Autometer 2640 2 1/16 Trans temp wiring

[FORD*DIEHARD]

Getting ready to install some gauges just want to confirm I understand this before I do it.

Photos attached:
The back of the gauge has (03) spades- "S","I", "GRND". Do I have these labled correct? Is the "I" go to ignition/accessory so the gauge turns on when you turn the truck on?

The plug on the transmission, is this the correct location to put the adapters supplied?

Does the wire go from the "S" spade to the adapter on the transmission for the reading? The only parts supplied with the gauge was a "short " wire (no way it would reach from the cab to transmission of an vehicle unless it was a hotwheel) and the adapter for the transmission.

The wires for the lightbulb one is ground and the other connects to light switch?

Am I close to pretending like I know what I'm doing?

Thank you in advance for your time/help,

Sonny

 

[DirtDonk]

Seems like you're on target.
I take it that the gauge did not come with instructions? Have you checked out Autometer's website for instructions?

While the "S" could mean "switch' it more likely is for the sender, as you suggested.
Leaving the "I" for ignition. Again, as you guessed. On a Bronco with a factory original harness, any convenient Black w/green stripe wire would get the job done.

Ground is ground, so that's the easy one. You can also connect the lamp ground directly to that gauge ground. I'm not familiar enough with different gauges to know, but the grounds were usually just for the lights anyway, since not all gauges need a ground to work. I'm sure some do however, and apparently this is such a beast
But it would still be good to see instructions...

The lamp positive wire can go to the light switch, or to the fuse in the fuse panel (smallest one) or just to a convenient Blue w/red stripe wire under the dash.
The lamp ground could go right there to the gauge ground.

That fitting on the side of the transmission does NOT look like a convenient fitting. It looks suspiciously like some kind of adjustment.
But it could just as easily be a port for a sending unit, so check with a trans expert, or wait for one of them to show up here.
Lots of trans temp sending units are mounted in the oil pan.
I don't supposed yours has a fitting for one by any chance, does it?

Paul

 

[bmc69]

Yes, "S" is always the sender connection. Do NOT touch the band adjustment you've circled!

I've installed many trans temp senders. Some I installed by adding a bung in the oil pan, and others by installing a "pipe T" in the transmission oil line to the radiator/cooler.

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

Sorry, I thought I had attached this photo. Nothing specified "Transmission Temp" so I just wanted to confirm the wiring.

So there is no place in the stock transmission to place the sensor? Just asking, (bmc69) how do you put a bung hole in the oil pan and if it's in the oil pan how does it get the temp of the transmission fluid?

If anyone has pictures. One more thing (for now) what gauge wire should I run from he gauge to the sensor?

Thank you in advance for your time/help,

Sonny

 

[Broncobowsher]

Correct, not stock place for the temp sensor.
You could put it in a cooler line, which will lead to odd and confusing readings. The cooler lines will be at either of the extremes. Either the hottest oil possible just as it leaves the convertor, the the coolest oil possible as it leaves the cooler.

The temperature that really matters is what is going through the clutches, bands, seals. That temp is pan temperature.

 

[DirtDonk]

And as far as wire size goes, because the signal for a gauge is passing very little current, I would certainly use no larger than 14 gauge. You could probably get away with as little as 20 gauge, but something like 16 gauge would be optimal most likely.

 

[Broncobowsher]

14 gauge is good for something like 15+ amps. That meter draws less than an amp. 18 guage would still be considered oversized.

The DIY auto wiring is to upsize the wire a gauge, then the next advise is to upsize again, and just to be safe, upsize the wire some more. All while referencing wiring charts that started with upsized wiring in the first place.