Transmission Oil Cooler

The transmission oil cooler is a heat exchanger and is located between the A/C condenser and the radiator or inside the right side end tank of the radiator, depending on engine. The transmission fluid temperature is regulated by the temperature of the engine coolant that surrounds the oil cooler as the transmission fluid passes through the cooler.

The transmission oil pump circulates the fluid through the feed line to the oil cooler. The fluid then flows through the cooler while the engine coolant absorbs heat from the fluid. The fluid is then pumped through the return line to the transmission.

The LKN has a temperature/pressure fluid bypass valve and it is mounted to the driver's side radiator end tank. By design, transmission fluid bypasses the cooler to provide quick transmission warm-up where efficient shift schedules can be achieved. As the transmission fluid achieves proper operating temperature, the thermostatic bypass valve closes, and fluid is routed through the cooler to manage fluid temperature. When a pressure drop (due to cooler blockage) is present, the bypass valve will open to bypass the cooler, returning the fluid to the transmission.