Why Your Transmission Temperature Sensor Is Key to Smooth Shifting

Transmission Temperature Sensor: Keeping Your Truck Shifting Smoothly

By Truck Transmission Specialists

Here at Truck Transmission Specialists, we see a lot of transmissions come through our shop. One component we often find causing trouble is the transmission temperature sensor. This little sensor plays a big role in keeping your Ford, Dodge, GMC, or Chevy truck running smoothly. Let's dive into why it's so important.

What It Does

The transmission temperature sensor is constantly measuring the heat of your transmission fluid. It sends this information to the Transmission Control Module (TCM), which is like the brain of your transmission. The TCM uses this data to make sure your truck is shifting gears at the right time and that everything is running at the correct temperature.

What Happens When It Fails

A faulty sensor can cause a whole bunch of problems, including:

• Inaccurate Shifting: You might feel rough or delayed shifts if your TCM isn't getting the right temperature readings. This can put extra wear and tear on your transmission.

• Overheating: If the TCM thinks the fluid is cooler than it actually is, it might not cool the transmission properly, leading to serious damage.

• Check Engine Light: That pesky light might turn on if there's a problem with the sensor, giving you a heads-up that something is wrong.

• Transmission Slipping: When the transmission fluid isn't at the correct viscosity due to inaccurate temperature readings, it can cause slipping, which can be dangerous.

Signs of a Failing Sensor

Keep an eye out for these common symptoms:

• Check Engine Light: This is often the first sign.

• Erratic Shifting: The transmission might shift harshly, hesitate, slip, or lose power when you hit the gas.

• Increased Fuel Consumption: Your truck might burn more gas if the engine has to work harder due to shifting problems.

• Speedometer Malfunctions: If the sensor isn't sending the right signals, your speedometer might act up.

The Brains of the Operation: The Transmission Control Module

We can't forget about the TCM! This important module is responsible for:

• Gear Shifting: It figures out the best gear for you based on how fast your engine and the truck are going and how much gas you're giving it.

• Torque Converter Control: It manages a component called the torque converter to help your truck use fuel more efficiently.

• Transmission Protection: It's always monitoring the temperature, pressure, and how the gears are engaging to prevent damage.

• Other Functions: The TCM also handles things like helping you start on hills and making sure your truck runs smoothly and cleanly.

Truck Transmission Specialists: Your Transmission Experts

At TTS, we specialize in Ford, Dodge, GMC, and Chevy truck transmissions. We don't work on semi-trucks, but we know our trucks like the back of our hands! We offer quick turnarounds on many common models and always rebuild transmissions to exceed the original manufacturer's standards.

If you're having transmission problems or have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us or visit our website. We're here to help keep your truck on the road!

Visit prebuilttrans.com to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment or call +1 385-462-8458 for more info! We're dedicated to keeping your pick-up truck running in tip-top shape!

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified mechanic or transmission specialist for specific recommendations regarding your vehicle.

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