Checking Transmission Temps

With all of this talk about transmissions running hot I want to check my temps. What do you guys recommend to check the temps. Are the blue tooth OBD 2 readers good for this. I tow 90% of the time with my truck. I have a SR with a 4.6 so I do not have a external cooler just like the new Tundra's.

Thanks

 

get a Scan Gauge II, easy setup.

 

This is what I have too. Love it. Had it for about a decade now and just keep moving it from vehicle to vehicle. You can program it to monitor the torque converter as well, so can see it and the pan temps.

 

I use my iPhone with an app called OBD Fusion connected via Bluetooth to Veepeak ODB dongle.

The dashboard was created with the help and advice from members of this forum. Just search “PID” and you’ll find the thread.

 

I also use OBD Fusion app on my phone, and OBD 2 reader. Works great via Bluetooth. If you go this route make sure the OBD 2 reader is compatible with your phone (Android or Apple).

 

I have a Kenwood DMX906S HU in my 2019 with the OBD2 interface and it can display Trans Temps.

 

Hmmm torn between a scanguage and the obd fusion app route. Pros and cons?

 

ScanGauge = reliable, old school display. Max 4 data points at a time. Needs to be mounted and run a cable to ODB port. Doesn't draw from battery when engine off.
OBD Fusion = iPhone display, can have many data points and multiple "dashboards", requires a wireless OBD reader (which does draw from the battery still when engine is off), requires a phone mount to be useful.

I have had both. OBD Fusion gives me more for less effort and I like having gauges vs data points.

 

Thanks for the information, this helps. Is the draw on the battery significant? I would assume not. It seems like many folks on here run it just fine? Thanks again!

 

Price too. Scan gauge is about $150. You can get OBD readers that connect to your phone for $30 or so.

 

I think battery draw is virtually insignificant, I have left the OBD2 reader plugged into the port for days with no noticeable changes to the truck. Of course it's probably prudent to remove it after you have finished your investigating for the trip. I just keep it in the center counsel, only takes a moment to plug it in and turn on phone app, good to go.

 

If you're thinking about doing any engine tune stuff eventually, a Bullydog tuner will monitor trans, coolant, intake temp, etc, etc, also.

 

Not significant, but it is one of the negatives of a bluetooth based OBD2 reader. Pull it out if you're leaving the truck at the airport for two weeks to be safe, especially if the temps are below freezing.

 

You are talking my language now haha. Which OBD reader would you suggest

 

I have the BAFX Products Bluetooth OBD2 Reader, about $23.00 at Amazon. Then download the OBD Fusion App for your phone, the App is like $5.00 then you want to buy the optional package for your year truck about $10.00. That will give you access to monitor almost anything.

Just make sure you get Android or Apple compatible, depending on your phone.

 

Just started using the BaFx OBD about a few weeks ago and can say its impressive. Never used a reader before, but I think this one is probably the best one regardless of price under $300.

It has 17,468 reviews and most are glowing. It doesn’t do everything, but it does a lot.

$23 plus $5 for the better Torque Pro App. Hooked it up to an old Android Device.

I feel sorry for you guys with the excessive trans temps. The 1st Gen barely breaks 170° on a hot 95° day in stop and go traffic.

 

I went with Veepeak BLE+ Bluetooth 4.0. Works great with an iPhone.

 

Since adding the cooler to my '20, pan temps settle in the mid-170's now instead of 220's.

 

I use this setup with my android and its flawless.
Cant beat it for the price.

 

I have used OBD Fusion in the past and I like it. Just added a Scangauge II today since I find it much simpler to leave that installed all the time than grab & mount my phone/iPad, connect to the OBD2 WiFi dongle (guess bluetooth version would fix this part), run the app, etc. On longer trips I will probably run both since the iPad is going to be mounted anyway for Waze/Gaia (and I installed an OBD splitter today as well).

 

I have a ScanGaugeII I bought in 2006. I just sent it off for a firmware update today, but the wireless one discussed above is so inexpensive I went ahead and ordered one. I didn't like the idea of mounting my ScanGaugeII if I wanted to monitor the tranny temps.

 

Yeah , I would remove it , I always do whenever I am done with my trip and keep it in center console , I had a GMC envoy prior of the tundra , went on a camping trip and forgot to remove it , it drained battery overnight

 

App of Smart phone is wonderful

 

Where are you all mounting your scan gauges at on your 3rd gen?

 

On top of the steering column with Velcro.

 

I got the OBD link MX+. Works well enough for me.