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Transmission Temp Gage

Yahoo Message Number: 55939
I have a 2005 Inspire with a failed transmission temperature gage.
The gage indicates about 160 degrees with the engine off or on.
With a cold transmission the needle moves very slightly down when the key is turned on but not down all the way to cold as the engine gage does.
I removed the gage and it went up to 200 degrees and fell back to 160 when reinstalled.
I guess that I need a new one and would appreciate any help in where I should look for one.

Bob Cole

2005 Inspire 51394

Re: Transmission Temp Gage

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55941
Bob,

Have you checked the connection coming off the transmission? I had a similar situation several years ago and the wire had come off the connection. It is quite easy to do as the connection is located at the lowest point of the transmission. I just snapped it back on and problem solved.

Its worth a look.

Jock Vargo

2005 Inspire 330
51428

Sunny and cold in Tucson

Re: Transmission Temp Gage

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55942
Are you sure it is not a bad sending unit or wire? Have you grounded the wire at the sending unit and watched the gauge with the switch in run position? All the sending unit does is to ground the voltage, the less ground resistance the higher temp. the gauge will read. Usually the sending unit fails before the dash gauge. It depends on the how the gauge is made if just removing the power will change the reading or not. Some gauges do not default to cold or zero by just removing the power, but takes power to return to cold. Please be sure the correct test procedure is used for your style/type design of gauge. One can also read the voltage at the dash gauge in the testing as well. I would not be at all comfortable it was a dash unit by just removing the power.

Leonard

97 Magna 5418

Re: Transmission Temp Gage

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55946

Bob:

The trans temp gauge hasn't worked correctly since day one in our rig and is a common complaint for early Inspires. Part of the problem is there is more than one transmission temp sensor and CC chose one which, when the gauge registers, gives a misleadingly high value. It has also been proposed that the long wire between the sensor and gauge is another problem so replacing the gauge won't change the fact that you will still be getting inaccurate information.
I wouldn't even attempt to replace the original gauge. Assuming you can find one it will probbly be expensive and you are attempting to fix a useless indicator anyway. Either have a generic transmission temp gauge product installed by a transmission shop or use the VMSpc from Silverleaf - that's what I use. It uses a better sensor for evaluating transmission overheating and is consistent. It also gives a wealth of additonal information and assuming you already own a laptop will almost certainly cost less than a either new gauge (original or universal replacement) and installation.
You will love any of the Silverleaf products. I use the VMSpc plus a GPS road system on a laptop and thoroughly enjoy knowing exactly what is going on with my rig while reducing disagreements with the navigator to near zero. :-)

Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178

Re: Transmission Temp Gage

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55953
Good morning Bob,

I had my transmission temperature gauge, sensor, and associated wiring checked three times, and I'm on my second gauge. It does exactly what yours does.
When the transmission temperature rises above the 160 point, the gauge begins to work normally. I just live with it.
One thing CC did on my last warranty visit was to relocate the temperature sensor. I am now reading the temperature of the fluid coming out of the cooler, instead of going into the cooler. My indicated transmission temperatures were cooler after that switch, even though the behavior of the cooling system did not change.

Jay

05 Inspire 51457