Transmission cooler or not Thread

I 100% agree with you , at the same time , I looked at tundra forums and statistically , we have less then 1% reporting transmission failures 2nd generation and 3rd generation that is with 4.7 and 4.6 drivetrain.
Do I prefer having a cooler? Sure do, however in my application , I won't tow more then 5000lb so I am ok with what I am seeing from temps , I will be maintaining the trans every 30k .

There are lot of people towing with their tundras 19 and up and don't even look or care about their temps, If transmissions started to fail in bulk , I am sure Toyota will step up and do something about it.

If you tow north 6000lb , I would add the cooler .

 

I completely agree that 2 out of 2 million is statistically insignificant, but how many Silverado 1500's, F-150's, Ram 1500's, or Titans have reached a million miles?

 

In the end I wouldn’t rely on Toyota for anything past what their obligated by law to perform. First they didn’t even correct widow stickers for two years then Toyota did a reach around and turned warmer into cooler. Congratulations Toyota over 11,000 replies to this 1 month old thread and a TFL video. My SWAG cost for Toyota to install cooler at factory $265 per vehicle. How many vehicles sales they loose to no cooler vs installing only Toyota knows plus transmission replacements due to overheating if they occur.

 

Do we know anyone with a load brake dyno?

 

I read this thread for Hagrid! Full disclosure I put a cooler on my transmission.

 

Hmmmm....

Seems like 240° is an average ATF temperature baseline for these...

So perhaps the question should now be is it better to run over or under 240° and does running under 240° cause any issues?

So far I've read nothing from Toyota for optimum ATF temps. Have they published acceptable ranges so we can decide if our uses exceed the recommended range? That would kinda solve it....

Oh yea! Hi I'm TravH...first post after reading a TON of these posts trying to figure out what if anything to do for my 2019 Tundra!

Trav

 

One thing is "fer shur", in the future no one will be able to poll performance metrics from the on board computer.

 

Interesting question... is cooler always better?

 

There would only be a recall if it's safety related and mandated by law. They don't care if your transmission last 150.000 miles or 1 Million. Best case they might issue a TSB about coming in for a transmission flush and that's about it.

 

Is the Toyota no longer reliable?

 

I once saw but now can't find a posting suggesting Toyota decided much transmission wear comes from running cold which is why the warmer/heat exchanger was implemented. Not sure when that was added to Tundras.... Of course we go through periods of running too cold every time we start up till an acceptable range; hence get it warm with help.

Anyways this indicates some research with their transmissions and ATF temperatures and wear.....

Would it be that hard for Toyota to suggest operating temperatures and offer an ATF cooler for more extreme uses? Highest temperatures I ever recorded with a 4Runner were with an ATF cooler and some semi-intense desert off roading. Stock load on a hot day rose from as I recall "normal" 180° to over 220°... again WITH a high capacity cooler. But low speeds under load are what diminish cooling capacity.... My point being LOTS of us buy Toyotas for OR uses. Lifts etc..... the ability to tailor to our personal needs sort of an 4x4 industry standard.

Thanks,

Trav

 

I'd like to see a test between 2018 vs. 2019 Tundra towing using similar metrics as the TFL test. Maybe it has been done, but my search coming up empty.

 

My BNL has an 18 I have a 19 his truck never runs over 195. Mine would get over 230 on a regular basis. After the cooler install I now average 185. All of these temps are unloaded. Towing my 6000 lb boat I hit 246 up a hill near my house. Here is a video that has proof you are asking. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JekojvXfpVI

 

The 2000-06 1st Gen Tundras did come with Transmission Coolers (an external Radiator) if they came equipped with Tow Package (temps remain in 140-180° range depending with the Tow Package).

Otherwise if not equipped, the trans fluid flows through the Engine Coolant Radiator thus being modulated (heated and cooled through the factory 185° Engine Coolant Range fluid).

 

Yet we panic over a few who had an alarm?

 

I agree. It’s too early to tell. everyone has different priorities. I think having a cooler is not a bad idea as well.

In regards to the forum ‘polls’, do we know how many Tundras are accounted for? I guess the moderators can pull that data.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

I disagree. Toyota would not give up their reliability crown quite so haphazardly.

 

I agree with your statement but I disagree that it would be a "recall".

 

The thing is, who knows. I’ve read some comments from other forums claim they know of 1 million mile X. If true or not. Also, There could be more Tundras with million mile.

To determine, there are two ‘general’ probabilities. The chances or a million miles plus the chances of someone reporting it. This also does not factor in potential million milers due to, for example, like a crash.

Maybe someday (or if is already started) where the odo data is recorded and periodically wirelessly sent to manufacturers, it will be difficult to get accurate data in the time being. And also have to determine the parts are original.

 

I just returned back from an RV trip up from the mountains in NC. Never saw over 221 when I had to drop down to 3rd. When I was in 4th, I was at 197. I'm a 2018, so I do have the factory cooler.

 

Once I decide on a Chevy or Ford, I'll honestly probably be doing that. Except it will be a 3/4 ton or a 1 ton.

 

I can tell you with a 6000lb (approximate weight) Winnebago travel trailer in gently hilly East Texas and in S5 I saw temps hitting 248° while in S4 they held around 218° (ambient temp was 87° F).
This was for around a 100 mile drive headed out on a camp outing.

 

2020 Crewmax SR5
Okay, I need some help. I purchased the Veepeak OBD2 BLE and downloaded OBD Fusion. I fumbled my way through set up and the pid’s. I cannot get anything to read on my phone. I’m on iOS. It says I’m not required to connect via Bluetooth with iOS, also states in directions, it’s not WiFi. So I’m guessing iOS connects to Bluetooth automatically. I did purchase the 2020 upgrade in the app as well. Does anyone now what step I’m missing? Thanks in advance.

 

Make sure you have Bluetooth LE selected. Also the veepeak must be iOS compatible. Does it say you are connected ?

 

Yes, I have that checked as well.

 

If you are connected and you bought the Toyota pids , it should scan for available pids and that takes like 5 min to complete and you should be able to read it

 

I bought the $9.99 2020 Toyota/Lexus pids. There is another above that for $49.99. I don't need that one as well do I?

 

no , the 10$ one is good enough

 

So I went back through settings. The only thing “I think I changed” is Manuel connect to auto connect. I’m getting readings now. The customer pid’s from the trans kit member works as well. Thank you for that info!!!! Also, thanks for everyone’s help. I’m planning on towing a 7300# camper next year. I’d have total faith in my transmission, if I had an external cooler like pre ‘18. I know without a doubt my trans will go past warranty numbers without issue. With that said, I’ll have a cooler before I tow.

 

I’ve observed on my 2020 that using Tow/Haul mode in D it tends to keep it in 5th with T/C locked a lot more aggressively than without. It also seems in general to want to lock up the T/C more. Which I guess helps keep temps down.