Transmission cooler lines, output and return?

[dmjarosz]

Im installing a trans temp gauge sending unit today and will be splicing into the output cooler line that sends fluid from the transmission to the cooler.

My question is what cooler line is out from transmission and what line is return to the transmission? (when looking at the fittings on the transmission)

Ive searched on here and found only one thread that states the bottom line is fluid leaving the transmission but Im just looking for a quick confirmation. Id hate to splice into the return line and be monitoring cold fluid all the time.

Thanks!

[jwibbity]

not to ruin your plans but I think most guys here with trans temp gauges put it in the pan, thats where Mo's put mine, somebody else will post up with the reason,

[JBeezy]

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[dmjarosz]

Yeah someone mentioned putting it in the pan a while back. Someone also mentioned some test port on the side of the transmission that you could remove the plug from and install the sending unit.

The downfall to these methods is they dont give the most accurate readings. The pan temperature is slightly cooler since its exposed to air and the test port I guess has stagnant fluid so it can read artificiall high or low.

I want to know the fluid temp at its hottest point which is when it leaves the transmission and goes to the cooler. I think this is when the fluid is at its hottest?

Of course all of this is assumig the tranmission cooler is sazed correctly.

[ctrlraven]

I pick up mine off my ScanGauge II unit, have to add the Xcode in but shows Trans Fluid Temp from what the car computer reads. Nice that it gives an exact number, not a needle pointing to a number range.

[Marauderjack]

I pick up mine off my ScanGauge II unit, have to add the Xcode in but shows Trans Fluid Temp from what the car computer reads. Nice that it gives an exact number, not a needle pointing to a number range.

^^^+1^^^

[dmjarosz]

I pick up mine off my ScanGauge II unit, have to add the Xcode in but shows Trans Fluid Temp from what the car computer reads. Nice that it gives an exact number, not a needle pointing to a number range.

Where is the temp sensor located that the computer uses?

I prefer gauges because I can just take a quick glance at it while driving and observe needle position. I dont have to focus for a second to read a number. But to each his own.

[RF Overlord]

I want to know the fluid temp at its hottest point which is when it leaves the transmission and goes to the cooler. I think this is when the fluid is at its hottest?

You are correct, sir. Fluid in the pan goes to the torque converter before going to the cooler, so the output line from the transmission to the cooler has the hottest fluid. This is where Lidio put my gauge.

Where is the temp sensor located that the computer uses?

It's part of the "lead frame", which is Ford's fancy word for wiring harness inside the transmission. It's basically just a thermistor that feeds voltage to the PCM.

[dmjarosz]

Now back to my original question. Does anyone know what lines are what? Diagrams?

[whitey]

The lines going to the stock coolers are this. The line closest to the outside of the car is the 'out' line. The line towards the center, or inside of the car is the 'in'. Easiest way i have found to remember it.

[fastblackmerc]

The other way to tell is one line will be hotter than the other after running for a few minutes.

I connected my cooler in series with the stock cooler. Fluid goes through the stock cooler, then the aftermarket cooler, then back to the tranny.

[88grandmarq]

Top cooler fitting in the case is the cooler return line, Bottom fitting in the case is the HOT line to the cooler. Just follow the metal pipe.

[babbage]

100% sure way is to cut or disconnect both trans lines. Start car, look for the one line gushing - this is the output line.

Many people have gotten this wrong, including transmission shops..

[88grandmarq]

100% sure way is to cut or disconnect both trans lines. Start car, look for the one line gushing - this is the output line.

Many people have gotten this wrong, including transmission shops..

no need to cut lines... see my post above