How accurate are stock factory trans temp gauges?

[Flinch]

Got a 2003 Excursion, Eddie Bauer package w 7.3l, and am shopping for gauges. (Ex forum is OK but more traffic/wisdom here)

Will the factory one be OK, so I can spend more on other toys, er, neccesities?

Am looking at obdii type monitors if the trans temp can be relied on, but looks like I will have to add a Pyro.

Thanks
Flinch

[mydirtytruck]

I dont have a stock one on my truck, so i cant say from personal experience, but i think ive read on here they are not accurate at all.

I just installed a set of GlowShift gauges in mine....i really like them so far, and they were just over $200 for the set with the pod.

[ianstew]

not accurate at all.

[NoRalPh]

The Stock gauge is This Bad -> dieselmann's editorial

[ToMang07]

Originally Posted by Flinch

How accurate are stock factory trans temp gauges?

They aren't. They barely pass as an idiot light. Mine reads the same from 80* to 180*.

[Flinch]

About what I figured - now I've got a 'reason' to get more goodies!

Just got back from my DP Tuner test drive - love it!

Had one on my 99 F250 and was stupid enough to sell it last year.

Thanks again

Flinch

[alradco]

I wouldn't rely on it if you want accuracy. I have an aftermarket in mine as well.

[GreenF350]

Just for reference...The gauges DO suck, but the factory trans temp sender works great. I have an OBDII gauge in mine that I added after I already had been running the ISSPRO's for awhile. I had EGT, Boost and Trans Temp and then added the digital gauge. I compared trans temps for a few months and found they read within a degree or two when temps are steady or only changing slightly, but the OBDII gauge is much more responsive and shows the changes faster than the ISSPRO, I think that the aftermarket sender moves slower due to the temperature of the case and the factory temps read the fluid temp better.

Long story short, the factory sender for trans temp has proved accurate. It just warms up and cools off a bit faster than the ISSPRO aftermarket gauge. I don't have a factory trans temp or a boost gauge. The OBDII gauge is less than ideal for boost because it read absolute pressure from the MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor and the OBDII system doesn't read coolant temp even though that factory gauge stinks too. I settled on a combination and run one digital OBDII gauge, along with an analog EGT, Boost and Fuel Pressure gauge.

I don't mean do degrade anyone else's choice, but I would caution you to at least do some research before getting the glow shifts. I have a few stubborn friends that bought them and wish they hadn't. Reliability has been an issue for them.

-Aaron

[Flinch]

Since I'm independtly wealthy (harrr!) and coincidently wife is visiting relatives, decided to get the cts with backup camera and egt probe, and beg forgiveness later.

Appreciate all of the advice!

Regards,
Flinch

[TreySpooner65]

Originally Posted by Flinch

Since I'm independtly wealthy (harrr!) and coincidently wife is visiting relatives, decided to get the cts with backup camera and egt probe, and beg forgiveness later.

Appreciate all of the advice!

Regards,
Flinch

Sometimes its easier to ask for forgiveness after, than permission before.