Transmission Cooler Temperature Sensor

[Yukon4Runner]

Hello all,

I'm planning on adding a dedicated radiator for cooling the transmission oil and I've come across lots of great advice on selecting radiators and DIY guides.

Some advice:

Transmission Temperature Sensor
I'd like advice on selecting the best type of transmission temperature sensor and placement location. I'd like to have it wired so the temp data is available via the OBD port. I don't plan on adding a physical gauge in the truck; I have an ELM wifi OBD device and just plan on monitoring the transmission temp via smart phone when the transmission is being stressed.

Thanks.

.

 

[JayRolla]

Hello all,

I'm planning on adding a dedicated radiator for cooling the transmission oil and I've come across lots of great advice on selecting radiators and DIY guides.

Some advice:

Transmission Temperature Sensor
I'd like advice on selecting the best type of transmission temperature sensor and placement location. I'd like to have it wired so the temp data is available via the OBD port. I don't plan on adding a physical gauge in the truck; I have an ELM wifi OBD device and just plan on monitoring the transmission temp via smart phone when the transmission is being stressed.

Thanks.

.

From what I know later years can log trans temp through the stock sensor. Just start logging

 

[mtbtim]

I recently added a B&M 70264 cooler to my 2000 SR5 4x4. I ran the cooler in series. The trans fluid first goes through the stock cooler inside the radiator and then goes through the B&M cooler before returning to the transmission.

I'm using the Torque Pro app on my Android phone which cost $5. There is a stock transmission temperature sensor for some of the 3rd Gen years but I can't remember which ones don't have it available. In the Torque Pro app, I selected "Method 2" under the transmission temp choices and I can monitor my trans temps now.

Here's a video I did for my install which includes replacing the radiator with an OEM one from Camelback and replacing the thermostat as well. When it comes to the cooler, I technically didn't run the trans cooler lines according to B&M's recommendations. I mounted mine sideways and ran the inlet line to the upper fitting and the outlet line to the bottom fitting. Supposedly, air can get trapped in these stacked plate coolers so it's recommended in a sideways installation to send the fluid to the bottom fitting and have it leave via the top fitting pushing any air out as the fluid fills the cooler. But, my cooler is working well the way I set mine up, so any trapped air, if any, must be pretty minimal.

Sounds like you're going to bypass the stock cooler in the radiator but I think my video will still help you out.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2nVbwe2t2T8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[jgue467]

JayRolla is correct, 01-02 (maybe 00?) require just the odb2 bt transmitter and an app. I use torque, if like other apps, it has more than 1 trans temp selection, so if one doesn't work try the others. You'll be surprised just how quick the temps rise and fall. Luck and Enjoy! :cowboy:

 

[mtbtim]

JayRolla is correct, 01-02 (maybe 00?) require just the odb2 bt transmitter and an app. I use torque, if like other apps, it has more than 1 trans temp selection, so if one doesn't work try the others. You'll be surprised just how quick the temps rise and fall. Luck and Enjoy! :cowboy:

I looked up a thread I subscribed to and found the years 99-02 have the trans temp sensor available. 96-98 don't have it.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

^^^beat me to it.

96-98 don't have a trans temp sensor only an idiot light "switch".

 

[Yukon4Runner]

Thanks [MENTION=50342]JayRolla[/MENTION], [MENTION=75316]jgue467[/MENTION], [MENTION=107674]JRZEE2000TR4LTD[/MENTION] for the quick and helpful advice.

Special thanks to [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] for the great informative video.

Great that you talked about the pros and cons of putting the transmission radiator in parallel or series with the main radiator; I hadn't thought about maintaining the lower temperature threshold for transmission fluid. I was leaning towards parallel to avoid the yummy pink milkshake but I do end up in places where I'm starting my 4Runner in -40C weather.