Tranny Temp Sensor

I'd like to add a tranny temp gauge to my 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 (5.7L Hemi w/545RFE trans) to monitor temps while towing my travel trailer. I'm leaning toward installing the sensor in the hot-side cooler line. A buddy has an F-250 that had a test port in the tranny where he installed his sender. This would be an alternative I'd be intersted in trying. Anyone know if there's a similar test port on the 545RFE? If so, where is it located? I'd also like to hear other thoughts on the tranny gauge installation. Thanks gang.

Reply to
Travis Wootton
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The cooler line is the best place for it - it's the hottest point, it gets full flow all the time, and it doesn't risk any mechanical interference. The second-best point would be the pan itself - pretty easy to drop the pan and install an 1/8" pipe bushing in the side of the pan - this can also double as a drain plug.

Reply to
Tom Lawrence

Thanks for the info, Tom.

Reply to
Travis Wootton

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I used the gauge in the above thread and it gives a rise in temp. That is all you need to know. It took me a couple of hours to install. Once installed, I drove 15 or 20 miles to get a base reading from the gauge. When towing, if it goes up 50 degrees, I back off. I've been up and down mountains all over the US, Canada & 14 states in Mexico since installing it. On 1 trip there was a couple with the same model truck with a factory gauge installed and towing a similar trailer & we were getting readings very close. I like my $15 Pyrex kitchen gauge for transmission temp reading!!

Tom J

Reply to
Tom J

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is a later thread where others in this group tried and liked the same gauge. This thread gives you the description and model #. Tom J

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Reply to
Tom J

Test ports in the case are possibly the worst place to place a temp sensor, typically there is little or no fluid flow in the chambers where the test ports tap in; the fluid in those chambers is "dead headed".

Reply to
John Kunkel

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