A transmission cooler operates like a heat exchanger mounted adjacent to your car’s radiator. Hot transmission fluid flows through the unit and comes in contact with a series of fins or plates. The resulting heat dissipation cools the liquid as it cycles back into the transmission.
What is a transmission oil pump? transmission oil pump failure symptoms.

Is a transmission cooler necessary?

For every 20F degree drop in transmission fluid temperature, you can expect to extend the fluid and equipment life, thereby extending the life of the vehicle. That’s why it is very important to have a quality transmission cooler, and more importantly, to have it professionally installed.

How much does a transmission cooler cost?

The average transmission cooler replacement cost is between $100 and $300. Parts shouldn’t be more than $200 with most vehicles, with labor adding in another $100. If you need to replace a transmission cooler, the process isn’t difficult.

Is a transmission cooler a radiator?

The cooler for the automatic transmissions are placed inside the radiator, the reason behind this is the antifreeze provides the perfect environment. It warms the transmission up with it’s cold and keeps it from getting too hot in extreme heat.

Do all vehicles have transmission coolers?

Transmission coolers are not standard issue. There are different types and sizes of transmission coolers for different types of transmissions and different sizes of vehicle. Your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is key to determining what kind of transmission cooler you need.

Is a bigger transmission cooler better?

The larger the cooler, the better it will be at lowering fluid temperature. The plate and fin and the stacked plate coolers offer a larger surface area to cool transmission fluid faster and better, which is why they are so popular.

Is transmission cooler bad?

Driving your car with a bad transmission cooler is definitely not recommended. Because you will lose most of your transmission fluid while the car’s transmission is in operation and you are in motion, it is very difficult to know how much fluid you are losing, and at what rate.

What happens if transmission cooler line breaks?

Like all parts of an engine, transmission cooling lines can wear out. If they break or develop a leak, you will lose transmission fluid, leaving your car vulnerable.

Why do transmissions overheat?

An overheating transmission usually means there is already some sort of internal damage or a transmission fluid issue, such as a leak, low fluid level or just old/dirty fluid running through the system. It can also happen with too much transmission fluid, which causes excess pressure within the transmission.

Should transmission cooler be before or after radiator?

Should the cooler be installed before or after the radiator? Answer: We recommend installing the auxiliary cooler after the radiator to return the coolest fluid directly to the transmission.

Does a transmission cooler increase towing capacity?

A transmission cooler will help the transmission run cooler and last longer while towing a trailer. However, it does not increase towing capacity of your towing setup, It can make a difference in the life of your transmission.

How hot should my transmission get when towing?

What Is Normal Operating Temperature Of Transmission Fluid When Towing The normal operating temperature of transmission fluid should be between 160 to 200 degrees.

Does it matter which transmission cooler line goes where?

Generally the higher line on the radiator has fluid going INTO the transmission and the lower one goes back to the transmission, so the higher line has fluid coming out of it and the lower line sucks it back into the transmission.

Should I replace transmission cooler?

No, the oil cooler has very long life and it need not be changed. Most vehicles on the road today ( there will be exceptions) the transmission cooler is part of the vehicles engine radiator and it cools both the engine and the transmission. So changing just the transmission cooler would be not economical.

What causes transmission cooler lines leak?

Transmission cooling lines leaking means either low-level of fluid or interrupted flow in the transmission. In both cases, the result is an overheated transmission that may stop functioning if the condition persists. Sometimes, it is difficult to spot the leak at the initial stage.

How do I know if my transmission cooler is clogged?

  1. An Unexplained Rattle. Sometimes, you know exactly what’s making your vehicle rattle. …
  2. Whirs or Whines. …
  3. Leaking. …
  4. Burning Smell. …
  5. Problems Changing Gears. …
  6. A Noisy Neutral.
Where is the transmission cooler normally located?

The add-on cooler is normally placed in front of the radiator. It should be placed where the most air will flow across it. If access to ram-air is limited, place the transmission cooler in front of the fan for maximum air flow.

What temp is too high for transmission?

Fluid Life Expectancy vs Temperature The ideal operating temperature of transmission fluid is 175 degrees. Overheating occurs after the temperature surpasses 200 degrees, and the failure rate doubles for every additional 20 degree increase after that.

Why does my transmission shift hard when hot?

Transmissions shifts hard when hot because their parts tend to get damaged, worn, and malfunction under high heat levels. Your transmission needs fluid to keep cool and if the fluid leaks then it may create more heat and pressure.

How do you know if your transmission is overheating?

  1. A sudden experience of a burning odor inside and outside the vehicle.
  2. The gears “slipping” when accelerating or decelerating.
  3. A feeling of hesitation or delayed gear shift when you are driving.
How do I stop my transmission from getting hot?

A transmission cooler provides extra cooling power to your car’s cooling system, assisting it in preventing the many hot, running systems in the engine from overheating. The best transmission cooler is a stack plate cooler.

How do you stop a transmission from overheating?

  1. Stop driving immediately and let your transmission cool down.
  2. Make a note of what you were doing, where you are, what’s happening (noises, etc.)
  3. After cooling down, start back up & gingerly continue on your way.
Do transmission coolers work?

As long as it is properly installed, a transmission cooler will not affect a factory transmission. It is a flow-through device and does not affect any internal components of the transmission. A transmission cooler will just help to prolong the life of the transmission by keeping the fluid cooler.

How can I tell if I have a transmission cooler?

If you have a 5.0 engine, you have a transmission cooler. If not, you don’t. If you have a 5.0 engine, you have a transmission cooler.

What fluid goes through a transmission cooler?

A transmission cooler operates like a heat exchanger mounted adjacent to your car’s radiator. Hot transmission fluid flows through the unit and comes in contact with a series of fins or plates. The resulting heat dissipation cools the liquid as it cycles back into the transmission.

Can I use an oil cooler as a transmission cooler?

You can use a transmission cooler like an engine oil cooler, however, to make it work properly there are adapters and modifications that will be required.

How can I get more weight on my tow?

  1. Get the Right Hitch. First and foremost, you will need to invest in the right type of hitch. …
  2. Use a Programmer. …
  3. Replace Axles. …
  4. Upgrade the Braking System. …
  5. Install a Bigger Radiator. …
  6. Upgrade Suspension. …
  7. Enhance Your Intake and Exhaust. …
  8. Upgrade Your Truck.
Do I need an engine oil cooler for towing?

Transmission and engine oil coolers are necessary for many towing operations and a good idea for everyday use! Towing causes heat which kills engines and transmissions. Almost all premature transmission failures are caused by excessive heat!

Does uhaul install transmission coolers?

Hi Les, U-Haul installs complete tow packages including transmission coolers. For complete parts and pricing, please call or visit your local U-Haul hitch center.

What is a normal transmission temp?

Normal operating temperature for an automatic transmission is about the same as the engine temperature, i.e., about 195°F. The temperature inside the torque converter, while pulling a big load from a standing start, could easily rise above 350°F. Fluid breakdown often results in harsh shifting and slip-bump concerns.

What temp should a 6l80 transmission be?

Those temp are fine. As a general rule, 100 degrees above ambient is normal.

What is normal coolant temperature?

Normal Temperature engine temperature gauge Most experts agree that your engine should run between 195 degrees and 220 degrees. In ideal situations, your needle will maintain a posture right in the middle of your gauge.