The idea that what you don't know can't hurt you is flat wrong, especially when it comes to automatic transmissions. Just because you don't know that it's running hot doesn't mean that it won't eventually fail and leave you stranded.
The only way to correctly monitor your transmission's fluid temperature is with a gauge. Nordskog Performance Products offers both analog and digital transmission temperature gauges that can do this for you. While both use sophisticated microprocessor technology to ensure accuracy, we chose Nordskog's Street Series LED Digital Gauge for its easy-to-read design and standard recall button that instantly allows a resettable display of highest recorded temperature. We chose the standard red display, but Nordskog also offers them in blue, green and amber.
Where to mount the gauge was the next challenge, so we contacted the folks at ProPod to discuss our options. They recommended their Full Pillar Gauge Pod, which conveniently mounts over the stock A-pillar cover and positions the gauge at eye level. The ProPod Gauge Pods are designed to cover the entire pillar, and are constructed of paintable U/V-resistant ABS plastic. Since we planned on adding other gauges to our project vehicle at a later date, they recommended we use the company's Triple Pod.
We 'wheeled our F-150 over to Attitude Performance, where owner Matt Dinelli completed the install of the system while we snapped photos. Everything installed flawlessly, and in less than two hours we were happily monitoring our transmission's fluid temperature.
1. On the left you can see the Nordskog digital gauge and sending unit, while on the right you can see the ProPod Triple Pod A-pillar mount. Both items come with complete detailed installation instructions. | 
2. The first step is to locate a suitable mounting location for the Nordskog sending unit. We screwed ours into a hole used to test line pressure. This location gives us a temperature reading of the fluid as it comes out of the transmission pump and before it is sent to the cooler. | 
3. The Nordskog Street Series transmission temperature gauge is 21/16 inches in diameter, and snapped perfectly into the ProPods Triple Pod. |
4. Follow the detailed wiring diagram provided with the gauge. Connect the wires to the back of the gauge and route them to their respective locations. When connected correctly, the gauge will power up when you turn on your vehicle and dim when you turn on your headlamps for nighttime driving. | 
5. Place the ProPod Full Pillar in mounting position over the A-pillar trim piece. Drill four 5/32-inch holes near each of the four corners of the Full Pillar on the flat surface area. ProPods supplies plastic, nail-like retainers to fasten the Full Pillar to the factory A-pillar trim. We chose to use standard screws because we will be removing and installing the Full Pillar to add gauges later. | |