5.3L (Tahoe) Transmission Temperature

[GREECO]

Does anyone have information on a normal operating range for the transmission temperature for the Vortec 5.3L? I realize that the temperature can vary based on several factors (towing, outside air temperature, ram air flow etc) but I am simply trying to determine a NORMAL operating range. I am not currently using my Tahoe for towing but I do have the heavy duty towing package with the added cooler.

I have read several online posts of owners sharing a transmission temperature that they’ve experienced but that doesn’t really help me. I spoke with 2 different mechanics at my local Chevy dealer that didn’t seem to have an answer to this question. I would have to assume that a temperature range is listed somewhere that would indicate or define normal.

I’ve never owned a vehicle that displayed transmission temperature and now that I do, the number doesn’t really mean anything to me without having something to compare it to.

 

[BigWheelinBubba]

Put a piece of tape over it lol

 

[GREECO]

That's not a bad idea. LOL!

 

[GREECO]

Does anyone pay attention to their transmission temperature during normal city driving (non -towing)? I noticed mine hit 189 F during normal city driving after about 30 min with an outside air temperature of 72 degrees. I’ve been told that normal temperatures for this engine are between 180-200 degrees F. I find it concerning that my transmission got this hot during normal driving. I’ve never seen temperatures this high on the highway and that makes sense due to the higher airflow into the engine aiding the cooling. My main concern is what the temperatures will look like once summer hits and the OAT reaches 90-100 degrees.

Any transmission gurus out there? My Tahoe is brand new (less than 3,000 miles) so I have to assume there is not anything technically wrong with it but I’m still curious as to why the temperatures are getting so high without towing.

 

[GREECO]

Still trying to understand transmission temperatures if there are any transmission experts out there. Today I hit the highest temperature I've seen yet (194 degrees F). I was in heavy stop and go traffic for about an hour and averaging 10 MPH. Not crazy high for such a low speed HOWEVER it was snowing and the outside air temp was 27 degrees.

How much does the OAT affect transmission temperatures at slow speeds? Had I been in the same slow traffic in the middle of the summer would I have cause for concern?

 

[peteyz71]

5.3l trans. temp.

I would say the readings you are seeing are perfectly normal. Consider that the transmission cooler runs through the radiator. The coolant also runs through the radiator. If the coolant coming from the engine is 190-200*, it would stand to reason that the trans temps would be in that range too. It is being cooled/warmed by the coolant adjacent to it in the rest of the radiator.

Just my $.02.

 

[flynn78us]

Mine hit 205 towing through the West VA mountains. If u tow u will just need to do the more stringent fluid and filter changes.

 

[cattleshow]

MY 05 Tahoe 5.3 did not have the tow package so I installed a Hayden Rapid cool #679 transmission cooler.I installed it after the radiator cooler section.
I have towed my travel trailer a (17'Casita, 3500 lbs) thousands of miles in the last year and the temp always stays around 150 degrees.Sometimes going to 180-190 when going through town traffic. But 150 is the norm. I also installed a quality Auto Meter gauge so I feel the temp is corect.

 

[Towin' Tahoe]

I have an '09 Tahoe with the HD towing package. On the grade going south from Ashland, OR the temp hit 221! My mechanic tells me not to worry tilll I hit over 235. Seems that GM is keeping a secret but then with computers measuring so many factors, load, outside temp, speed and altitude, perhaps there is no really good answer until you see smoke or feel the slipping on hill. Sure would like to use the gauge as a warning you are getting close. Anyone comment?