Transmission Fluid Cooler

As it is possible for the transmission fluid in automatic transmissions to overheat, causing reduction in performance and transmission damage, a transmission fluid cooler is a must. Manual transmissions (with the exception of racing car type vehicles) do not generally need transmission fluid coolers. The transmission fluid cooler is either a "borrowed" section of the engine's coolant radiator, or a separately mounted little tube with fins. The fluid is forced to flow through one of these arrangements, and consequently, cooled. Tube Type Transmission Fluid Cooler The tube type of transmission fluid cooler is usually located in the radiator's end cap. Because of its location it is immersed in and cooled by the engine's coolant. Then, when the transmission fluid passes through it, the fluid is cooled. Two metal tubes, called the transmission cooler lines, are attached to the outlet tank of the radiator and carry the fluid between the transmission and the fluid cooler. Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Cooler Vehicles that are factory equipped with packages for towing often also come equipped with an auxiliary fluid cooler. This cooler is mounted in front of the radiator and connected with the trans- mission. The auxiliary cooler is like a small engine coolant radiator. Both types of transmission fluid coolers ask the engine cooling system to do a bigger job; the tube type transfers the heat to the coolant. The auxiliary type, since it is mounted in front of the radiator, warms the air before it passes through the radiator.