Trans Coole Temp Gauge

[Maxil]

Trans Cooler Temp Gauge

Well I broke down today and ordered a B&M 70264 Supercooler. I am interested in getting a temp gauge, it can get darn hot here and I want to make sure this cooler is doing it's job.

I would appreciate any recommendations for an inexpensive, if possible, gauge. Preferably one that isn't too difficult to install.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Some might suggest a Scanguage 2, or some other type of OBD2 reader/guage, but the problem with that is that you've got a 1998 4Runner, and the SG2 will only output transmission temp info on 1999+ models.

You're only option is going to be to install a conventional guage. You'll have to plumb the temperature sender into the transmission cooler send line, between the transmission and the inlet of the transmission cooler. There are lots of ways you could mount the gauge... A-pillar pod, steering column pod, custom. I went custom on mine and mounted it like this...

 

[econhonda]

Just to clarify, 99's also give tranny temp information through the OBD2 connection. I know this doesn't apply to you, but it might to future readers.

BigFish, clean install. I like it!

 

[Maxil]

Yours is very nice and I think I will probably go with something similar. My console is a dark wood color, so I am going to look around for one that matches. By the way, how deep does yours go?

Thanks,
Maxil

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Econhonda,

My mistake. I thought it was 2000+, but I went back and edited my post so the correct info is there for future readers. I just knew for sure that it didn't work on '98's. Thanks for the compliments on the install, but I can't take credit for the idea. As far as I know, this was first done my a member of YT who posts under the name "Mastacox". When I was doing my research on guages I saw his install and decided to go the same route.

Maxil,

If you install in this location, there is a limit to the depth of the gauge that you can use. My guage is an analog electric, and the mounting depth was about prob. 2.25" if I remember right, once you factor in the electrical connections on the back and the brace that holds the guage in place. You might check out digital electric guages... they might have a shallower mounting depth.

As it played out, I had to re-arrange some plugs and wiring under there to allow the guage to sink flush with the shifter trim.

 

[maxspeed96ct]

I would do exactly what big fish did, you can get a gauge with sender for under $50 bucks and a barb x npt(what ever size the sender is) tee from summit for just a few bucks.

 

[AddictedOffroad]

FWIW, I have both the Scan Gauge II and a alternate tranny temp gauge that I installed prior to the SCII. The alt gauge shows usually 20-30 degrees cooler than the SCII. At this point, I do NOT trust the tranny temp gauge anymore at all.

IMHO, the SCII is the way to go for the 99+ guys

 

[BigFishAllDay]

AOR, that's true, and I agree 100% but the OP's got a '98. Soooooooooooo????

The pics I posted above are of my 2001. I've got that guage and the SG2, so I'm running a redundant guage as well. I just got the SG2 in earlier today, so I'm going to program the xguage trans temp and see what kind of difference I see.

It'll be interesting to compare my notes to what you're seeing. I wonder if variations in the sender install will cause a larger/smaller discrepancy in the guage's temp reading vs. the SG2's output.

 

[maxspeed96ct]

FWIW, I have both the Scan Gauge II and a alternate tranny temp gauge that I installed prior to the SCII. The alt gauge shows usually 20-30 degrees cooler than the SCII. At this point, I do NOT trust the tranny temp gauge anymore at all.

IMHO, the SCII is the way to go for the 99+ guys

Wow that's strange, do they each have their own sender in diffrent spots or are they using the same one.
Also what brand gauge do you have, I've always used autometer and they always seem accurate.