Winterization

BackCountryAK · Jul 16, 2017

Need to winterize my new truck for this coming winter. Besides the usual 60/40 coolant, oil pan and battery pad heater, what are folks using for the transmission pan heater? Typically I'd use a 75W pad heater, but am leary of potentially melting the pan since it's plastic/composite and not metal. Anyone know if that's okay or should I use a lower wattage pad like 25W?

CrispyBacon · Jul 16, 2017

Honestly, go with the smaller one. The transmission fluid does hit about 100 Celsius, but all you need to do is get the chill out. It will warm up quickly on its own.

Do you not have an actual block heater?

BackCountryAK · Jul 16, 2017

CrispyBacon said:
Honestly, go with the smaller one. The transmission fluid does hit about 100 Celsius, but all you need to do is get the chill out. It will warm up quickly on its own.

Do you not have an actual block heater?

Yeah, the truck did come with the block heater installed. As for the trans, I'm just thinking about those super cold days when it's -30 or colder. Every lit bit of love helps lol.

dRAMbuie · Jul 17, 2017

I honestly don't know why you'd need a transmission heater on a Ram.
I guess it couldn't hurt, but seems unnecessary.

I know that Alaska gets pretty cold, but I've never had anything other than a block heater, and my truck has seen many a -40 day.
I've never even used a battery warmer, though I do think it's a good idea since it will help to extend your battery's life.

BackCountryAK · Jul 17, 2017

Does anyone know the spec on when the trans fluid can gel? Found a safety sheet on line about the ZF Lifeguard 8 stating that it has a melting point of -51C/-60F (ISO 3016). Guess than means when it starts to thaw from being frozen. With than in mind then, the trans fluid should still flow as it approaches those temps. Also, the mounted heat exchanger on the trans should really help warm up the fluid on those cold days.
I'm leaning towards not installing a heating pad.

dan1911 · Jul 18, 2017

2013 Ram 1500 5.7

I'm up in Fairbanks and do not have a transmission heater. Block heater, coolant swap, oil pan, and battery. Don't really need anything else. My truck sits outside covered and sometimes not covered, never once had an issue starting or the slightest hesitation even at -45. I've had to start up, idle for 5, and tow once last winter at -20 and didn't notice any trouble engine or transmission wise

Sent via telepathy

BackCountryAK · Jul 18, 2017

dan1911 said:
2013 Ram 1500 5.7

I'm up in Fairbanks and do not have a transmission heater. Block heater, coolant swap, oil pan, and battery. Don't really need anything else. My truck sits outside covered and sometimes not covered, never once had an issue starting or the slightest hesitation even at -45. I've had to start up, idle for 5, and tow once last winter at -20 and didn't notice any trouble engine or transmission wise

Sent via telepathy

Did you buy your truck at Genes? I bought my last two Rams from them and they always came winterized (including trans pan pad), but this last go around I went to Anchorage Chrysler since Genes could come no where near their price. Of course they don't winterize their vehicles down there and I wasn't going to pay them $300 for an oil pan heater and nitrogen filled tires lol. They weren't even going to change out the coolant to 60/40.
Growing up here, it's always been coolant change, block heater, oil and transmission pad, and battery pad or trickle charger. Guess that's why I've been debating the trans pan pad. I could go to Genes and look under one of their trucks on the lot I suppose. Just don't want any grief from them if I have any warranty issues for the transmission.

dan1911 · Jul 18, 2017

BackCountryAK said:
Did you buy your truck at Genes? I bought my last two Rams from them and they always came winterized (including trans pan pad), but this last go around I went to Anchorage Chrysler since Genes could come no where near their price. Of course they don't winterize their vehicles down there and I wasn't going to pay them $300 for an oil pan heater and nitrogen filled tires lol. They weren't even going to change out the coolant to 60/40.
Growing up here, it's always been coolant change, block heater, oil and transmission pad, and battery pad or trickle charger. Guess that's why I've been debating the trans pan pad. I could go to Genes and look under one of their trucks on the lot I suppose. Just don't want any grief from them if I have any warranty issues for the transmission.

Nope, I actually went to Anchorage Chrysler as well. Had nearly an identical truck, less miles, and the electric rear window for about 3k less.... so I had my girlfriend drive me down for the weekend.
And i was 100% wrong... I do have a transmission pad! I know my old Sierra didnt have one for sure and just assumed the Ram didnt, but i got it winterized locally by my mechanic (for a steal) and just assumed. Maybe that's why it runs so damn well in the winter :roflsquared:

dan1911 · Jul 18, 2017

This is the pad of you are looking to do it yourself, I am in work clothes so I couldn't crawl too far without getting dirt/mud everywhere so I'm not totally sure what wattage it is

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Winterization

BackCountryAK

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CrispyBacon

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BackCountryAK

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dRAMbuie

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BackCountryAK

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dan1911

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BackCountryAK

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