheating is my problem. Thanks again!

 

[notamechanicbrad]

No check engine light but when I hooked up the Forscan software I see a P1867 - Transfer Case Contact Plate General Circuit Failure. So, after watching the Ford Tech Maculoco video I ordered a new Transfer Case Shift Motor. I will update when I get it installed and taken it for a test drive.

This was the title of the video:
2004-2020 Ford F-150 Four Wheel Drive Inoperative DTC P1867: Transfer Case Shift Motor Replacement