A transmission cooler is built into their radiator to help provide adequate cooling results for normal daily driving and prevent the transmission from overheating. The primary function of a transmission cooler is to keep the transmission fluid at the right temperature. Most cars have some form of radiator-mounted transmission cooler that aids in providing sufficient cooling for everyday driving and keeps the transmission from overheating.
In this reading, we’ll explore what a transmission cooler is, its function, diagram, location, and how it works. We’ll also learn its signs of failure.
Let’s get started!
What Is A Transmission Cooler?
A transmission cooler is built into their radiator to help provide adequate cooling results for normal daily driving and prevent the transmission from overheating. The transmission cooler is a built-in feature of modern automatic transmission automobiles. This important component’s failure can cause a number of transmission problems.
To improve the functionality and longevity of your vehicle’s transmission system, vehicle manufacturers provide a variety of transmission coolers and transmission cooler kits. To provide effective cooling and ideal fluid temperature regulation, these transmission coolers are skillfully designed and built from premium materials.
Functions Of A Transmission Cooler
The primary function of a transmission cooler is to keep the transmission fluid at the right temperature. When pulling a lot of weight, traveling fast, or in hot weather, a transmission cooler is necessary to keep the transmission fluid at the right temperature.
The main reason for transmission failure is too much heat. As a result, one of the most crucial parts of your car’s transmission is a transmission cooler. The primary function of a transmission cooler, as its name suggests, is to lower the temperature of transmission fluid since increased strain from towing or carrying high loads leads it to produce more heat.
- The automatic transmission uses the transmission cooler as a little radiator. It functions very similarly to how the radiator for the engine does.
- It is in charge of cooling and circulating the transmission fluid.
- Through a metal line, hot transmission fluid is discharged from the tranny. This warm fluid moves into the cooler, where it cools. The fluid returns to the transmission through another line after the heat has been removed.
- The transmission cooler makes the tranny efficient and ensures peak performance.
- It enables more seamless gear shifts and contributes to the transmission’s longer lifespan.
- Lastly, transmission coolers are used to transfer heat in order to keep the temperature optimal.
Related: What Is A Transmission System? Its Diagram, Parts, and Types
Diagram Of A Transmission Cooler
Location Of The Transmission Cooler
A transmission cooler is located at the front of the radiator. However, some manufacturers built it with a radiator. The radiator of an automobile contains the transmission coolers. The cooling system can assist in controlling transmission fluid temperatures in this way.
In addition to the radiator, the transmission cooler can also be exterior; however, this is less frequent now. These are most frequently seen in big vehicles or SUVs. Another popular aftermarket modification is the externally mounted gearbox cooler, which ensures greater ventilation and cooler temperatures.
How A Transmission Cooler Works
A transmission cooler cools transmission fluid by passing it through a series of fins or plates where it comes into contact with air that dissipates the heat.
- Hot transmission fluid flows from the transmission to the cooler
- The fluid passes through the cooler’s fins or plates
- Air flowing over the fins cools the fluid
- The cooled fluid is routed back into the transmission
Transmission coolers are similar to radiators, but they provide additional cooling for the transmission. They can also help regulate the temperature of the engine and power steering fluid.
Signs Of A Bad Tranmission Cooler
There are a few warning signs you’ll notice when your car transmission cooler is malfunctioning. Here’s a breakdown:
A Leaking Line
Leaking transmission cooler lines are among the most evident signs of a failed transmission cooler. You most certainly have a leaky line if you notice pinkish or reddish-brown liquid beneath the front of your vehicle or beneath the transmission. Fortunately, depending on the location of the leak and the line, fixing leaky transmission cooler lines is usually rather simple.
Check Engine Light
If your check engine light appears, it’s another indication that your transmission cooler is malfunctioning. Not only can a malfunctioning transmission cooler impair your gearbox, but it can also have a detrimental effect on your car’s engine. Your engine’s temperature may rise due to heat from your transmission, which could hinder its performance and perhaps cause damage. Your check engine light will therefore probably illuminate to alert you to a problem.
A Burning Smell
Your transmission fluid will probably start to overheat and maybe evaporate if your transmission cooler malfunctions or gets clogged. The fluid may burn and its levels may drop if the transmission’s temperature rises above 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This will cause the moving parts of the transmission to rub against one another more.
Odd Noises
Strange noises will probably start to come from your transmission as it starts to overheat because of a malfunctioning transmission cooler. A reduction in transmission fluid, for instance, may result in noises like clunking or grinding. When the transmission’s moving elements grind against one another because of inadequate lubrication, such noises are produced.