What’s considered too hot? 14 Silverado - So while idling in 87 degree weather in traffic on a mountain pass I noticed my transmission fluid temperature got up 212 degrees ...

vdubcub81 · by **vdubcub81** [OP] » Jun 27 2018, 9:20am

So while idling in 87 degree weather in traffic on a mountain pass I noticed my transmission fluid temperature got up 212 degrees before starting to come down. I wasn’t towing or hauling anything. Trans normally runs around 190 up to 200 sometimes under normal conditions. Cause for concern? I recently had a leak in the engine oil cooler line replaced? Could this impact trans temp? There must be a trans oil cooler line too? Thanx!

A W Warn · by **A W Warn** » Jun 27 2018, 10:58am

I think that temperature could be normal if you were climbing the mountain.
In my 2014 with the max trailering package, I normally see around 185-190F not towing on flat ground.
I've seen 230-235F while towing my 6,000 lb trailer up a 5% grade.

There have been a few threads where this has been discussed, along with "what temperature will trans fluid degrade".
The fluid is designed to go above 250F, so no worries about that.
The main concern I would have is: Has the fluid been changed on the recommended maintenance schedule?

Z15 · by **Z15** » Jun 27 2018, 11:52am

fyi..........

In the February 2011 issue of Trailer Life magazine RV Clinic in response to a reader about the maximum transmission temperature allowed in a 2009 Chevy Silverado, the Tech Team had this response.

“General Motors’ in-house towing team expert provided RV Clinic with this statement: The maximum allowable automatic transmission fluid temperature is dictated by the transmission oil itself. The oil begins to degrade significantly above 270 degrees Fahrenheit, so we design vehicles so that in all but the most extreme conditions, the fluid temperature in the transmission sump stays below 270 degrees F.

We allow for up to 285 degrees F in extreme conditions (i.e. towing a trailer with combination loaded at GCWR in Death Valley). But for customer usage anywhere else in the country, even at GCWR, transmission sump temperature should stay well below 270 degrees F. Above this point, certain internal components, such as seals, begin to disintegrate rather quickly. Although newer synthetic fluids can withstand higher temperatures we still recommend this (270F) as a maximum temperature. "

Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid

vdubcub81 · by **vdubcub81** [OP] » Jun 27 2018, 6:55pm

Most of the posts on this issue are almost a decade old, or don't pertain to my model. I had the trans fluid and filter changed at 60k miles. 90k is what's called for under normal conditions but that seems excessive. I do plenty of city driving. Regardless, I appreciate your insight abd the numbers you gave me make me feel better lol.

CKNSLS · by **CKNSLS** » Jun 27 2018, 8:10pm

Your right about the info. The transmission fluid in the last ten years has only gotten better at higher temps and longer drain intervals.

The posted sighted (by Z15) about it being able to handle 270 degrees (it's higher than that actually) is indeed accurate.

I pulled a 5,000 pound travel trailer cost to cost-hit 50,000 miles and drained the fluid and it still looked good. Of course-the only way to know for is to run a UOA-which I didn't do.

What’s considered too hot? 14 Silverado - So while idling in 87 degree weather in traffic on a mountain pass I noticed my transmission fluid temperature got up 212 degrees ...

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