Engine and Transmission Fluid Temperatures

[I_Fly]

I'll start with an admission. I've never given much thought to the temperature of fluids within the engine or transmission. Yesterday we spent some time at Silver Lake Sand Dunes and had lots of fun. While exploring some of the GOAT Modes and screens I found transmission and engine oil temperatures. Interesting...

My question is about normal temperatures for the engine and transmission. This type of information has not been available on my previous vehicles, so I didn't know what the numbers meant. Out on the dunes in "Sand" GOAT Mode the oil was typically in the 210-224 range. The transmission seemed hotter than expected with temperatures ranging from 210-228. From the display it seems these are on the hot end but not a concern. Again, I had no frame of reference. Any experts agree?

Pushing through the sand definitely puts a strain on the drivetrain. It smelled hot a few times and we stopped periodically to let it cool a bit while we enjoyed the view. I did note cooler engine oil and transmission temps on my way home (at highways speeds). 25-35 degrees cooler. The simple solution is probably to get the oil changed more often than the prescribed Intervale. I'm on that program already. What about the trans. Any reason to do anything after a bit of offroad use like this?

The old saying is true. "Ignorance is bliss." Without the display I would not have thought much of these temps.
A few pictures in for those interested.

Thanks,

Carl

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[Ducati1098]

Both of those are pretty normal when you're really pushing it hard. As long as you stop and let it cool down periodically like you mentioned, it'll be fine.

 

[dgorsett]

Don't worry, be happy. Mine runs in those ranges when in similar conditions. As far as fluid changes: Really your Bronco is running in those ranges a very small percentage of it's life so I wouldn't sweat it. We all change engine oil more frequently than required so I imagine you're good there. As far as transmission, definitely ignorance is bliss there. Since the Bronco doesn't have a conventional dipstick checking is more difficult. I personally don't mess with transmission fluid unless it is showing signs of deterioration, color smell. But there are many here who would recommend frequent changes. Which reminds me I've been going to check it, since all my other fluid levels were low from the factory.

 

[beetle]

When I first got mine I thought the transmission had something wrong since it always seemed to toe into the hot range. Glad you brought it up.

 

[Austin Bronco]

On super hot Texas days with the AC on full blast and going 80 on the highway never seen either get above 220 degrees. Transmission always seems a little higher than oil, but when I go to off road display they both show to be in normal temp range. Cheers and looks fun

 

[Alanp970]

Do you have the 2.3 or 2.7?

 

[I_Fly]

I have the 2.7. I've been happy with it.

 

[Alanp970]

I was curious because I have a 2.3 and my trans temps are 10-20 degrees warmer while off-road than the Bronco I rented that had the 2.7. I think the 2.7 has a significantly larger trans cooler. Mine wouldn’t been really toasty

 

[CarbonSteel]

It could be worse--you could have a Jeep Wrangler which sees 224+ just running down the highway unloaded. Your temperatures are fine and as long as they drop and are not sustained for hours on end, keep on wheeling!

 

[Alanp970]

It could be worse--you could have a Jeep Wrangler which sees 224+ just running down the highway unloaded. Your temperatures are fine and as long as they drop and are not sustained for hours on end, keep on wheeling!

That’s strange, my buddies Wrangler Rubicon and my plain Jane Gladiator on 35’s both rarely got over 200 degrees wheeling hard in Moab in the summer Those things were fantastic at handling heat

 

[tock13]

I was wondering this same thing since I’ve never owned a vehicle I could see either temp displayed I’d degrees.

I have a 2.3 auto with Sasquatch and just running 65 down the freeway the transmission will go into the 205-212 range which never ceases to freak me out. Around town both oil and trans seem to always be high 180s to low 190s. I was wondering if I needed to take it in but maybe not.

Honestly I hate the gauge scale on the trans, it makes it look like it’s getting close to going south at any moment and the needle, err pixel never even sees the left side of the gauge.

 

[CarbonSteel]

That’s strange, my buddies Wrangler Rubicon and my plain Jane Gladiator on 35’s both rarely got over 200 degrees wheeling hard in Moab in the summer Those things were fantastic at handling heat

The small grill area combined with the fan coming on late and adding modifications will ensure that you will easily go over 200F--especially when moving slowly. I saw >224 running down the highway "always". Heat management in a Wrangler is a serious weak point and contributes to blown head gaskets and cracked heads/blocks (3.6L).

 

[Poppavein]

Another advantage of the MT … no temperature gauge!

 

[da_jokker]

Water temp 4 bars..no more no less.

Oil/trans temps range from 195 to 225 depending....and that is towing a trailer on a 100+ degree day.

Running the AC will cool your temps down because of the extra fan.

 

[BroncoDave24]

I read somewhere that the 10 speed was designed to operate at a minimum of 195°. I'm sorry I don't have time to find it and give a link. The thread had to do with checking the fluid level and the minimum temp to check the level was 195°. Old school theory is the cooler it runs the better. Not so these days.

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