center console getting hot

Howdy. I have a 2000 access cab 3.4L V6 5VZ-FE. Truck has 235k miles on it, I am the second owner, and have done a lot of work since getting it three years ago.
Recently noticed that the console around the shifter and the cupholders are getting very hot to the touch.
I just picked up new shifter bushings and will have to take this area apart to get to them.
Just wondering what could be causing this and if there is anything I should keep an eye out for when I get in there.
cheers

 

I remember that happening on my 4R, a transmission fluid flush seemed to help. There is probably more to it than that though. Good luck.

 

Ya I’m noticing I can feel heat against my right calf when I’m driving sometimes on longer drives. Is that the transmission heating up I’m guessing?

 

How old is the transmission oil?

 

Hasn’t been touched since I’ve had it for the last 85k. But I’ve heard that as long as it shifts fine you don’t want to touch it. Is that a lie?

 

STOP dont ever flush your tran. Just change it and keep the old stuff. If youve never changed it every known interval then you can damage it.

 

Mine used to get hot aswell, then I just changed the tran oil and when I changed the bushings added sound deadener and the stuff to keep the heat away. Just be careful when changing the bushings the lil plastic part is sensitive.

 

About 15k miles ago, I had a bad transmission fluid leak. I replaced the transmission seals, pan gasket, and transmission fluid. It is currently shifting and driving as usual. Not too stressed about the temperature, just wanted to make sure it isn't anything more serious that I should be worried about.

 

Get a obd reader that can read the temp idk if you can, or maybe add a tran cooler. Check fluid for like a week to see any changes in look, smell, and if its full.

 

How's your coolant level?

 

IMO there’s no maintenance that involves just never touching something till it breaks.

That said Drain and fill I think is always fine, but flushes can be risky if a bunch of crap gets dislodged.

 

Coolant level is fine, topped it off while I was under the hood.

 

Just replaced my shifter bushings, was nothing left of the original ones besides some dust.
Doesn't appear to be anything in the way of heat prevention.
Anything I can put under the console for insulation at all?
Just just the metal shifter plate and nothing else.