Transmission temp questions

[MASTERBrian]

I have a 2012 Yukon xl Denali with 88,000 miles. Normal driving it seems the transmission runs in the 130's most of the time, for fun let's say 120-150 range.

When I look online normal transmission temps seem to say 175-195 is normal. Things also seem to say cooler is better and my temps seem to be about par for course. Not worried there and this obviously had a trans cooler with the Denali package. Online reading seems to say over 220 varnish starts forming.

This past weekend we made a trip to Colorado and drove past way up Pikes Peak. It was only open 13 of the 18? miles, which if familiar is at the brake checkpoint when coming down. On the way up I decided to check trans temp and saw it was at 195 and climbing as we got to about mile 9. Around mile 10/11, it was into 205/210 range, so I'd pull over let the numbers drop a bit then continue. Of course the higher I got, the more it climbed and thus I'd pull over a few minutes to let it cool some then continue. Highest reading I got was about 217/218 and that wasn't for long.

Once we got to the 13 mile section we went into the gift shop area for 15 min or so before going back down as the upper part was closed due to storm moving in. On the downhill I ran in 1st most of the time with the occasional shift into 2nd for the flatter and longer stretches. Temps came down fast the lower I got, but I thought odd it would drop faster in 1st, raise up a bit in 2nd. In 1st I'd run about 2-3000rpms, in 2nd about 1500-2000rpms. Problem is on steep parts in 2nd required lots of braking, so 1st was the place to be.

I guess my question is, is that normal for the trans to get that hot doing a drive like that? I do realize steep climbs, with lots of switch backs isn't easy on anything and Pikes is a 14er, but I was shocked the trans got that much hotter than normal that soon....I question if I could have kept her cool going to the summit, without stopping for long periods several times to cool her down. I've made that drive many times over the years and never recall an issue in my other suburbans. I think I took our 92 2 wheel drive and our 99 k1500 up that we had and I know I've driven our 2003 2 wheel drive up several times.... of course no trans gauge on them so maybe unaware of temps they reached. Hmmm!! I'd think this 2012 would be the most competent.

The other part I found interesting was that the transmission cooled faster in 1st gear going down than 2nd, in which temp would jump about 5 degrees when I'd shift to 2nd. Was it pumping the fluid through the colder faster in the lower gear? I'd think it would work harder in the lower gear!? Going up I just left in D, should I have chosen a lower gear for the climb as well? I did test trailer/haul mode some, but that didn't seem to affect anything.

Just looking for some insight on this.....

[MASTERBrian]

To add to this...

I have been doing some light reading on the subject. It does seem that the pump, pumps at speed of engine, so if higher rpms of 1st gear, it would go with my thought of pumping fluid faster through cooler, which accounts for lower temps.

I honestly don't recall if I downshifted any going up, but maybe I should have. I was trying various things the last 2 miles, when temps hit the 200 mark, to see what worked. Anything much above 205-210, was only the last few minutes to get to the turn around point, so not worried about damage and like I said I was sure to stay below 220.

I'll admit I don't do lots of steep driving. I've towed boats and other trailers through hills and lower elevation mountains and im fully aware to downshift if vehicle is constantly shifting, but on this drive it wasn't doing that. That said, if it's correct that the pump spins faster with higher rpms, then it'd make sense that downshifting to get rpms up would be the way to go. The question here is what gear would you choose? ..... or would you just keep the rpms up, while maintaining the speed wanted, to keep the fluid moving faster?

It's also been several years since I drove to the peak, in my other suburbans, and it's very possible as I've gone higher I had shifted to lower gear to make the climb, thus avoiding overheating transmission without thinking about it. Again, no gauge on those. I'd say to mile 10, 35mph+ isn't out of question at times.... it really depends on traffic and taking on the views.

[Palf70Step]

I don't think I have ever seen or had a vehicle with a tranny temp gauge, so I am not sure of what mine ran at. Didn't know the trucks came with one.

[MASTERBrian]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I don't think I have ever seen or had a vehicle with a tranny temp gauge, so I am not sure of what mine ran at. Didn't know the trucks came with one.

My understanding is the Escalade and Denali trim levels have them. I still have the 03 burb and had an overheat issue, tech thinks just sensor failed, and my understanding is if I can find one from those trim levels they're just plug and play. Of course to get mileage matched it'll need programmed.

I love having it on my 12 Denali for the very reason stated above and I also know the GM transmissions are a week point.

[Palf70Step]

Sounds like it need to be put into the tow/heavy mode when climbing like that.