Next I went back to my default towing mode with the transmission set to 4th as the highest gear ratio used. The transmission temperature in this auto mode was regularly in the range of high 90 to over 100 deg C with the ambient temperature in the mid to high 20s. It did drive a little differently (shifted gears a lot more as it moved between the 5th & 6th overdrive gears to 4th gear or lower depending on the terrain). After watching your video, on the next camping trip to western Queensland I put the Prado into ‘D’ to see what, if any, difference it made. Normally when towing I'd set the transmission into the 1:1 ratio 4th gear & tow in that mode. Some time ago you published a video that recommended using auto setting to tow & not to use the transmission as a "manual". I've been particularly interested in the readout of the transmission temperature. Connected to the OBD2 port in the Prado is a ScanGauge2 that allows me to see the readings from many of the sensors on the car. I drive a 2.8-litre Prado with auto transmission and I occasionally tow a camper trailer weighing 1.6 tonnes. I'd like to get some facts from you about what are harmful temperatures of the oil in automatic transmissions. I really enjoy your videos as they give us non experts factual information that's difficult to get from other sources that are often less reliable. Routine transmission servicing is dirt cheap, in comparison with a complete overhaul or replacement in the event os a catastrophic failure at the roadside. If the vehicle is subjected to severe operating conditions (heavy towing, etc.) change that to every 30,000km (especially if the fluid gets over 100 degrees C). In the absence of a manufacturer-specified servicing frequency, I recommend something in the ballpark of 60,000km or three years for a transmission service with fluid change. Procedures might include turning overdrive off, or driving at a reduced maximum speed. (Such as towing a big caravan or boat at highway speeds in summer, etc.) This will tell you definitively whether your transmission is overheating or not.įollow the manufacturer’s instructions about heavy towing (owner’s manual).
#SEALED TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE BLUETOOTH#
Get a decent Bluetooth OBDII dongle and measure your transmission operating temperature, if you subject your vehicle to severe operation. At 110, 40,000, etc.Ībove 110 degrees C - all bets are off, basically. (Hypothetically, ATF at 80 degrees C might last as long as 160,000km.) So, at 95 degrees, life drops to 80,000km. Heat kills transmissions by destroying the fundamental protective properties of auto transmission fluid (the ability to maintain a tough, thin film separating the precision metal parts).įor every 15 degrees C operating temperature above 80 degrees C, operating life of the fluid is halved.