I installed an Autometer electronic trans temp gauge with my new transmission, but I've had some problems getting a reading. I think it's a ground issue, but so far nothing I've tried is working. The temperature sender is installed in a brass T-fitting, in the flexible line I ran into the radiator. The T and the hose barbs are not grounded, and are suspended by the rubber hose. The instructions call for running a ground wire if the sender is not threaded directly into the tranny pan. I originally ran the ground to the fuse box area, and had no reading. I then tried to ground the T with the sending unit to the frame by running a wire. Then I ran the ground wire to the T, and grounded the T to the frame. Still nothing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Another issue I'm having is exactly how to ground the T, and the sender. Just to try and get some reading, I stripped a few inches of wire, and wrapped it around the T, with the other end grounded on a bolt. It's just a standard plumbing fitting, but I feel like I'm missing a simple solution here.

I did use teflon tape on the sending unit, but only one wrap. I talked to Autometer tech support, and they said it usually gets cut by the threads, and is not a problem. They also said it sounded like a ground problem.

Any suggestions?

TIA,
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre

Do you have a multimeter? Set it to continuity or resistance and see if you have a link between the sender and the T. That will solve uncertainty if the teflon tape is blocking the ground. Alos you could test continuuity from the T to another part of the T, to see if there is any coating on the brass that is non-conductive.

What are you using at the ground point? An easy way to do it is to just put in a selftapping screw in the frame. A better way to do it is to use a serrated washer that will cut through the paint and or oxidation.

Good call on the multimeter. I have one, but I never think to use it. The ground I ran is to an existing bolt that attaches a wiring support. I took a wire brush to the area to expose metal. There very well could be some coating on the brass fitting.

That should give me some things to eleminate.

Thanks,
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre

You could always solder the wire to the fitting if you were concerned it wasn't getting a good ground at the fitting.

A little late now, but you can install the sender in the pressure test port on the side of the trans. You unscrew a nut and the sender screws right in, mine grounded right to it.

I had the same problem when I installed my gauge. I fixed it by simply running a wire from the T-fitting to a small bolt that was in the frame. I attached the wire to the T-fitting by using an additional screw hose clamp.

T-fitting


HTH

Doh! That would have been the way to go. If my new transmission has one that is.



Good idea about the hose clamp. I'll get a chance to work on it tomorrow.

Thanks for the tips <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre

A little late now, but you can install the sender in the pressure test port on the side of the trans.

Careful with this one. I know with Ford's EDO4's, the test port is a poor choice to pull temps from. Something about the fluid is not in full circulation and the temp reading does not reflect the actual state of the tranny. In the output line to the cooler really is the best place. It should be the hotest fluid available.

Michael

HEY ANDRE MICHAEL IS RIGHT ON THAT ONE , THE TEST PORT WILL NOT GIVE YOU A TRUE READING OF THE FLUID TEMP, IT WILL GIVE YOU MORE OF A CASE TEMP READING THAN ANYTHING , IT SHOULD BE IN THE COOLER LINE, AND THE FITTING SHOULD BE DEEP ENOUGH TO GET THE TIP OF THE PROBE DOWN IN TO THE FLUID FLOW IF POSSIABLE, EVEN A TINY BIT WILL MAKE IT MORE ACCURATE, ALLSO ONCE YOU GET IT WORKING CORRECTLY, WRAP THE COMPLETE BRASS T FITTING WITH WHAT IS CALLED CORK TAPE ,TO INSULATE IT FROM AIR MOVEMENT AROUND THAT AREA ,,CORKTAPE IS THE BLACK STICKY STUFF USED AROUND AUTOMOBILE A.C. LINE CONNECTIONS . JERRY