TeryT
New member
I have a 2003 V8 4Runner with a 5 speed transmission. This tranny uses the T-IV fluid which is supposed to be synthetic. I installed a temp gauge/sensor in the pan, and it normally registers about double the ambient. Here in Phoenix the ambeint temp is running 90-100 now, so the tranny pan has been showing around 180-200 around town with no extra load.
Towing, loaded, and climbing good hills the pan temp climbs to nearly 230. Temperature charts I've seen seem to indicate this is a little high.
I've had two dealers investigate & come up empty regarding what normal operating temps should be for this tranny. One went to his district technical guy & still no answer, other than to say that the synthetic fluid can take more heat. 1-800-toyota did say not to be concerned unless it runs 250, which I think is where the factory idiot light comes on - seems a little late in my book!
A service manager today told me to just keep up on the factory maint. fluid changes, stay in towing limits, and if it goes out they have to replace under warranty (up to 100,000 miles). I told him I would rather NOT have the tranny go out - thank you very much!
Obviously I think I must go with a larger cooler for peace of mind.
BUT DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INSIGHT INTO WHAT THIS TRANNY OR SYNTH FLUIDS ARE SAFE TO OPERATE AT?
Thanks!
Towing, loaded, and climbing good hills the pan temp climbs to nearly 230. Temperature charts I've seen seem to indicate this is a little high.
I've had two dealers investigate & come up empty regarding what normal operating temps should be for this tranny. One went to his district technical guy & still no answer, other than to say that the synthetic fluid can take more heat. 1-800-toyota did say not to be concerned unless it runs 250, which I think is where the factory idiot light comes on - seems a little late in my book!
A service manager today told me to just keep up on the factory maint. fluid changes, stay in towing limits, and if it goes out they have to replace under warranty (up to 100,000 miles). I told him I would rather NOT have the tranny go out - thank you very much!
Obviously I think I must go with a larger cooler for peace of mind.
BUT DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INSIGHT INTO WHAT THIS TRANNY OR SYNTH FLUIDS ARE SAFE TO OPERATE AT?
Thanks!
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