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Auto Trans Temp Gauge install using IPT block / NAPA parts

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HighPsi92GST

20+ Year Contributor
2,445
20
Mar 12, 2003
Barto, Pennsylvania
I bought the trans temp gauge block from IPT, I read the best place to install it is in the return line. The car is a 95tsi, it has an external cooler over in the driver side near the wheel well, as well as the one in the radiator. Question is, basically, which is the return line? Does the oil from the trans go through the radiator cooler or the external cooler first? This is my first automatic car so not too familiar with the lines for it.

Thanks in advance
 
I would imagine it would go like this Trans>radiator cooler>external cooler>back to trans.
 
The return line is the line that comes out of the tranny that is closest to the firewall. just cut the line and install your block there.
 
is this install for an electric or mechanical gauge? how do u connect your electrical sender to the flex hose?
 
Couldn't find any posts about it so here's one for those looking for a quick and effective way to read your trans temps. The fitting nearest the firewall on the transmission is the return line, most trans shops recommend tapping into this hose.

Napa has the fittings you need, here is a run down...

1) 1/8 Pipe Female to 1/4 Pipe Male, Sensor goes in this fitting and is raised enough to not block fluid flow.
NAPA Online PartsPRO SE

1) 1/4 Pipe Brass Block Tee
NAPA Online PartsPRO SE

2) 3/8th Tube Fittings
NAPA Online PartsPRO SE

Teflon Tape

Autometer Tranmission Temp Sensor

Remember to ground the brass tee, I tightened a hose clamp around the tee and smashed the exposed end of a wire in it while securing the ring end to a ground screw on the fender.

Hope this saves hours off your life. :rocks:
 
Teflon Tape is appropriate on all Plumbing and Tapered threads, like those found on the Napa parts mentioned above. While Pipe Dope is great, it's a bi*** to loosen where Teflon Tape aids in compression making for a tighter seal.
 
^^^Correct, the out line from the trans is the best choice to tap.....
 
I would think that common ideas and opinions can change over 6 years :D
 
You might think but with something like heat exchangers (which have been around for ever) there must be a theory behind placing the gauge after the cooler (the coolant temp gauge is also placed after the raditor in our cars.)
Take a look here and Im sure IPT knows what they are talking about.
Heres my thought.
If you put the sensor before the cooler, you will know immediatly when the transmission is overheating, however you will not know where to look. You wont know if the reason is because the cooler is bad, or the transmission has issues.
By putting the sensor after the cooler, you will not neccesarily know if the transmission is overheating because the cooler could cover it up. However when there is an issue, you can have an idea that the cooler may be the problem.
Still interested :/
 
Just to follow up. By putting the sensor after the oil cooler you can tell the temperature of the oil coming out of your cooler. While driving you can see what cooler drops your temperature down to and while sitting at a stop light, you can see what the temperature of your transmission is. (Because there is no air flow through your cooler) You can instantly see the temperature rise when sitting at a stop light. Pretty nifty.
 
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