Temp of ATF?

[CarlIseminger]

It just occured to me tonight after a nice jaunt down the highway.  Drove about an hour at 60MPH.  I decided to do the dipstick test to be sure that my cooliing was doing OK (85 degrees out, no wind).  I could just barely, and I mean just barely hold the dipstick in my hand.  Figured all was good there.  But then seeing the ATF cap, I got to wondering.  I don't remember ever seeing anything about the ATF temp other than the lights.

I placed my hand on the fluid tank and it was quite hot.  Not hot enough to burn me, and I could just barely keep my hand on the tank.

So that brings me to my question.  How hot can the fluid get before it is TOO hot and how to tell the temp?  I have no idea if my temp lights work or not.

Thanks

Carl

[Bookwus]

Hiya Carl,

Getting warm in Minnesota, hmmm?

The lower end ATF temperature switch (in a two switch system) is set to trigger at 125C (about 260F).  Keep in mind that temperature is the upper end.  You could find the temperature of your ATF by aiming a remote infared thermometer down the neck of the ATF reservoir.  Were I doing so I'd expect to see a temperature well below those mentioned above.   

[CarlIseminger]

OK.  I feel better.  If I can hold my hand on the tank without getting burned (similar to the dip stick test), then I figure I must be OK.  Don't have access to an infrared thermometer.  Just never thought of checking the temp fo the ATF.

Sometime when I have the car up on the jack stands, going to get under the car and ground out the plug for the temp sensor.  At least I will know that the wiring works.

Thanks