Adding a temperature gauge (allison 3000)

[Dyno Bill]

My 2005 Freightliner M2 has a spot in the dash cluster for a trans temp gauge but no gauge. Is it possible to buy a gauge from freightliner and just plug it in? If not I'm thinking aftermarket and need to know how to install the sender. This transmission is the 3000 with the larger flexible lines running to the cooler.

Any help much appreciated,
Bill

[RJay]

Bill,
Find the input line to the transmission cooler at the transmission and see if there is a plug in that area. As you know the important consideration is that the sensor must be in the flow of oil and where the oil is the hottest.

[allisontec]

I know Allison recommends installing sender in cooler out but I also know this has caused concern with some guage watchers out there. You may get an unexpected rise in temperature while sitting in traffic or climbing hills as this reading is from the hottest oil in transmission(torque converter out)If you want the true sump temperature of the transmission you may want to consider using the cooer return circuit.

[jlb27537]

Bill,

My trans oil temp sender is installed in the return line from the cooler at the cooler. It is what looks like 3/4 npt and is bushed down to 1/2npt where a "T" is installed with the sender here.

My MD3060 has cooler line ports under the rear yoke area. The return line is the one on the right when viewed from the rear of the transmission.

A good point is made in sender placement. I have used a IR temp gun and have found that the output of the cooler is very close to sump temperature. I am a gauge watcher. My transmission oil temp is usually about 15-20 degrees lower than engine coolant temperature.

Jim
'96 Sahara, 300 CAT, MD3060