Trans Temp Getting Too High
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 5
From: Mount Vernon Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Trans Temp Getting Too High
I have a 2001 A4. I installed a 3.42 rear end, a Yank SY3500 torque converter, a B&M 24,000 transmission cooler, a transgo shift kit, and a B&M aluminum extra deep transmission pan (holds an extra two quarts). I use Mobil One synthetic transmission fluid. I noticed the trans temp on the interstate runs around 200 degrees running between 70 and 80 mph. When I drive on a two lane highway at 55 to 60 mph the trans temp will get to 240 to 250 degrees running between 55 and 60 mph and the trans in "D". If I put the gear selector in "3" the temp will run between 200 and 210 degrees. Can anyone tell me what would be the cause of the transmission getting so hot in "D" and not in 3rd gear at 55 to 60 mph? Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco CA
Re: Trans Temp Getting Too High (1SGRET)
It is slipping more in 4th than it is in 3rd. If your A4 was in good shape your temps would always be below 200 on the highway with the TC locked. When you are doing 70 to 80, there is more airflow to carry away the heat but I still think it is time for a FLP Level IV.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,266
Likes: 549
Re: Trans Temp Getting Too High (1SGRET)
2001, 3.42, ss36000, no cooler, on a 80 degree day runs 200-210 degrees on interstate. Just a little hotter than the radiator which is cooling it. Are you sure your converter is locking up? Just a thought . Ron B.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco CA
Re: Trans Temp Getting Too High (1SGRET)
Are you sure your converter is locking up? Just a thought . Ron B.
However with the transcooler and deep pan I would expect to see temps lower than 200 on the interstate. My SY3500 with the same B&M cooler and the stock transmission pan always runs under 200 (more like 185 or less) on the interstate. When the converter is unlocked my temps rise to around 200. Are you still utilizing the stock transmission cooler in the radiator? The transcooler should be routed between the return of the radiator transmission cooler and the return line to the transmission to add to the cooling capacity.
The first sign of a slipping trans is increased temps. When the slipping exceeds the parameters the PCM is looking for then you will throw a code.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,874
Likes: 0
From: Fishing Somewhere Cold
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '15
Re: Trans Temp Getting Too High (SFVetteman)
I agree....some slipping or not locking up is what is going on. As far as throwing the code it has to meet the criteria for 3 consecutive start stop cycles. Those temps are way to high especially with the deep pan and the cooler install. I rarely ever see temps over 185. What are you rpms at 70mph in D and also in 3?? in D at 70 should be around 2150rpm....
[Modified by sweetcharity, 3:40 PM 10/27/2003]
[Modified by sweetcharity, 3:40 PM 10/27/2003]
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 5
From: Mount Vernon Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Re: Trans Temp Getting Too High (sweetcharity)
The trans cooler is between the radiator and the fluid return line (line on top). My rpms at 70 are about 2200 in "D". I can feel the converter unlock when it gets down to about 45 mph, very distinctive. As far as it locking/unlocking at interstate speeds I'm not sure I can tell. At least I don't feel anything different from the first time I drove it after the install. I do remember just a couple days after I did the install the "High Trans Temp" light came on while my wife was driving to work. I'm going to replace the SY3500 tomorrow with the stock converter. If the temp goes back to normal then I'll know for sure it is a defective converter. If that is the case I'll run up to Yank and have it rebuilt (about 75 miles away from me). If not then I'll have a new tranny put in under warranty. Thanks for the input and I'll post the results when I find out the problem.
[Modified by 1SGRET, 8:45 PM 10/27/2003]
[Modified by 1SGRET, 8:45 PM 10/27/2003]
