Automatic transmission question/problem. - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

DIRTBIKEZ · 01-13-2003, 03:30 PM

I installed a transmission cooler on my my '91 3sfe and had no problems while driving short distances. But after a 60 mile highway drive, it seemed to shift later and slower at times. I changed the fluid but am not sure if I put enough in. The fluid on the dip stick was right between the cold and hot marks after the drive. Any ideas? Thanks.

tinman831 · 01-13-2003, 03:48 PM

you probably didnt add enough ATF... also make sure all your connections are tight. you might have a leak somewhere

tinman831 · 01-13-2003, 03:51 PM

also where did you get your tranny cooler from? i was thinking of getting one from bulkparts.com . any recommendations?

DIRTBIKEZ · 01-13-2003, 04:06 PM

Yes, I checked all connections/fitting mutiple times it must be low level. I bought a Hayden # 1403 cooler from Pepboys, it was only $30 so just grabbed it... and had to go back the next day for aditional length of hose. I usually research but in this case it didnt matter too much. BTW is it possible to over cool the fluid?

tinman831 · 01-13-2003, 08:12 PM

The only time that it would ever cool too much would be if it was five degrees outside and youre doing a cold start. Once things get moving and things start heating up I dont think it'd be possible to OVER cool the tranny. ONly way to do that would be to get a much MUCH bigger cooler but then it probably wouldnt fit in the engine bay. So dont worry about it being TOO cool once its warmed up.

DIRTBIKEZ · 01-13-2003, 09:46 PM

...and as for the slow/late shifts, low fluid? Also correct me if i'm wrong but ATF should have no aroma correct? The fluid I drained only (about 200 miles max) smelt burnt but still red. The transmission was re-rebuilt under warrenty because it failed the 2nd week of December. For the most part I baby it. Thanks for the help.

***Tony the Tiger*** · 01-15-2003, 12:35 PM

There are no problems by over cooling the ATF...basically, the tranny runs cooler, the better. But if the temperature is lower than the viscosity rating on the fluid you are using, then it might cause some rough shifting and sluggishness at the first couple of minutes of driving.