The vast majority of automatic transmission failures are a direct result of overheating. And towing can place an extra strain on your transmission, causing it to get too hot. An aftermarket transmission cooler can help prevent overheating and extend the life of your vehicle's transmission. Even if you don't tow, keeping your transmission cooler can be beneficial. Even a relatively small drop in fluid temperature can almost double a transmission's life and increase its performance.Most factory cooling systems are adequate at best, rarely maintaining your transmission's fluid within the ideal operating range of 160 to 200 degrees. Adding a transmission cooler is not difficult and can extend the life of your vehicle and ensure that it functions at its best.
The heat exchanger is the cooler itself, the core that works to cool transmission fluid. Learn more about the three basic types of heat exchangers, below.
Fluid spreads out over maximum surface area for superior cooling
Plate core can cool a greater volume of fluid faster than other heat exchangers
A stacked plate cooler is the most efficient and typically smallest in size
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Transmission Cooler Location
Most transmission coolers are designed to be mounted flush against either the radiator or the AC condenser core. For maximum cooling ability, the heat exchanger must receive the most airflow possible.Position A
Mount cooler between your vehicle's grille and the AC condenser core for the greatest efficiency.Position BMounting the cooler between the condenser and the radiator still allows for ample airflow, but cuts effectiveness by 25 percent. Installation of a larger cooler unit in this position may help make up for that loss.Position CMounting the cooler between your engine and radiator considerably decreases the available airflow and causes the cooler to be 40 percent less efficient than if you mounted it in position A. If you mount a cooler between the radiator and engine, you should install a larger unit to make up for that loss.
A remote-mount unit provides ultimate efficiency with a high-powered fan mounted to cooler - superior airflow no matter where you mount it
Choice of heat-exchanger core lets you customize your cooler
Tube and fin
Plate and fin
Stacked plate
Great for environments where steady airflow is limited - heavy traffic, off-roading
Looking for a custom fit?See Transmission Coolers confirmed to fit your vehicle.
Connectors
We offer a variety of adapters, connectors, and fittings so that you can hook up a cooler to your vehicle no matter the model. Most transmission cooler kits include hose, hose clamps, installation hardware, and a radiator adapter that can fit many transmission line connectors. In most cases, you won't need to cut or flare any lines to install a transmission cooler. However, you may need vehicle specific connectors to install a cooler in some vehicles. Our fitguide can help you find a cooler with the proper connectors for installation in your vehicle.You can browse our transmission cooler adapters, fittings, and connectors through the following links:
Note: If you use flared fittings, be sure to match types:
AN to AN
JIC to JIC
SAE to SAE
Looking for a custom fit?See Transmission Coolers confirmed to fit your vehicle.
Cooling Other Automotive Systems
Many coolers can be used not only for transmissions, but for engine oil and power steering systems as well. A power steering cooler will extend the life of both the pump and seal, drastically reducing heat-related pump failures.Related Articles
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