The 1999 Suburban is indeed OBD2 compliant. This means you can use an OBD2 scanner to monitor various vehicle parameters, including transmission temperature. This article discusses monitoring transmission temperature in a ’99 Suburban using a Bluetooth OBD2 sensor and the Torque Pro app, and analyzes the temperature readings obtained while towing a small camper.
Monitoring Transmission Temperature with Torque Pro
A ’99 Suburban owner used Torque Pro with a Bluetooth OBD2 sensor to monitor transmission temperatures while towing a small camper for approximately 600 miles. The data revealed an average highway temperature of around 150°F on the first day (ambient temperature 75°F) and 172°F on the last day (ambient temperature 94°F). These temperatures seem reasonable considering the towing conditions and the higher ambient temperature on the second day.
Temporary temperature spikes up to 185°F were observed during traffic congestion and stop-and-go driving on city roads. These spikes are expected due to increased load and reduced airflow to the transmission cooler. Towing was performed in 4th gear with the torque converter locked, confirmed through the same Torque Pro app. The owner had also previously upgraded the rear gearing to 4.10, improving towing performance in 4th gear.
Analyzing the Transmission Temperatures
The observed transmission temperatures generally fall within acceptable ranges for towing. While there isn’t a universally defined “normal” transmission temperature, exceeding 200°F consistently is generally considered a cause for concern. Factors like ambient temperature, load, driving conditions, and transmission cooler efficiency all play a role in determining acceptable temperature ranges.
The owner’s proactive approach of monitoring transmission temperature provides valuable insights into the health and performance of the transmission. Early detection of abnormal temperature trends allows for timely intervention and potentially prevents costly repairs.
Maintaining Transmission Health in a ’99 Suburban
The ’99 Suburban in question has approximately 210,000 miles and potentially the original transmission. The owner has performed some preventative maintenance, including installing a pan with a drain plug, replacing the filter, and performing two fluid changes with Max-Life Dex 6 fluid. The old fluid being dark red suggests it was due for a change.
Regular fluid and filter changes are crucial for extending the life of any transmission. Monitoring transmission temperature, as done by the owner with the OBD2 scanner and Torque Pro, allows for a more informed approach to maintenance and proactive identification of potential issues. The data collected suggests the transmission is performing as expected under the given conditions. However, continued monitoring is recommended, especially during towing or heavy use.
