You may not be aware that the temperature inside your transmission can cause you to have severe car problems. If your transmission temperature runs too high, it interferes with the fluid, leaving you vulnerable to breakdowns.
What should the transmission temperature be in a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It is perfect between 175 degrees and 220 degrees if it is at the ideal temperature.
How To Tell When Your Transmission is Running Hot
There are always warning signs that something is not quite right with your transmission. When you see these warnings, it is time to make an appointment with a certified transmission specialist.
If you act promptly after the warning symptoms begin, your transmission can be repaired at a meager cost. If you want, you may be looking at a total transmission replacement.
Signs to Watch for
A burning odor that usually can be smelled both from the interior and exterior of the vehicle. This may be your very first sign. The scent may be light, or it may be intense.
You may notice the gears slipping when you are accelerating or slowing down.
When you shift gears, you may notice a delay in response. You might also feel a jerk like a vehicle changed gears roughly.
When you accelerate, you may hear a grinding noise. Your vehicle may also vibrate or shake when you accelerate, or the engine is idling.
Use a Dipstick
The dipstick that allows you to check your transmission levels can help you determine if the fluid in the tranny is getting too hot.
If the fluid level is low or the fluid looks or smells burned, your tranny is likely getting too hot and needs some TLC.
How to check:
- Start the engine with the vehicle in park or neutral and let it run long enough that the engine gets warm.
- Open your hood and find the transmission fluid dipstick
- Check to see if the proper level of fluid is in the tranny
- Rub your fingers over the fluid and then rub your fingers together. The liquid on your fingers should look kind of pink. You should not feel any grit. The juice should feel smooth
- Look closely for any signs of dirt, particulates, or metal flakes in the fluid
- Hold your fingers close to your nose and smell the fluid.
How to Check Your Transmission Temperature Using a $10 Sensor
You can purchase a sensor designed to tell you the temperature inside your tranny for as little as ten dollars. These devices can also sell for as much as one hundred dollars.
The sensor will come with detailed operating instructions. Take the time to read these instructions before you begin.
- Beneath your dash, you will have an OBD port. You want to connect the tool to that port
- Turn the ignition key far enough to give electrical power to the accessories without cranking the engine
- The monitor of the sensor will have a live data option. Choose this option.
- From that screen, you will have the temperature displayed.
What Causes A Transmission to Run Hot?
A few different things will cause the temperature in your transmission to run higher than usual or to overheat.
Fluid Levels Are Low
If you have a slow leak and some of your transmission fluid leaks out, the low liquid level could cause the remainder of the fluid in the tranny to overheat.
If the transmission fluid you have is past the point that it needs changing, it can break down, and that can cause the tranny to overheat.
Solenoid
The solenoid regulates the fluid coming into and going out of the transmission. If this part fails, the fluid flow is interrupted or incorrect, resulting in a temperature rise.
Hardening Seals
The seals of your transmission keep the fluid inside the information and stop it from running out onto other components or the ground.
As they age, these seals can harden, so they are not capable of maintaining a tight seal on the transmission. This allows fluid leaks and eventually rising temperatures.
Extreme Outdoor Temperatures
If the weather outside is scorching, there is a good chance that the fluids in your vehicle will be warmer than usual.
This should not cause the tranny fluid to overheat, but if the transmission has been running close to the highest allowed temperature. Then the outside temperature increases, resulting in overheating of the liquid.
Radiator Problems
The radiator helps keep every component of the vehicle operating at safe temperatures. If there are problems with the radiator, you may see problems with the transmission and other parts of the car.
If your engine temperature is running too high, your transmission temperature is also elevated. When your engine runs hot, it is advisable to check your transmission.
Always seek professional guidance about transmission problems. When you are having troubles with your transmission you should never try to save money by doing the work yourself.
What To Do If Your Transmission Runs Hot
The first thing you should do is pull over in a safe place. You need to shut the engine off and let the vehicle sit long enough for the temperature to cool down.
When you start the car back up, pay close attention to the temperature and gauges in the vehicle. If the temperature quickly goes back to a high level, find a repair center and stop driving the car as soon as possible.
FAQs
What Should My Jeep Transmission Temp Be?
Typically, the transmission temperature should not be below 175 degrees or above 220 degrees.
Is 200 Degrees Too Hot for A Transmission?
200 degrees is on the upper end of safe for a transmission, but if your vehicle is running a transmission temperature this high, it is worth finding out why.
What Is The Average Transmission Temp While Driving?
The average temperature will be between 175 degrees and 220 degrees.
Final Thoughts
Your transmission is a critical part of your vehicle. Making sure that it is in perfect working order will increase your car’s lifespan and improve its performance. You should seek the advice of a certified transmission specialist if you suspect your transmission is running too hot. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
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