Transmission Heater Pad and Function in Cold Weather
Question:
I own a 2006 GMC Yukon Denali 6.0L AWD 4L65E i put a trans cooler on my transmission because i have built my transmission for torque and included a smaller 10 in torque converter, but since my move to the frigid land of wyoming i have trouble with my clutch bands freezing below 20 degrees and is difficult to get driveability response from transmission until the transmission heats up after 20 mins and all is fine, overall my big question is how warm does this dc powered pad get, and would there by chance be a slightly larger dc pad? Can i wire this to a switch, and how many volts does it consume over the course of 4-6 hours? How fast does this pad reach peak temperature? Is there a wiring kit or adapter that would pair nicely with this product or is there on you would suggest, if so what power requirements would be recommended for a toggle switch?
asked by: Beau H
Expert Reply:
Kat's says their Silicone pads like # KH23075 will get hot enough they warn that they can burn a person or melt an item that cannot withstand that heat. They however do not give a temperature for that 75 watt model. That is the only 12V option the rest run on 120V and there is one that is larger at 5-1/2 inches by 8-1/2 inches that is 500 watts and claimed to run between 300 and 400 degrees.
Unfortunately the questions you are asking about timing, temperature, and consumption can't be answered by the manufacturer. If using a toggle switch, I recommend using the Universal-Design Rocker Switch - SPST - On-Off - 12 Volt - 20 Amp - 3-Blade - Red Pilot Light # PK34360, 10 gauge wire # 10-1-1, and circuit breaker # 9506P.
Because you are seeking a thermostatically controlled option, I believe the best option is the Kat's Heaters Handi-Heat Magnetic Heater w/ Thermostat - 120V - 3-5/8" x 2-1/4" - CSA # KH1155. This is a 120V so you would need a power inverter for the 12V battery, however the heat output of 300-400 degrees is tested. It pulls up to 200 watts, and automatically shuts off when what it is connected to reaches 275 degrees. You simply can place it on your transmission pan and remove it when not in use.
Products Referenced in This Question
In-Line Circuit Breaker - 20 Amp - Perpendicular Mount Bracket
- Accessories and Parts
- Wiring
- Circuit Breaker
- 20 Amp
- Pollak
more information >
Kat's Heaters Handi-Heat Magnetic Heater w/ Thermostat - 120V - 3-5/8" x 2-1/4" - CSA
- Oil Pan Heater
- Magnetic Heater
- 120 Volts
- 200 Watts
- 3-5/8L x 2-1/4W Inch
- CSA Approved
- Kats Heaters
more information >
Universal-Design Rocker Switch - SPST - On-Off - 12 Volt - 20 Amp - 3-Blade - Red Pilot Light
- Accessories and Parts
- Wiring
- Switches
- Rocker Switches
- 20 Amp
- Pollak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kat's Heaters Oil or Transmission Pan Heating Pad - 5" x 5" - 12V - 75 Watts
- Oil Pan Heater
- Heating Pad
- 12 Volts
- 75 Watts
- 5L x 5W Inch
- Kats Heaters
more information >
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