DIY : Auto Transmission cooler, easy and cheap! Options

[jalmir]

So finally, after a few asked for it here is the DIY dirt cheap Automatic Transmission Cooler!!! :cool:

Please take note that this was done on a J2, on a XD/GK the OEM hose lenght and fitments might not be the same!

Things you will need ;

Wrench or Ratchet (size depends on the bolts you'll be using) mine was 7/16
Flat screwdriver


2 bolts & nuts
4 washers


about 48 inches of AT cooling hose (5/16 in diameter) - it cost me 15$ for 60 inches.


2 Worm Gear Clamps or T-Clamps


1 Transmission cooler : I bought a 94 Sonata cooler, it's cheap and easy to find, mine cost me 14$


1 quart of SPIII



-------------------------------------------------


The installation is pretty easy to do, the cooler need to be instaled BEFORE the radiator, so that the transmission is at optimal temperature, if you put the cooler after the radiator you might end up lowering too much the temperature of the transmission and this might cause damages.

Should be like that ;

AT -> cooler -> Radiator -> AT


- You first need to clean the cooler, if like me you bought it from a junkyard, else it's not needed.

- The cooler will be installed on the center bar that holds the hood clamp, there are 2 holes there that fit EXACTLY the Sonata cooler supports.

= J2 OWNER ONLY =
- You have to remove the plastic cover that is between the frame and the bumper cover, it's hold in place by plastic "snaps", this is where the flat screwdriver is needed.


= XD OWNER ONLY =
- I don't own a XD, but from what I can remember and what I can see on pictures, the horn need to be removed temporarily or relocated, no plastic need to be removed to acces that area of the car.

- Then you need to identify the hoses that are on top of the transmission, and you will unplug the "OUT" hose.


- You then pass that hose on the side of the radiator so it will be between the radiator and the bumper.


- With a clamp, install the hose on the cooler.

- Install the 48 inches AT oil hoses you bought.


- Pass that hose beside the radiator from the bumper area to the engine compartment.

- Install the new hose on the "OUT" outlet on the transmission.

- Now it's time to secure the cooler! Slide the cooler from the top, you might need to turn and twist the cooler a little, there is just enough space to slide it there, don't force it as you might break something (the cooler itself or the radiator). Now take the bolts and washers, put the 2 support just in front of the frame and slide the bolts(with the washers) in.


- Secure everything and BAM! ... the cooler is installed!!!

- Finally when you take the car out for a ride, don't forget to check the oil level, if you miss any, fill it with the SPIII (or SPII for J2) quart.



-------------------------------------------------



Some pictures of the installed cooler ;








This post has been edited by jalmir: May 9 2007, 09:44 PM

[silet]

Nice job I've done a couple of them and even the $25 dollar coolers work great!!!

[jalmir]

thanks, it was fast and quite easy to do, can easily be done under 30 minutes, it took me an hour but I had to find where and how to install the cooler.

It was done fast when I saw the 2 holes in the middle bar that has exactly the same distance as the 2 supports on the cooler!