First off, yess I searched...

Problem: Randomly (i.e. No correlation between driving time, style, or location) my A/T Temp light is coming on after only 20 or 30 miles.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken:
Pulled over and checked the fluid, appears to be at nominal levels.
Smelled fluid, doesn't smell burnt.
Looked at fluid, Red.
Touched fluid and dip stick, warm but not hot.

My questing is, given that the A/T Temp light comes on at 305 degrees (Thx Forums) why am able to touch the dip stick and fluid and not be burnt. Its warm but I can grab a hold of the dipstick and hold it for ever. The fluid is halfway through its nominal life and is still red but showing some discoloration though it doesn't smell burnt.

I think my sensor is broken but wanted to poll the audience before I go off to the shop.

93 4Runner V6 4WD Auto
157,000 miles 10,000 miles on current tranny fluid

Thanks for the help

my money would be on the sensor

or maybe the wires leading to it; could have come loose, maybe rubbing against something and grounding out, or even came in contact with the exhaust and melted the shielding away a little and is grounding out somewhere

but if it is grounded out somewhere i would think it would be intermittent witht he light flashing as the ground would be broken over bumps and such. but the sensor is probably the best bet. maybe look into a tranny temp guage

After checking my Chilton I cant find anything on the temp sensor, where it is and how to replace it. Is this an owner serviceable part or does a tranny shop need to look at it?

Thanks

It is on the passenger side of the transmission as far as I know. Here is something that may help you find it.



Here is how to test it before you remove/replace.

My 93 was doing the same.We were driving down to the beach and it would just come on while crusing.It was 90 + degress outside.I changed the filter,changed the fluid to a synthetic blend,added a bottle of lube guard,and added a external cooler.My light has not been on since.