Transmission Temp question on 2016

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

momofx

Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2011
Posts
36
Reaction score
14
I noticed my trans temp is at 185F - 190F in my 2016 ESV (8 Spd) on a warm day. This is with just two people in the vehicle and also, I have 24 inch wheels. Also I changed the fluid to Amsoil. My old 08 never use to go above 165F even with a trailer! Any concern here?

Just wondering, is there a trans cooler upgrade for these?
 

Rygrego

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 15, 2020
Posts
124
Reaction score
134
Location
Mission Viejo, California
I noticed my trans temp is at 185F - 190F in my 2016 ESV (8 Spd) on a warm day. This is with just two people in the vehicle and also, I have 24 inch wheels. Also I changed the fluid to Amsoil. My old 08 never use to go above 165F even with a trailer! Any concern here?

Just wondering, is there a trans cooler upgrade for these?
I know there is an updated 6 speed trans fluid thermostat that lowers the fluid temp about 45 degrees, not sure with the 8 speed. My 2016 6 speed never gets higher than 165 ( previously was 204+) with the updated fluid thermostat
 
OP
OP
M

momofx

Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2011
Posts
36
Reaction score
14
Well I took a 3 hr trip and drove around in a lot of stop and go traffic while in 90F weather and the highest it got to was 190F...
 

Marky Dissod

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2023
Posts
1,861
Reaction score
2,541
Location
(718)-
I noticed my trans temp is at 185F - 190F in my 2016 ESV (8 Spd) on a warm day.
This is with just two people in the vehicle and also, I have 24 inch wheels. Also I changed the fluid to Amsoil.
My old 08 never use to go above 165F even with a trailer! Any concern here?
Regardless of what 'brand' of Dexron6 in use, so long as Dexron6 stays under 221F, everything's fine.
Over 248F, it's a safe guess that the Dexron6 in the torque converter is hotter than 257F.
Even Dexron6 works better under 239F than it does over 239F.
 
OP
OP
M

momofx

Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2011
Posts
36
Reaction score
14
Forgot to mention, I'm actually using Amsoil Signature Series ATF... Doing the oil thermostat mod this weekend. I plan to use a car trailer occasionally so its probably a good idea.
 

Marky Dissod

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2023
Posts
1,861
Reaction score
2,541
Location
(718)-
Forgot to mention, I'm actually using Amsoil Signature Series ATF ...
Also I changed the fluid to Amsoil.
You mentioned it.
There's nothing particularly special about Amsoil's Dexron6.
Consider adding either
this
or
this
to Dexron6 the next time you change your fluid and filter.
Doing the oil thermostat mod this weekend. I plan to use a car trailer occasionally so it's a good idea.
It's DEFINITELY a good idea. Your transmission will last longer by more than enough to make it worth possibly losing 1-2 MpG.
 
OP
OP
M

momofx

Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2011
Posts
36
Reaction score
14
Omg I completely forget about that product!! Used it many many years ago on old suv...
 

B-train

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2022
Posts
2,237
Reaction score
3,849
I noticed my trans temp is at 185F - 190F in my 2016 ESV (8 Spd) on a warm day. This is with just two people in the vehicle and also, I have 24 inch wheels. Also I changed the fluid to Amsoil. My old 08 never use to go above 165F even with a trailer! Any concern here?

Just wondering, is there a trans cooler upgrade for these?
From what my friend says, who is a master GM tech for 40 years, the torque converters on the 8 speed are quite robust and not prone to temp issues like the 6 speed. And, the new HVLP fluid helps the situation. Just be good about service every 40 to 50k depending on driving/trailering
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,199
Posts
1,863,911
Members
96,725
Latest member
CBB0005
Top