Automatic Transmission Fluid Cooler - If Equipped
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 1 | Engine coolant outlet connection |
| 2 | Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) pipe inlet connection |
| 3 | ATF cooler |
| 4 | ATF pipe outlet connection |
| 5 | Engine coolant inlet connection |
| 6 | Mounting bracket |
The Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) cooler is attached to a mounting bracket and is secured to the left side of the front subframe with two bolts. The ATF cooler has two lugs which locate in corresponding lugs on the mounting bracket and secured with a screw. The ATF cooler is an aluminum housing comprising louvered fins and plates. The plates allow a cross-flow of ATF and engine coolant through the ATF cooler.
The plates are immersed in engine coolant from the 'cold' side of the radiator. This provides cooling of the ATF by the temperature differential between the ATF and the engine coolant. The ATF cooler receives engine coolant from the low temperature zone at the left side of the radiator. The engine coolant flow through this section of the radiator is restricted by the ATF cooler. Therefore the engine coolant has a slower flow rate across the cooling tubes of this section of the radiator. This cools the engine coolant more than the lower part of the radiator and consequently provides increased cooling of the ATF. The engine coolant then passes from the ATF cooler to the thermostat housing.
For additional information, refer to: Transmission Cooling .