Looking to add a tranny temp gauge...

PSNissanFleetMgr · 05-10-2008, 07:18 PM

What's my best bet here? Should I get an Auto-Meter and put it in the dash where the 4x4 switch would normally be? Try to modify the factory instrument cluster to have a functional tranny temp gauge? Other ideas?

ablexus · 05-10-2008, 07:35 PM

I'm interested in knowing this also.

Andrew

Darkblueta · 05-11-2008, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSNissanFleetMgr

What's my best bet here? Should I get an Auto-Meter and put it in the dash where the 4x4 switch would normally be? Try to modify the factory instrument cluster to have a functional tranny temp gauge? Other ideas?

I have an autometer phantom gage in the 4x4 switch location. Its not to bad, you can use the 1/8" NPT fitting to put in the transmission. Here's my thread on this......http://www.clubtitan.org/forums/showthread.php?t=45167

PSNissanFleetMgr · 05-11-2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkblueta

I have an autometer phantom gage in the 4x4 switch location. Its not to bad, you can use the 1/8" NPT fitting to put in the transmission. Here's my thread on this......http://www.clubtitan.org/forums/showthread.php?t=45167

Good thread.

I found the Autometer gauge on Summitracing.com.

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Includes the sender, and looks like it might be relatively easy to install with the instructions from CT.

Thanks for the info.

krh2 · 05-11-2008, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkblueta

I have an autometer phantom gage in the 4x4 switch location. Its not to bad, you can use the 1/8" NPT fitting to put in the transmission. Here's my thread on this......http://www.clubtitan.org/forums/showthread.php?t=45167

That is what I did until I put the 3 gauge pod in. Works real well. Both mount and sending location.

Darkblueta · 05-11-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSNissanFleetMgr

Good thread.

I found the Autometer gauge on Summitracing.com.

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Includes the sender, and looks like it might be relatively easy to install with the instructions from CT.

Thanks for the info.

Get the phantom gauge.

LOL

Yes, the autometers come with the sender and its a simple install. No problem on the info, just here to help and learn. Good luck with your install.

PSNissanFleetMgr · 06-03-2008, 10:58 AM

I didnt want to make a new thread and clutter up the forums. Anyway, since I now have my trailer dialed in, and I am going to be buying a Prodigy brake controller, is it absolutely necessary to have a tranny temp gauge? The trailer's dry weight is 3,500 lbs, and max weight (loaded) is 7,000 lbs. I think if I just tow in 4th all the time, I'll be safe. What do the members of the community think? Temp gauge or no?

md2420 · 06-03-2008, 11:06 AM

better to be safe than sorry....if i'm towing most ANYTHING, i'd want to know my tranny temp at all times.

PSNissanFleetMgr · 06-03-2008, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by md2420

better to be safe than sorry....if i'm towing most ANYTHING, i'd want to know my tranny temp at all times.

Thanks. Anyone else?

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 06-03-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSNissanFleetMgr

I didnt want to make a new thread and clutter up the forums. Anyway, since I now have my trailer dialed in, and I am going to be buying a Prodigy brake controller, is it absolutely necessary to have a tranny temp gauge? The trailer's dry weight is 3,500 lbs, and max weight (loaded) is 7,000 lbs. I think if I just tow in 4th all the time, I'll be safe. What do the members of the community think? Temp gauge or no?

With that little weight, you'd be wasting your money IMHO. Even towing what I tow, the guage barely ever moves. Even in "D", it heats up only a tiny bit. Nice?...yes....necessary?...not really. Not with that kind of weight.

PSNissanFleetMgr · 06-03-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HudsonValleyTitan

With that little weight, you'd be wasting your money IMHO. Even towing what I tow, the guage barely ever moves. Even in "D", it heats up only a tiny bit. Nice?...yes....necessary?...not really. Not with that kind of weight.

This is the opinion I was looking for. I don't really want to spend the $48 bucks on the gauge as well as all the wiring and running a sensor, blah blah if I don't NEED it. In the future, however, we may upgrade and get a larger 5'er. At that point, I am sure I will need some kind of tranny gauge and/or a new truck.

Anyone else?

Darkblueta · 06-03-2008, 08:22 PM

I have only towed a short distance so far, but I just like the comfort I know that I can watch the temp incase I have to downshift.

If you tow mostly flat, I'd say you can get away with it, but if you're going up and down hills/mountains, I'd get it for the peace of mind. Its your call. I think 50.00 is very little insurance vs. ?

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 06-03-2008, 08:58 PM

Downshift all day long. That's not what heats up the tranny. It's the slipping while in D which you don't get if you put it in 4th like the manual says. It's an automatic. It shifts just fine on its' own. If you feel more comfortable shifting, go ahead, but you won't see much temperature change, if any, by manually downshifting.

all torque · 06-04-2008, 09:09 AM

Not only do you have to think of the terrain you're driving in, but also the temperature. I see that you're from SoCal and it can get real hot in the desert areas around there.

md2420 · 06-04-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSNissanFleetMgr

This is the opinion I was looking for. I don't really want to spend the $48 bucks on the gauge as well as all the wiring and running a sensor, blah blah if I don't NEED it. In the future, however, we may upgrade and get a larger 5'er. At that point, I am sure I will need some kind of tranny gauge and/or a new truck.

Anyone else?

then why are you even asking?

sounds like you just want someone to make you feel all "warm and fuzzy" about what you really want to do (which is NOT to get the gauge). Like the darkblueta said....$50 is cheap insurance.

Also, HVT already has the gauge, so it's easy for him to say that you don't need it cuz his never moves....i think his story would be different if the shoe were on the other foot.