Recently the temperature here has been in -0s through 10s so we know the fluids are thicker than normal. I usually let the engine warm up for about 10 minutes before driving. I noticed that tranny temperature gauge havn't raised a tick until after several minutes of driving. It felt a bit stiff when shifting so I knew the fluid are pretty thick. Long time ago I think I read somewhere that if I apply the parking brake during warm up and shift the gear into neutral that it should allow the tranny fluid to circulate. If that is the case, it should help warm up the fluid too. Is that true? Mine has 4L80E.

The transmission fluid pump is powered by the torque converter housing, which is bolted to the engine's flywheel; e.g., it spins whenever the engine spins. That is my impression, anyway.

the only way you are going to get the tranny temp to warm up significantly is by putting a load on the torque converter, i.e. driving it or stalling the engine. i wouldn't worry about it.

As stated as long as the engine is running the converter is pumping/shearing fluid. The fluid will slowly rise in temp. The best way to warm up fluid (definitely not the safest way) without driving it, is to put the truck in gear and set the brakes. This causes pressure to be built up in the tranny (pressure = heat). I would check with a tranny expert before doing this though as I'm not sure if there are any detrimental effects. Can any of the tranny guru's give their input as I'm NO expert.

I'm ASSuming it's the same principle as warming an old diesel. Idling in the driveway with the defroster on will barely clear an icy window, but once you start working the engine the heat starts coming on. I don't know how true this is on the newer Turbo'd diesels but the old Ford N/A 7.3 took forever to warm up idling in cold weather.

Thanks for your replies. I'd assume that if I find a way to set engine at higher idle it should help speed up in warming up the fluids (and truck cab too ;) )? I thought maybe something like this could help ... could it make a difference?

http://www.offroadengineering.com/500%20series.htm

Another question ... I'm not sure but if I decide to get Wester's Tuner, is there a way that it could be programmed so I could get high idle with a flip of a switch? If so, that would be great. Thanks. :D