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Hi! I measured the temperature of AT fluid using the dipstick hole. I got 200F. Isn't it a bit high for Civic 2001? I have an external filter and radiator from Summit and I expected to get lower temperature.

 
Rep Power: 811

yeah these things run a bit hotter than they should. i also have separate cooler and filter, it seems to help on hotter days. i know alot of shops recommend disconnecting atf flow to the stock radiator, and only using the standalone cooler. otherwise the engine coolant (which happens to run right around 190F) will heat up the trans fluid rather than cooling it. ive just been too lazy to do it.

 
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Thanks Gearbox! Do you know the temperature that transmission should have, say in others makes? I understand that cold transmission in winter is also not good. Right? I would say the optimal solution would be summer and winter regime with valve on fluid line to bypass stock radiator for summer time.

 
Rep Power: 811

actually, transmissions love running cold. well i should say, warmed up but not hot. they do not have to reach a critical temp to be at full efficiency like an engine does. as long as its warm enough for the fluid to flow properly, then no big deal. the auto trans for 01-02 (and maybe 03-05) is junk, has defective parts and actually my trans slips alot when the fluid is too cold (not normal). once it warms up, everythings fine. in summer i hardly notice anything. but i do plan to get it rebuilt in the future with upgraded parts (TCI master racing kit) when i have the money.

the excessive heat could be why the trans fluid breaks down so quickly. i change mine out every year.

 
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Checked transmission temperature using a IR thermometer after running around town, stop-n-go and a bit of freeway, for a couple of hours on a 95F day and it measured in the range of 175-180F on transmission from underneath and on Magnefine ATF filter. The filter is installed between cooler and transmission on a return line. It's very hot to touch and I don't know if that a normal operating temperature. Any thoughts anyone?

Honda-99
2002 Civic EX AT

 
Rep Power: 811

thats a pretty good operating temp. i would start to worry if it creeps up to 190-200.