Transmission Fluid Cooler

Transmission Fluid Cooler





NOTE: Cleaning and backflushing the transmission fluid cooling system along with following all the normal cleaning and inspection procedures during disassembly and reassembly will keep contamination from entering the transmission, causing a repeat repair.

When internal wear or damage has occurred in the transmission, metal particles or clutch plate material may have been carried into the torque converter and transmission fluid cooler. These contaminants are a major cause of recurring transmission troubles and must be removed from the system before the transmission is put back into use.


Transmission Fluid Cooler Flow Test

NOTE: The transmission linkage/cable adjustment, transmission fluid level and transmission line pressure must be within specification before carrying out this test. Refer to Check Transmission Fluid Level and Condition under Preliminary Inspection Preliminary Inspection. Refer to Line Pressure Test under Special Testing Procedures Special Testing Procedures. For shift linkage/cable adjustment procedures, refer to Automatic Transmission/Transaxle.

1. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator from the transmission fluid filler tube.

2. Place a funnel in the transmission fluid filler tube.

3. Raise and support the vehicle.

4. Disconnect the transmission fluid cooler return tube (rear-fitting) from the transmission case.

5. Install a suitable plug into the rear case fitting.

6. Connect one end of a hose to the transmission fluid cooler return tube and route the other end of the hose up to a point where it can be inserted into the funnel at the transmission fluid filler tube.

7. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.

8. Insert the end of the hose into the funnel.

9. Start the engine and run at idle with the transmission in the NEUTRAL range.

10. Once a steady flow of transmission fluid (without air bubbles) is observed, remove the hose from the funnel and place the hose in a measuring container for 15 seconds. After 15 seconds, place the hose back into the funnel and turn the engine off. Measure the amount of transmission fluid in the container.







There is a temperature valve in the pump. Transmission fluid cooler flow rates will vary according to automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT). The use of a scan tool will determine the actual TFT. If adequate flow is observed into the container, the test is now complete.

11. If adequate flow is not observed, turn off the engine. Disconnect the hose from the transmission fluid cooler return line (transmission inlet).

12. Disconnect the transmission fluid cooler tube from the front case fitting and connect the hose to the case fitting (converter out) and repeat Steps 8, 9 and 10.

13. If adequate flow is not observed from the transmission, look for a plugged or crushed transmission fluid cooler tube, plugged remote filter orifice and/or transmission fluid cooler. Refer to Transmission Cooler, A/T for diagnosis of the transmission fluid cooler.

14. If adequate flow is still not observed, repair or installation of a new pump and/or torque converter may be required.

For the installation of new transmission fluid cooler tubes, refer to Transmission Cooler, A/T.