Transmission Fluid Cooler
Transmission Fluid CoolerCAUTION: Whenever the transaxle has been disassembled to install new parts, clean and backflush the transaxle fluid cooler.
NOTE: Cleaning and backflushing the transaxle fluid cooling system along with normal cleaning and inspection procedures as outlined in this section during disassembly and reassembly will keep contamination from reentering the transaxle and causing a repeat repair.
When internal wear or damage has occurred in the transaxle, metal particles, clutch plate material or band material may have been carried into the torque converter and transaxle fluid cooler. These contaminants are a major cause of recurring transaxle troubles and must be removed from the system before the transaxle is put back in use.
Transaxle Fluid Cooler Flow Test
NOTE: The transaxle linkage adjustment, fluid level and line pressure must be within specification before carrying out this test. Refer to transaxle linkage adjustment procedure. For transmission fluid level checking procedures, refer to Preliminary Inspection. For transaxle line pressure testing, refer to Special Testing Procedures. Preliminary Inspection Line Pressure Test
1. Check the transmission fluid level and fill as necessary.
2. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator from the fluid filler tube and install the funnel in the fluid filler tube.
3. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Inspect the transmission fluid cooler lines for damage. Install new transmission fluid cooler lines as needed.
4. Disconnect the cooler return hose from the cooler return tube.
5. Plug the cooler return hose to avoid transmission fluid loss.
6. Connect one end of a hose to the 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 fluid filler tube.
7. Start the engine and run at idle with the transaxle in NEUTRAL range until the automatic transmission fluid is warm. Temperature is important to the flow rate measurement. Carry out the Fluid Cooler Flow Test.
- Once fluid flow no longer has air bubbles in it, remove the rubber hose from the funnel and insert it into a liter container.
- As soon as 0.95 L (1 qt) is dispensed into the container, install the hose into the funnel.
- One quart of automatic transmission fluid should flow through the cooling system in approximately 17-21 seconds.
8. Once adequate flow is determined, shut off the engine, remove the extension hose and reassemble the cooler line with the constant tension clamp.
9. If flow is not adequate, stop the engine. Disconnect the hose from the cooler return line and connect it to the converter-out line. If flow is now liberal, install a new transmission fluid cooler.
10. Check the transmission fluid level and adjust as required.