Well, it was not hot but warm outside today and I had to go to our place in the mountains which is 2-3 miles of steep uphill on a gravel road where you are going slow the whole time. Anyway, according to the transmission temperature gauge it reached 225 degrees or so. The gauge is hooked up to the front servo port. At what point does transmission fluid overheat? Do I need to change the fluid now or am I fine to keep running this fluid? I just don't want to do any damage.

 

I know I've read that the trans temp light in the dash comes on when it senses 275 degrees, so assuming that's the 'high' point. What does it normally read when you're up there?

 

225 is fine, actually normal.

 

How many miles since the last change?

 

It's probably been 10k miles or so since I changed it. I probably need to do it again at least by 15k but I haven't yet. Wayne at APS I forgot what he told me but I think it was like 30k mile intervals.

 

You should be fine. 225 is above the normal range, but not by much. The trans temp light doesn't even come on until 275. ATF+4 has a very good temp range and holds up well under most conditions. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Ok thanks guys. I'm guessing at 225.
As you can see there it's a mark between 210 and 250. That's where it was.

I thought I read if the trans temp light came on your transmission was pretty much already done for. Or is that not true? I think I will leave it until the next fluid change.

 

Wow, that is kind of hard to figure out increment wise. Think I would guess 230 since that's right between 210/250, but with the previous increments being 30 a shot, could go either way. I'd read up on the high trans temp light at one point because mine was on, said it was an indicator the trans temp was above 275 and it would shut off when the temp dropped below that...so assuming it isn't the death blow to the tranny, but pretty damn close?

 

Ya, one time mine went over 240 when towing my camper in the mountains. I changed the fluid as soon as I got back home. I'd be pretty freaked out if I saw 275.

 

So I'm good to go or should I go ahead and just change it?