Oil Temp Gauge + Sensor

[kocho]

How can I get a transmission oil temperature gauge and sensor in my '00 Camry LE 4 cyl automatic?

I imagine there would be generic temp sensors and gauges for sale that I could use. Has anyone done this and can suggest part #s and installation location?

Thanks!

[racerhex]

As for installation use the oil pan tap that bad boy right in!!!

[kocho]

Originally posted by racerhex
As for installation use the oil pan tap that bad boy right in!!!

Engine oil pan? Or tranny pan? Any ideas about sensor and gauge part #s and retailers?

[asantoro]

A) Locate the supply line to the transmission oil cooler located in the radiator. I picked the supply line as it seems to be the location of the highest oil temperature. I have a 2000 sleV6 Solara and this line attaches to the radiator at the connection closest to the bottom radiator hose. After driving the car for awhile, this line will be the hotter one to the touch.

B) Cut this line and splice in this brass "T" configuration:
(1) Brass "T": 3/8 Female x 3/8 Female x 1/8" Female NPT pipe threads
(2) 3/8" NPT Male x 3/8" Barb (Used to splice into oil line)
(1) Oil Temperature Sensor (I used autometer gauges)
Has 1/8" NPT Male pipe thread (Most common size)
NOTE: Apply teflon tape to threads when assembling.

C) Connect top of sensor to oil temperature gauge and using a small clamp attached to bottom of the sensor, ground to engine or chassis and connect to gauge.


MY Current Setup:
Autometer Pro-Comp Ultralight electric gagues:
Engine Oil Pressure
Engine Oil Temp
Transmission Oil Temp
Voltmeter

[kocho]

Thanks - that's what I was looking for!

I'll check my local AutoZone or PepBoys for the parts. Might as well install a tranny cooler at the same time if I can't get access to the area without removing too many parts...

Originally posted by asantoro
A) Locate the supply line to the transmission oil cooler located in the radiator. I picked the supply line as it seems to be the location of the highest oil temperature. I have a 2000 sleV6 Solara and this line attaches to the radiator at the connection closest to the bottom radiator hose. After driving the car for awhile, this line will be the hotter one to the touch.

B) Cut this line and splice in this brass "T" configuration:
(1) Brass "T": 3/8 Female x 3/8 Female x 1/8" Female NPT pipe threads
(2) 3/8" NPT Male x 3/8" Barb (Used to splice into oil line)
(1) Oil Temperature Sensor (I used autometer gauges)
Has 1/8" NPT Male pipe thread (Most common size)
NOTE: Apply teflon tape to threads when assembling.

C) Connect top of sensor to oil temperature gauge and using a small clamp attached to bottom of the sensor, ground to engine or chassis and connect to gauge.


MY Current Setup:
Autometer Pro-Comp Ultralight electric gagues:
Engine Oil Pressure
Engine Oil Temp
Transmission Oil Temp
Voltmeter

[Clint]

You will receive a more accurate indication of oil temp if you place the sensor in the oil flow, not off to the side. For that reason I suggest the oil pan. this will require dropping the pan to fit a fitting to it though.

[asantoro]

The transmission pan is after the OEM oil cooler, hence I feel that the temperatures there will not reflect the hottest temps encountered by the transmission, which should be just before the cooler. I also am concerned about the sensor hanging so low under the car and the fact that the pan also dissipates heat, acting as a cooler.

I installed my engine oil temp+pressure sensors in a sandwich plate that installs between the oil filter and engine block.
I purchased a sandwich plate that was designed for a remote filter application for $22 and drilled it out with enough holes so that it matched the area of the flow tube of 3/4" dia. (10x1/4" holes). It is easily accessable and can be removed with a minimum of effort.

[asantoro]

Correction:
The sandwich plate I modified was originally used for an oil cooler application. It has supply and return ports.