When our mechanics handle transmission repair at our Bloomington, MN service center, most of the problems we see are caused by overheating. It doesn’t have to happen to you. A simple transmission cooler installation can extend equipment life and reduce the chances of heat-related failure.
How Transmission Oil Cooler Works
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.
The Three Basic Transmission Cooling Models
Tube and Fin
Tubes transfer transmission fluid through the unit, where turbulators agitate the hot liquid. Heat is transferred to aluminum fins outside the tubing and dissipated by airflow. The inexpensive cooling component is a good choice for older cars. However, it’s the least efficient of the three basic models and not recommended for overdrive transmissions.
Plate and Fin
This model pushes transmission fluid through small plates that increase the hot liquid’s exposure to heat-dissipating surfaces. The results are maximized heat transfer and minimum fluid pressure drop. The unit offers more efficiency than the tube and fin design because it quickly cools larger amounts of fluid. This model comes with a higher price tag, but it’s considered more durable.
Stacked Plate
The stacked plate design resembles a small radiator featuring large turbulators and a high air flow. The mechanism operates with maximum effect by forcing fluid through stacked rows of small plates. This is the most efficient and most expensive of the three models. It’s smaller and very durable, but the unit handles larger fluid volumes, so it’s ideal for extreme driving conditions or heavy vehicles.
Benefits of Installing a Transmission Cooler
Installing the right model for your vehicle can make a big difference on the road, especially in these situations:
- Towing heavy loads
- Driving during hot summer months
- Navigating stop-and-go traffic
- Traveling across rough terrain
Overall, you can look forward to improved driving performance, extended engine life, and a greatly reduced risk of unexpected transmission repair.
Keep Your Transmission Cool With Kennedy
If you’re thinking about a transmission cooler installation, stop by our Bloomington, MN shop or any of our convenient Kennedy Transmission locations. It’s just one of the services we provide to help you keep your cool on the road. Read more about our cooling system service and repair.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transmission Coolers
To cool down a transmission quickly, you can stop driving and let the engine idle, use a transmission cooler, or drive at lower speeds to avoid further heat buildup. If the transmission is overheating, it may also help to check the fluid level and condition, as low or dirty fluid can contribute to overheating.
We recommend going to a professional mechanic to install a transmission cooler, but if you have auto repair experience, first locate a suitable mounting area near the radiator or front of the vehicle. Then, disconnect the transmission cooler lines and connect them to the cooler’s inlet and outlet. Mount the cooler securely and ensure the lines are properly routed and fastened. Finally, check the connections for leaks and top off the transmission fluid if necessary.
To remove transmission cooler lines, start by locating the lines and loosening the fittings using a wrench. Place a drain pan underneath to catch any fluid. Once the fittings are loose, carefully disconnect the lines from the transmission and the cooler, being cautious not to damage the threads or seals. Again, take your vehicle to a professional unless you have experience working on cars.
For auto repair in the Minneapolis area, you can visit any of our Kennedy Transmission, Brakes, and Auto Repair locations in Apple Valley, Shakopee, Bloomington, Plymouth, Forest Lake, Waite Park, and near downtown Minneapolis.
