A8 normal operating temperature range
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 733
Likes: 225
From: Auburn AL
A8 normal operating temperature range
I have looked through all threads, the manual and Googled. We can get a warning if the A8 is hot but the temp this occurs at is not stated. I have been leaving my transmission temp digital display up on the dash while I run errands this week but can not find what the normal operating range would be for the A8. Does anyone know by specs or experience? At what temp does your warning of a hot transmission kick in that tells you to idle the C7? Thanks in advance.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 733
Likes: 225
From: Auburn AL
When 35 people viewed it and I got no input I looked deeper and found that tracking the car produces transmission temps of 270 to 280 which subsequently produces poor shifting transmission symptoms with no apparent hot warning display. Can I ask you to drive with your transmission temp display centered on your dash and let me know how the temp changes through your commute or frisky sessions or whatever? Call it research or a homework assignment or an excuse to drive...... thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 626
From: Baton Rouge LA
When I had a TCM software update done last Nov. I noticed that the tranny temp had to be 167-185° before the scan tool would allow the "fast relearn" after the software install. I asked the SM how he would manage it and he said it was no problem, just some maneuvers in the parking lot, which I assumed to mean stalling the converter, etc.
Last edited by iclick; Mar 2, 2016 at 02:58 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,146
Likes: 1,940
From: Hagerstown MD
St. Jude Donor '15-'16,'18
Mine rose to about 185 on the track at VIR last August. At Spring Mountain in February I drove an A8 with no issues.
Last edited by rmorin1249; Mar 2, 2016 at 03:18 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 1,593
Used my 2016 Z51 A8 on the track for 3 days with no overheating issues. I set the pocket gauge to show trans temp.
On day 1 I set the car in "track" mode, and got a 'yellow" warning, but no limp-mode or other intervention.
On day 2, I set the car into full race mode, and manually shifted using the paddles, exactly like I would in my race car. I had absolutely no trans issues whatsoever... the A8 performed flawlessly.
I have some theories on this "overheating" issue.
First is that the 2016 trans cooler helps.
Second is that driving the car at racing speeds in auto mode puts stress on the torque converter.
Use the paddles on the track. Brake to the turn-in point... click the paddles and find the gear... let the brakes bleed off the speed, not the torque converter.
Engineers and racers weigh in here, but using the torque converter to apply braking force will put unnecessary heat into it.
On day 1 I set the car in "track" mode, and got a 'yellow" warning, but no limp-mode or other intervention.
On day 2, I set the car into full race mode, and manually shifted using the paddles, exactly like I would in my race car. I had absolutely no trans issues whatsoever... the A8 performed flawlessly.
I have some theories on this "overheating" issue.
First is that the 2016 trans cooler helps.
Second is that driving the car at racing speeds in auto mode puts stress on the torque converter.
Use the paddles on the track. Brake to the turn-in point... click the paddles and find the gear... let the brakes bleed off the speed, not the torque converter.
Engineers and racers weigh in here, but using the torque converter to apply braking force will put unnecessary heat into it.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 90
From: Hillsdale NJ
Used my 2016 Z51 A8 on the track for 3 days with no overheating issues. I set the pocket gauge to show trans temp.
On day 1 I set the car in "track" mode, and got a 'yellow" warning, but no limp-mode or other intervention.
On day 2, I set the car into full race mode, and manually shifted using the paddles, exactly like I would in my race car. I had absolutely no trans issues whatsoever... the A8 performed flawlessly.
I have some theories on this "overheating" issue.
First is that the 2016 trans cooler helps.
Second is that driving the car at racing speeds in auto mode puts stress on the torque converter.
Use the paddles on the track. Brake to the turn-in point... click the paddles and find the gear... let the brakes bleed off the speed, not the torque converter.
Engineers and racers weigh in here, but using the torque converter to apply braking force will put unnecessary heat into it.
On day 1 I set the car in "track" mode, and got a 'yellow" warning, but no limp-mode or other intervention.
On day 2, I set the car into full race mode, and manually shifted using the paddles, exactly like I would in my race car. I had absolutely no trans issues whatsoever... the A8 performed flawlessly.
I have some theories on this "overheating" issue.
First is that the 2016 trans cooler helps.
