Wiring transmission sensor - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Weasel · 05-17-2012, 08:15 PM

I have a Stewart Warner transmission temp sensor I'm trying to wire. The sensor is in a AN T-fitting that is inline of the rubber transmission lines, ie it's not grounded against anything.

I had the sensor originally wired with a single wire that ran to the gauge but the needle won't move off the lowest setting, just under 140.

So I figured I need a ground wire so I ran a ground but if I attach it to the sensor stud the needle pegs out a the max of 320.

How do I wire this stupid thing? I have been searching google without much luck.

I tired clamping the ground to the side of the sensor with a vise grips and got the fluid up to ~145 and the needle didn't move.

TorqueRanger · 05-18-2012, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weasel

I have a Stewart Warner transmission temp sensor I'm trying to wire. The sensor is in a AN T-fitting that is inline of the rubber transmission lines, ie it's not grounded against anything.

I had the sensor originally wired with a single wire that ran to the gauge but the needle won't move off the lowest setting, just under 140.

So I figured I need a ground wire so I ran a ground but if I attach it to the sensor stud the needle pegs out a the max of 320.

How do I wire this stupid thing? I have been searching google without much luck.

I tired clamping the ground to the side of the sensor with a vise grips and got the fluid up to ~145 and the needle didn't move.

The top post is for the the trans gauge and the the body has to be ground without touching the top post...Try another gauge if you can because you might have burned out the gauge by ground out the sensor wire...

pepe · 05-19-2012, 03:04 PM

Is this it?

You are correct in that the body needs to be grounded. It sounds like your gauge is working. I welded a stud to the "T" on mine and connected the ground there. You could always test it in a can of boiling water, boiling would be 212 deg F.

Treeclimber · 05-19-2012, 03:23 PM

You have a ground problem. This is similar to how both mine are done, with a sender in the rubber hose. The sender screws into a fitting. Take your solder gun, and wrap bare wire around the fitting (not the sender), then solder the wire to the fitting. That becomes your ground strap.

And even though the engine is up to operating temps, the trans will take a significantly longer time to come up to temp, and that's typically under load, not idling in your driveway.

Weasel · 05-23-2012, 10:26 PM

cool, thanks that what I was thinking. And yeah the trans takes along time to warm up sitting in the driveway, lol.

05-17-2012, 08:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
Weasel Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: Jul 2001 Member # 5639 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 6,000	Wiring transmission sensor I have a Stewart Warner transmission temp sensor I'm trying to wire. The sensor is in a AN T-fitting that is inline of the rubber transmission lines, ie it's not grounded against anything. I had the sensor originally wired with a single wire that ran to the gauge but the needle won't move off the lowest setting, just under 140. So I figured I need a ground wire so I ran a ground but if I attach it to the sensor stud the needle pegs out a the max of 320. How do I wire this stupid thing? I have been searching google without much luck. I tired clamping the ground to the side of the sensor with a vise grips and got the fluid up to ~145 and the needle didn't move. __________________ Just Add Lightness I'd rather be simple-and-wrong than complicated-and-wrong.

05-19-2012, 03:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
pepe Rock God Join Date: Mar 2003 Member # 17870 Location: Richmond, Ca Posts: 1,327	Is this it? You are correct in that the body needs to be grounded. It sounds like your gauge is working. I welded a stud to the "T" on mine and connected the ground there. You could always test it in a can of boiling water, boiling would be 212 deg F. Attached Images __________________ Arguing with a inspector is like wrestling with a pig in the mud. After a while you realize the PIG is enjoying himself!

05-19-2012, 03:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
Treeclimber Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Member # 56430 Location: Kitsap County, Washington Posts: 392	You have a ground problem. This is similar to how both mine are done, with a sender in the rubber hose. The sender screws into a fitting. Take your solder gun, and wrap bare wire around the fitting (not the sender), then solder the wire to the fitting. That becomes your ground strap. And even though the engine is up to operating temps, the trans will take a significantly longer time to come up to temp, and that's typically under load, not idling in your driveway. __________________ TTC 1994, TTCC 2012, Trail Tours '05-'10, '12 Member Eldorado Dust Devils, a PNW4WDA member club Last edited by Treeclimber; 05-19-2012 at 03:25 PM.

05-23-2012, 10:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
Weasel Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: Jul 2001 Member # 5639 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 6,000	cool, thanks that what I was thinking. And yeah the trans takes along time to warm up sitting in the driveway, lol. __________________ Just Add Lightness I'd rather be simple-and-wrong than complicated-and-wrong.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode