Just picked up my 2011 F150 lariat with off road pkg. It has the 20" wheels with the 3:73 rears, the transmission temperature was running around 190 or so. Is this the normal temp range?

 

I believe that's pretty normal after running for a while.

 

Ok thanks I was just a little worried.

 

Yeah, mine runs between 190-195.

 

Heavy tow probably climb as high as 220 I'm guessing.

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/ch...d-stats-5.html

Specifically posts #67-70-ish and up ...

And also, refer to this one: https://www.f150online.com/forums/4491289-post6.html

I don't care if the fluid is a newer spec - it's NOT that different in capability.

IMHO - these temps are too high fer my tastes ...

MGD

 

MGD - if tranny temps are creeping over 200 would you recommend a switch to AMSOIL or something similar? Is the latest Mercon a "full" synthetic fluid?

Is anyone using AMSOIL or similar in their 6R80 tranny?

 

Hmm... my 2011 F150 4x4 5.0L has the regular "tow package" which comes with the "auxiliary transmission oil cooler" which I guess is the small radiator in front of the big radiator?

The ambient temperatures here are anywhere from 10F to 50F (it's been a warm winter), but the transmission fluid does reach 190F to 195F once it warms up. That's with just highway driving too; not towing anything.

So should I be concerned, change the transmission fluid more often?

 

One of the links above had this to say:
On the 2011's with the LCD screen, there is a display for "Transmission Temperature", but I have no idea where the sensor is located that is measuring the temp.

 

Hi.

While Amsoil is good stuff - this is the formulation to use: Mercon LV - http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/atl.aspx ...

.... or, just stick to OEM MC Mercon LV...

... it's not just the lubricant itself that's at risk - other tranny components start to degrade and eventually fail with consistent over-temp operation - as that article suggests.

And I'll admit that the 6R80 is a different animal than the old 4R70 / 4R75's and are likely designed for the higher temps seen. I wonder if this is due to the tighter packaging of the tranny overall - 2 extra gears in about the same casing volume.

What we need is one of the excellent lube and/or tranny gurus to contribute to this discussion - I'd surely like to know myself.

I guess I'm concerned that the new LV fluid's capabilities does not appear to be 'scaled' to the significant increase in 'normal' operating temps that are being seen.

I could very well be worried for nothing. But - I'd be changing fluid far more frequently than the maintenance schedule suggests. Especially if towing is part of the equation. Just like I do now.

MGD

 

There is a video on the web somewhere. The tv show trucks (I think) put a dodge on a dyno. They get all temps of all fluids. Then whiel on the dyno they drop all fluids put in the RP. Can't recall all the data, but I do recall Tranny ran 20 deg cooler. Not bad at all...

 

wow thats hot. my 05 tranny temp is 140s. Never came close to 200 ever.

 

Every 150,000 miles
(240,000 km)
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
(except 5–speed TorqShift transmission) (filter
not required on 6F35, 6F50, DPS6 and AWF-21
transmissions); consult dealer for requirements.

I imagine it will be quite expensive when the time comes to have it serviced.

Any one know the GVW rating of the oem trans cooler?

 

Hi.

Any mention of a 'severe service' change interval? If so, could you please post it?

150,000 miles just makes me cringe

MGD

 

MGD - I have been "googling" Amsoil and 6R80 and not getting many hits. I am going to start a new thread asking if anyone has made the switch. IIRC there is a guy (2010_FX4) on Bob is the oil guy with a 2010 Fx4 who is swapping all of his fluids for synthetics. I'll have to keep tabs on his progress.

I've been reading BITOG for many years now. I've never used AMSOIL so I have no personal experience/opinion. I don't recall ever seeing a bad fluid analysis from any of the AMSOIL reports. I thought I read somewhere that AMSOIL tranny fluid is stable well beyond 220 degrees. I am very curious as to how the 6R80 shifts with an aftermarket synthetic in it, maybe someone can chime in...

You're right, more than just the tranny fluid is at risk. However the only real defense is using the best lube possible while using logical intervals.

Cheef