Second is that driving the car at racing speeds in auto mode puts stress on the torque converter.
Use the paddles on the track. Brake to the turn-in point... click the paddles and find the gear... let the brakes bleed off the speed, not the torque converter.
Engineers and racers weigh in here, but using the torque converter to apply braking force will put unnecessary heat into it.
As per the original question, on the street it never gets hot at all, maybe 170 but never close to anything I would notice. The overheat point is 275, that's where it starts delaying shifts, refusing shifts, and shifting on its own even in manual mode.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 733
Likes: 225
From: Auburn AL
Well, I have my own theory...It doesn't have enough cooling. I have a 2015 (waiting now impatiently for the cooling upgrade). Using the paddles, with temperatures in the mid-60's, the trans overheats in under 15 minutes.
As per the original question, on the street it never gets hot at all, maybe 170 but never close to anything I would notice. The overheat point is 275, that's where it starts delaying shifts, refusing shifts, and shifting on its own even in manual mode.
As per the original question, on the street it never gets hot at all, maybe 170 but never close to anything I would notice. The overheat point is 275, that's where it starts delaying shifts, refusing shifts, and shifting on its own even in manual mode.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,514
Likes: 1,301
From: Windermere FL
I have never gotten the dash warning, but in the Florida Inferno, the temps generally run 190's on the street on long trips. 200 easily in stop and go (which is the norm around here).
After installing the Z06 rear vents, non-scientific temp gauge observation did seem to have a nice positive cooling effect, at least while the car was in motion.
I too and waiting to see what the GM Performance Cooling Package will cost and take to install.
After installing the Z06 rear vents, non-scientific temp gauge observation did seem to have a nice positive cooling effect, at least while the car was in motion.
I too and waiting to see what the GM Performance Cooling Package will cost and take to install.
Last edited by Flame Red; Mar 3, 2016 at 08:52 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 90
From: Hillsdale NJ
No, never got a message. As soon as it hits 275 and starts refusing shifts I back off and I;m pretty sure I've never let it get over 280.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 733
Likes: 225
From: Auburn AL
I copied what the manual describes as the alert and our operator instructions should we see it:
TRANSMISSION HOT — IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the transmission fluid in
the vehicle gets hot. Driving with the
transmission fluid temperature high
can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool. This
message clears when the fluid
temperature reaches a safe level.
If this message is displayed during
normal vehicle operation on flat
roads, the vehicle may need
service. See your dealer for an
inspection.
TRANSMISSION HOT — IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the transmission fluid in
the vehicle gets hot. Driving with the
transmission fluid temperature high
can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool. This
message clears when the fluid
temperature reaches a safe level.
If this message is displayed during
normal vehicle operation on flat
roads, the vehicle may need
service. See your dealer for an
inspection.
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Terre Haute IN
Never having been satisfied with the sluggish 1st to 2nd shift of my 2015 A8, I thought I would go through the relearn steps for the clutches involved this past weekend. This is the first time I ever checked my trans temp (I've never had any problems or reason to do so). The relearn instructions say to get the temp up to around 170°. I drove my car for 30+ miles in both auto and manual, with some spirited driving and only on one brief occasion did the temp move off of the 100 starting temp and then only up to maybe 110°. A couple of days later I took it on a 45 min drive to eat and then 45 min back home. Going and coming it never moved off of 100. I'm thinking my temp gauge isn't accurate. All of the other gauges (temps and otherwise) seem to be working. Anyone have any suggestions?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 694
Never having been satisfied with the sluggish 1st to 2nd shift of my 2015 A8, I thought I would go through the relearn steps for the clutches involved this past weekend. This is the first time I ever checked my trans temp (I've never had any problems or reason to do so). The relearn instructions say to get the temp up to around 170°. I drove my car for 30+ miles in both auto and manual, with some spirited driving and only on one brief occasion did the temp move off of the 100 starting temp and then only up to maybe 110°. A couple of days later I took it on a 45 min drive to eat and then 45 min back home. Going and coming it never moved off of 100. I'm thinking my temp gauge isn't accurate. All of the other gauges (temps and otherwise) seem to be working. Anyone have any suggestions?
Highest I have seen it is 120. I have no transmission problems. I am thinking this is normal.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rans-temp.html