High transmission temperature while rock crawling!

[sledboy]

Just wondering if others are seeing this same thing. As we are cruising down the highway, the highest trans temps that I have seen is about 201 F. However, when rock crawling in 4-low or going slow over rough terrain in 1st gear (4-high), the temps get up to 214 degrees. I assume the high temps are due to a lack of airflow over the trans cooler. I also assume that 214 degrees is on the high side of normal. But it is interesting to me that the temps get so high when there is not a lot of strain on the transmission. Anyone else seeing this or have any thoughts on whether or not this behavior is normal?

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[Chuck_Ruck]

Are trans temps viewable from the dash, or do you have an aftermarket guage?

 

[sledboy]

Temps are on the stock dash.

Are trans temps viewable from the dash, or do you have an aftermarket guage?

Viewable from the "gauges" section of the stock dash.

 

[goatman]

Just wondering if others are seeing this same thing. As we are cruising down the highway, the highest trans temps that I have seen is about 201 F. However, when rock crawling in 4-low or going slow over rough terrain in 1st gear (4-high), the temps get up to 214 degrees. I assume the high temps are due to a lack of airflow over the trans cooler. I also assume that 214 degrees is on the high side of normal. But it is interesting to me that the temps get so high when there is not a lot of strain on the transmission. Anyone else seeing this or have any thoughts on whether or not this behavior is normal?

The higher trans temps when going slow is because the torque converter isn't locked in the lower gears, so more heat is generated from the torque converter slip. In higher gears the converter locks and there's no slip, so less heat. Don't know exactly when the Bronco converter locks up, something to be learned.

 

[2Jeeps&PatriotX1]

Which is why I have an aftermarket fan-cooled trans cooler on my jeep. Even stop and go in traffic (let alone rock crawling) gets my trans temps up there for the fan to kick on. Manually cooled coolers just didnt work for me with the larger tires & 4.88 gearing. The 10r60 shouldn't be as drastic compared to my jeep trans as it tends to run hot to begin with.

 

[The Bronze]

I have seen the Bronco tranny temps around 200-205 at 100* in Moab. My truck runs 180-190 in those temps locked up on the highway with the optional tranny cooler. You can only transfer so much heat when the ambient air is hot, fans or not.

 

[rdass623]

did these temps trigger any warning lights or alarms? or was it within normal operating temperatures? high normal and low normal are normal.

 

[sledboy]

did these temps trigger any warning lights or alarms? or was it within normal operating temperatures? high normal and low normal are normal.

No warning lights came on.

 

[MaverickMan]

Yep perfectly normal for an automatic trans to get hot. Its what they do. How long you let it get hot will determine how long it lives. A 10 degree difference in slow speed and high speed isnt bad. If you add any weight at or near its load rating I would add a big ole cooler to it. I will be happy with my manual.

 

[NotApplicable]

A quick search online shows that this range appears to be completely normal for Ford 10-speeds, but who knows. I’ve seen mine anywhere from 190-205ish during normal operation

 

[rdass623]

No warning lights came on.

then you should be good

 

[Tilzbow]

13 degrees higher than normal is nothing to worry about. 50 yes, 13 no.

 

[WuNgUn]

What was the TFL video show the temps on that Bronco trailer hill climb video up the Ike...?
Pretty sure it was in the 240's...?

 

[Blue's B6G]

Just wondering if others are seeing this same thing. As we are cruising down the highway, the highest trans temps that I have seen is about 201 F. However, when rock crawling in 4-low or going slow over rough terrain in 1st gear (4-high), the temps get up to 214 degrees. I assume the high temps are due to a lack of airflow over the trans cooler. I also assume that 214 degrees is on the high side of normal. But it is interesting to me that the temps get so high when there is not a lot of strain on the transmission. Anyone else seeing this or have any thoughts on whether or not this behavior is normal?

I’ve seen mine at 210 just normal driving around town. I’ve also climbed some long hills at 80 mph and 110 degree weather without any issues at all.

 

[acnp2022]

I just drove a few hundred miles going up and down mountains going through Vermont and didn't have any issues. Temp was always less 220 and that was in 90 degree heat

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