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 prevents 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 selector lever cable adjustment, transmission fluid level and line pressure must be within specification before carrying out this test. Refer to Transmission Fluid Level Check under Preliminary Inspection Preliminary Inspection. Refer to Line Pressure Test under Special Testing Procedures Special Testing Procedures. For selector lever cable adjustment procedures, refer to Automatic Transaxle/Transmission External Controls Selector Lever Cable Adjustment.
1. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator from the transmission filler tube.
2. Place a funnel in the transmission 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 filler tube.
7. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
8. Insert the end of a hose into the funnel.
9. Start the engine and run at idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL.
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 transmission fluid temperature. The use of a scan tool will determine the actual transmission fluid temperature. If adequate flow is observed into the container, the test is now complete.
11. If adequate flow is not observed, turn the engine off. Disconnect the hose from the transmission fluid cooler return tube (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 7, 8 and 9.
13. If adequate flow is not observed from the transmission, look for a plugged or crushed cooler tube and/or fluid cooler. Refer to Transaxle/Transmission Cooling Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview for diagnosis of the transmission fluid cooler.
14. If adequate flow is still not observed, repair and/or installation of a new pump and/or torque converter may be required.
15. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, engine running and the transmission at normal operating temperature 66-77°C (150-170°F), check and adjust the transmission fluid level and check for any leaks. If transmission fluid is needed, add transmission fluid in increments of 0.24L (0.5 pt) until the correct level is achieved (transmission fluid should be in the hot range cross-hatched area of the transmission fluid level indicator).
For the installation of new transmission fluid cooler tubes, refer to Transaxle/Transmission Cooling Transmission Fluid Cooler Tubes - TorqShift.