Automatic Transmission Fluid Cooler
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 1 | Engine coolant outlet |
| 2 | Transmission fluid pipe inlet connection |
| 3 | Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) cooler |
| 4 | Transmission fluid pipe outlet connection |
| 5 | Engine coolant inlet |
| 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. The ATF cooler has 2 lugs which locate in corresponding lugs on the mounting bracket and secures with a screw. 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 ATF circulates inside the plates. 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 and the coolant do not mix.
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 hoses 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.
There are 2 quick release connectors on the ATF cooler provided for the attachment of the ATF pipes to and from the automatic transmission.