Greetings - I’m usually hanging about on the caravan board, but I think this question is better suited for here because I know diesel owners like to keep an eye on trans temp and are more familiar with the aftermarket products.

I did try searching first but didn’t find any threads that answered my question(s) nor has the time I’ve spent searching the web.

I’ll preface by stating that I’m an auto mechanic by trade (3 years professional experience and 15 years unprofessional experience prior to that) but I’m just not familiar with aftermarket mods so I’m hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

My wife and I have a 2016 Grand Caravan RT. It has an EVIC but it only displays coolant temp, engine oil temp/pressure, and engine hours. As a tech that does my own service work, I wanted to change the EVIC to display trans temp as well as a couple other things. I tried using the scan tool/programmer at work (Autel brand) but it doesn’t support programming for Dodge. When I contacted Dodge, their response was that it can’t be reprogrammed which I don’t believe but I don’t have the time or energy to pursue it.

I would like to install an aftermarket temp gauge, however I’d like to be able to tap into the transmission wiring harness rather than splicing into the cooler lines or using the test port or pan to install a separate temp sensor. Reason being is I want a quick and simple install as my time outside of work is dedicated to my family and I don’t like taking time from them for projects.

Does anybody know of an aftermarket gauge that’s capable of reading directly from the factory temp sensor or if an aftermarket gauge could be calibrated to do so? I’m not partial to digital or analog.

I’m not interested in getting an OBD adapter for my smart phone or a scanner that can read live data as the point is to have a quick reference when checking the fluid level. I’ve considered a stand alone monitor but I can’t justify the cost as this is a convenience issue not a performance one.

Thanks in advance.

 

You would have to have an app for your phone, and the bluetooth dongle, so far as I know. Trouble is, you would have to set it up each time you used it. They have the dongles that automatically power off when you turn the ignition off, so, you could just leave that in place. Torque Pro would do what you want. I don't know of any dedicated gauge that would do what you want. It's a REALLY good idea though...... you should try and market it.

 

Thats another issue for me too - I don’t want to be screwing around waiting on an app to open and setting it up each time just to find the info I need. I’d also not like to keep anything permanently plugged into the DLC - even if my son doesn’t grab at it every chance he gets, I’m a bit of a clutz anyway. Leaving a dongle plugged in is just a target for my feet as I’m climbing in and out. I can walk just fine, but in 11 years of marriage I somehow manage to step on my wife’s toes every time she’s barefoot!

I read through some posts in a few non-Dodge forums and a couple of guys claimed they were able to tap into the factory wiring and the gauge they installed works just fine - problem is, they don’t mention anything at all about verifying the gauges accuracy in comparison to live data in the PCM/TCM.

I suppose one option would be to tap into the wiring as planned and just see how the readings compare. If it’s a small difference (10* or less) then I could just keep that in mind. Unfortunately depending on my memory ushers in a whole new set of problems...

 

The sensor is in the trans, and I would guess it sends a modified voltage back to the PCM, which it interprets into a temp reading. Now, translating that voltage to something the gauge could understand becomes the fun part..... According to theory, Innovative Motorsports offered one at one time, but, it used the dongle on the OBDII port..... (which should be far enough away....... just keep your wifes feet away from it, so you won't step on it. ) I can't find it on their site though. They DO offer gauges that have their own sensor.

 

That’s the other problem- I can’t find any info on how the temp sensor works. All I’ve found on service info is that it’s integrated into the solenoid and pressure switch assembly, so it can’t be replaced on its own.

Otherwise no description so I don’t know if it’s a typical negative temp coefficient sensor or not. It could be reverse engineered UFO technology for all I know.

 

Need the phone number for area 51?

Could monitor the sensor return signal wire, and see what voltage does as temp goes up. Don't know if you could translate that into a signal a gauge would understand. Beyond my knowledge.