Posted 2007-10-08 1:01 PM (#69000) Subject: Duramax Tranny Temps
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 333
I have a 2002 Duramax 2500HD. When I first got the truck I noticed that the tranny temp hauling was between 125 and 150. This year it is now between 175 and 200. Even without hauling the temp is higher than when we first got the truck.
What would cause the temps to vary between the time we got the truck to now? We had the fluid changed and checked. Is there another part to the tranny (allison) that I am missing that might cause the higher temps? I would rather haul with the lower temps. We don't use the truck all that much, I might take one or two trips a year hauling a trailer that is over 40 minutes. The truck has about 50K miles on it.
Posted 2007-10-08 1:17 PM (#69001 - in reply to #69000) Subject: RE: Duramax Tranny Temps
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
I have a 2001 3500 with the 8.1/Allison and my trans temps run around 190-200 seen it as high as 210 going up Black Mountain. Most of the time it's 190, just don't take as long for it to get to 200 in the summer. Approx. 65,000 miles and the spin on filter is changed every 15,000 miles.
Posted 2007-10-08 1:30 PM (#69004 - in reply to #69000) Subject: RE: Duramax Tranny Temps
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by Jbsny on 2007-10-08 2:01 PM
I have a 2002 Duramax 2500HD. When I first got the truck I noticed that the tranny temp hauling was between 125 and 150. This year it is now between 175 and 200. Even without hauling the temp is higher than when we first got the truck.
What would cause the temps to vary between the time we got the truck to now? We had the fluid changed and checked. Is there another part to the tranny (allison) that I am missing that might cause the higher temps? I would rather haul with the lower temps. We don't use the truck all that much, I might take one or two trips a year hauling a trailer that is over 40 minutes. The truck has about 50K miles on it.
Thanks all.. Jbsny
Post your question over in these forums...but it sounds like it is just starting to break-in...
Posted 2007-10-08 8:03 PM (#69032 - in reply to #69000) Subject: RE: Duramax Tranny Temps
Location: Texas
Your truck should have a transmission cooler located near the radiator, but I am not sure of the exact location for your model. You might check to make sure something has not obstructed it and that it is clean. I have seen these get plugged with mud and debris.
Posted 2007-10-08 10:07 PM (#69035 - in reply to #69000) Subject: RE: Duramax Tranny Temps
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Perhaps your temp gauge is off..
normal Allison operating temp is about 190 - 210 degrees. It'll take several miles to reach operating temp. (Were you only doing short trips the first year?) Remember the torque converter slippage is a major source of fluid heat. If your indicated fluid temp is over 190 and you're either pulling hills or stop * go traffic, put the trans into tow/haul mode. This will enable torque converter clutch lock-up at lower gears.
Posted 2007-10-09 8:39 AM (#69047 - in reply to #69000) Subject: RE: Duramax Tranny Temps
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 346
I have one now and have owned four previous models. They all have varied from 175 to 210. Depending on load, temp, humidity, driving conditions, and how hard you keep your foot in the gas. Mostly the latter. The duramax IMHO does a poor job of cooling altogether. Just nature of the beast I guess, they are just not designed to stay cool and get good fuel mileage. Personally like TX said if the tranny cooler isnt blocked with mud and bugs then its probably ok. I have run a couple of mine really hard to 215 a couple of times, but he engine temp was 235. Engine heat like I said seems to be the kicker. I bet your fan clutch runs alot when the tranny is hot? Because the engine is hot as well.
Duramax Tranny Temps
