Transmission Cooler Install - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

cardinco · 08-20-2011, 05:29 PM

Ok, so I got my Derale tranny cooler in the mail the other day and set off today to do the install. I may have gotten myself in over my head though. I successfully removed my bumper and have good access to the radiator. There are two lines going in and out of the transmission. The top one comes from the transmission (verified by turning car on and checking which line was the hottest). The smaller line on the bottom is what I assume to be the return line. All good.

So, the tranny cooler instructions says to remove the return line and install the provided "universal" fitting. Then route the return through the tranny cooler, and then back to the original return line. Got it!

So, here's the thing. I removed the bottom return line from the radiator, and "WHOOOSH"!!! The line is obviously pressurized and started spraying fluid all over the place.

I quickly put the line back in place and it is sealed again, but now what? Obvious noobie here, but I installed a tranny cooler on our Honda Odyssey a few years ago and did not run into this.

Any insights on what I need to do? Did I remove the wrong line (there are only two lines going in and out of the radiator that I could find, both on the passenger side).

Please help!

Ed

fongster · 08-20-2011, 06:09 PM

Thanks for posting, I'm staying tuned as I was about to buy the same cooler and do an install. Good luck, hope it's solved soon.

***sweeneyp*** · 08-20-2011, 06:59 PM

Hey there, I checked my toyota docs I got on changing the oem cooler to see about identifying the correct ports/techniques. It says you have to drain the AT fluid so that would take care of the spraying problem. I'm going to PM you a link to a document regarding the transmission. Take a look at page 6 as it identifies the proper inlet and outlet ports on the transmission for the stock cooler, which I assume an aftermarket would use the same ports (I think??).
Fongster if you want the document just PM me if you start this project.
Hope this helps and good luck with the rest of the install.

Patrick

cardinco · 08-20-2011, 07:13 PM

Wow. This is looking far more involved than I initially anticipated. I will take another look, but this may be a job best left to the professionals.

Thanks again sweeneyp! You are definitely on the ball!

Ed

***sweeneyp*** · 08-20-2011, 07:18 PM

Well that guide I linked is for removing the whole transmission (WAY to much information haha), I just picked it because it showed the inlet and output port. Its really as simple as drain the fluid and and switch the plugs, not to bad. By taking off the bumper, you have probably done the hardest part.
By the way, you mentioned your Odyssey didn't spray, did you not have to drain that one? If not I guess the Honda transmission seals the lines while the transmission isn't running. Wonder why Toyota ones don't do that.

cardinco · 08-20-2011, 07:43 PM

I may have drained the Odyssey trans fluid, but I don't remember. It doesn't look too bad now that I have reviewed your doc. Finding a place to mount the cooler seems to be the part that will take the most thought.

fongster · 08-22-2011, 04:13 PM

Here's video from etrailer.com that might help with location. I haven't looked at my HL yet so I don't know if their location will work. The video is on a Honda CRV...I think they also install on other vehicles. I'll scout around.

http://www.etrailer.com/Transmission...eid=2009759501

cardinco · 08-23-2011, 09:50 AM

The OEM cooler that comes with the tow package is installed right behind the drivers side fog light. The fog light bezel is open to allow air in. I think it would be easy to fabricate some mounts out of alluminum bar. I unfortunately do not have time to do it. I am dropping it off at a local shop to have it done. I want it ready for Labor Day weekend, and I just won't be able to fit it in my schedule.

I do think this is an fairly easy DIY if you have the time. The instructions provided by sweeneyp are excellent for locating the inlet and outlet lines. I'm actually disappointed I don't have time to do it myself. I love the satisfaction of a job well done.

fongster, I say give it a go. I will post back here after my install for others that are looking to do this in the future.

BTW, I got a quote from the local Toyota dealer for about $650 to do the OEM install (including OEM cooler). That is why this site is invaluble. My install will end up being about $250-$300 (including Derale cooler). It would be about $60 if I had time to do the install myself. Those are just crazy numbers. Love this site!

Ed

fongster · 08-23-2011, 02:04 PM

FYI, I think the factory cooler comes with a fan as that area won't get air passing thru otherwise. The Derale I saw on etrailer.com needs to utilize the HL's radiator fan.

***sweeneyp*** · 08-23-2011, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fongster

FYI, I think the factory cooler comes with a fan as that area won't get air passing thru otherwise. The Derale I saw on etrailer.com needs to utilize the HL's radiator fan.

factory oil cooler uses airflow from a opening next to the driver fog light. It doesn't have a fan to cool it. The 2 fans on the main radiator stack are the only fans on the cooling system, or at least its that way on my 08

fongster · 10-30-2011, 08:56 PM

After months of research and planning with a lot of work and family delays in there too, I've decided to bail on installing my already purchased Derale trans cooler. Why? While the install itself is cake, my 2011's trans does not have a dipstick for checking and topping off but rather a plug and port somewhere on the trans, but unknown to me, as no manuals are available nor will Toyota give any assistance. I have no lift to properly check the level after install, only a floor jack to lift the front. Too much vagueness and hassle. I probably don't need one anyway as I'm only towing 1000 lbs., 500 under the non-tow package rating. BTW, 2008-on manuals are nowhere to be found. Comments and condolences welcome.