Transmission Oil Coolers – FAQ

Common Questions for Coolers

What is a transmission cooler?

A transmission cooler helps keep your transmission fluid cool and prevent your transmission from overheating. All transmissions use an extensive range of rubber seals and moulded pistons that if cooled inadequately stiffen, crack or completely deteriorate. A transmission cooler helps extend the life of these components.

Do I need a transmission oil cooler?

You will definitely need a heavy duty transmission oil cooler if you tow a caravan, run heavy loads in your UTE or go offroad. Overheating is a common cause of automatic transmission failure. Ask any transmission expert and they will all insist on a transmission oil cooler.

What is the best transmission oil cooler?

The best transmission cooler is one designed specifically for your vehicle. The cooler needs to be mounted securely on a single piece mount to avoid vibration and cracking. It should be a durable design and use NO stainless steel in its correction.

Can you use a transmission oil cooler as an oil cooler?

It is not recommended that you try using a transmission oil cooler as an engine oil cooler. Both work on similar principles of cooling the fluids, but engine oil and transmission oil have different viscosities and pressures that they run at. Separate systems should be used.

Are transmission oil coolers worth it?

The number one cause of failure in all automatic transmissions is heat. Therefore it is imperative that an auxiliary oil cooler is considered especially if you tow, run heavy loads in your UTE or go offroad. You can never be too careful with Australia’s extreme fluctuation in both climate and driving conditions.

Why is an oil cooler necessary for an automatic transmission?

A good tranmsission oil cooler is necessary for an automatic transmission to ensure adequate cooling. Overheating is the number one cause of automatic transmission failure. While a few vehicle manufacturers have done a good job, far too many have missed the mark.

Is a bigger transmission cooler better?

The best transmission cooler is a bolt-on auxiliary system that has designed to complement your existing cooler and also made specifically for your make and model of vehicle. The best coolers use a one piece mounting system and allows the cooler to be securely mounted to handle vibration.

Where is the transmission oil cooler located?

The transmission oil cooler should be located where there is significant airflow. This airflow helps cool the transmission fluid. A typical place to locate the transimssion cooler would be behind the grill and in front of the radiator.

Can you bypass a transmission oil cooler?

It is very unwise to bypass the transmission oil cooler as this can compromise the amount of cooling of the transmission fluid. Build up of heat in the transmission reduces the life of the transmission and can even cause transmission failure.

Does a transmission cooler need a fan?

While you can install a fan on a transmission oil cooler it is widely considered as unnecessary as the vehicle uses its own fan system and the vehicle’s movement to adequately support the flow of air through the coolers.

Can I run two transmission coolers together?

It is definitely possible to run two transmission coolers together. Having an auxiliary cooler is an excellent way to improve the overall cooling of your transmission. The factory cooling is not always adequate for the tasks we demand of our vehicles. This is a reason to fit an auxiliary cooler.

Do all cars have a transmission cooler?

Not all cars have an adequate transmission cooler. Most have very basic cooling systems designed for light use only. An auxiliary oil cooler is a wise investment in any situation but particularly if you plan to tow, tour or take your vehicle off-road.

How much does it cost to fit a transmission oil cooler?

Typically a good quality kit will set you back between $495 and $695 depending on make and model. These kits typically come with DIY fitting instructions for those who are handy with the tools or you can have it professionally installed for approximately $250-$350 inc gst.

Do transmission oil coolers work?

Transmission oil coolers most certainly do work at reducing the temperature of your transmission fluid. The difference is quite noticeable and easily observed if you have a transmission temperature gauge fitted. It is also important that the transmission oil cooler is well designed and suitable for your make and model vehicle.

How do I know if my transmission cooler is bad?

It is an unfortunate reality that most owners only find out that their cooling system was inadequate when the damage has been done and the effects irreversible. It makes more sense to prevent any such occurrence by installing an auxiliary transmission oil cooler that will eventually save you thousands.

What is an auxiliary oil cooler?

An auxiliary transmission oil cooler is additional to the factory cooling system that is already in place. An auxiliary oil cooler will make a significant improvement to the cooling of your transmission fluid. It is particularly recommended if you tow, tour or put your vehicle under any extra strain.

How does an automatic transmission oil cooler work?

Transmission coolers are designed to disperse heat from the fluid running through the cooler. The incoming air is at a lower temperature than the fluid in the cooler so it helps the fluid cool down before going to the transmission. The bigger the cooling system the better the results.

You may also be interested in looking at our Coolers webpage, here.

We also have a blog post on Coolers, here.