I just purchased a 2008 Silverado and it tracks transmission temperature. The book states the operating range is 180-200 F. How strict is this range? When idling, my transmission reaches temperatures up to 210 and then if I drive it drops down even into the 170s. Also, when idling, if I turn the AC on the temperature reading will drop into the 190s.
it depends where in the fluid circuit the temp is being measured. Is this a factory function?
I think you're fine if it shows 170s when moving.
Yes it’s a factory function on the truck. It just seems concerning that it’s going over the range in the manual while just idling
which model tranny is it?
Maybe try using a temperature gun to measure the temp of the tranny pan. Different parts of the tranny will have different temps right. The torque converter gets very hot. Especially when you're at a standstill, because all the engine rotation is being dissipated as heat, and if you're not moving then the pump isn't going very fast, AND the cooler isn't getting any airflow.
Of course when you start driving the transmission temperature is going to drop a little because your coolant is getting cooled better. At a standstill, your coolant temperature rises a little due to the lack of airflow through the radiator. Those are normal transmission temperatures. If it's getting hotter than the coolant, then that's a problem.
Okay thanks that makes a lot of sense especially since I peaked at 210 and that’s right around where my coolant temperature sits