[bogg]

I am not used to the AutoMeter gauge. For the last month it has read 150 very consistant, trailer or not, mountain or flat. Today it pegged 180 in traffic on the way home from work, no trailer.Temp outside was 107 for the first time this year.
Is it possible that the outside temp had that much impact on the trans temp?
Hate to think it is the start of something bad...

 

[ritschner]

180 is not bad, over 210 be concerned, at 240 replace the fluid. Actually in stop and go traffic the converter being unlocked will increase the heat. Cool trans temps can also be harmful by not allowing the moisture that accumulates from condensation to evaporate and vent out of the trans. I would keep an eye on it with those outside temperatures, I'm sure you will find it running fairly consistant.

 

[AK6LPSD]

Yes, ambient air temp will raise your trans temps.

 

[AutoJim]

[ QUOTE ]
I am not used to the AutoMeter gauge. For the last month it has read 150 very consistant, trailer or not, mountain or flat. Today it pegged 180 in traffic on the way home from work, no trailer.Temp outside was 107 for the first time this year.
Is it possible that the outside temp had that much impact on the trans temp?
Hate to think it is the start of something bad...

[/ QUOTE ]

This is problem why, exactly?

Once more, the Ford specs, with four-part harmony and feeling:

Max long-term trans temp: 221F (measured in the sump)
Max short-term trans temp: 248F (measured in the sump)

"Short-term" is what you'd see if you were, say, pulling heavy up a mountain, for 30-45 minutes at a stretch.

If you are below those numbers, everything is working as it should be.