Transmission getting hot while in 4H ?

Took the son hunting last weekend, and had to go up and down on some steep, dirt roads.
Noticed that the transmission gauge was reading hot, then the fan was coming on to drop the temps multiple times. It was not hard 4wheeling, just some steep slopes and the engine around 2K rpms, 6 to 15 mph range.

No mud or obstructions anywhere, all went back to normal when we were on flat ground. No issues since. What were we doing wrong?

 

Not enough airflow would be my guess

 

Maybe try 4L in 2nd gear next time?

 

Your issue is using 4-Hi instead of 4-LO on an incline at such a low speed. 4-LO is not just for obstructions. 4-LO has the mechanical advantage and you'll see less torque converter slippage. Your engine and transmission will spin at a higher RPM in 4-LO, therefore the trans fluid will pump through the system and to the cooler faster.

 

If you need 4x4 and are going 20 MPH or less then you need to use 4 Lo instead of 4 hi.

 

Previous thread. Or two-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/transmission-running-hot-part-2-and-update-final-verdict.142045/

 

Thank you all for the info. Will try 4L next time, it may allow less surging back and forth as you go uphill and modulate speeds. As previous threads, some small things are still a bit of a disappointment, but small turbo engines in big vehicles, are not ideal for crawling around like that. Overall the truck is smooth on the road, and no issue since. Going to steal the 200 LandCrucher from the wife next time.

 

Smart man.

 

There is no substitute .......nice rig