Transmission Cooler Help
03-13-2013, 10:25 PM
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Year: 2000
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Transmission Cooler Help
I am a little confused about the transmission cooler system in my 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport. I have an automatic transmission. I know that my XJ did not come with a factory tow package. According to my 2000 Factory Manual, "All models equipped with an automatic transmission are equipped with a transmission oil cooler mounted internally within the radiator tank. This internal cooler is supplied as standard equipment on all models equipped with an automatic transmission." So the tow package up grade is the auxiliary transmission cooler? How effective is my existing transmission cooler? Should you only tow if you have the added transmission cooler?
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Thanks
03-13-2013, 10:32 PM
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Even a small auxiliary cooler installed inline with and after the OE internal rad cooler will help keep tranny fluid temps down. The book doesn't say how big the auxiliary must be, it just says a auxiliary must be used when towing 5K lbs.
03-13-2013, 10:36 PM
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Adding an external cooler is always a good thing. If you are going to tow, IMHO it's a necessity.
The stock in-radiator cooler is OK for everyday driving, but if you are going to heat up that trans it will quickly be pushed past it's ability to cool. AW4's are tough as nails, but overheating is one of the few Achilles's heels
The stock in-radiator cooler is OK for everyday driving, but if you are going to heat up that trans it will quickly be pushed past it's ability to cool. AW4's are tough as nails, but overheating is one of the few Achilles's heels
03-13-2013, 10:53 PM
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How would I know if my transmission is getting to hot while towing without the auxiliary cooler? I have naively pulled trailers before ranging in between 2,000-3,000. I will no longer pull without adding a cooler. Thanks for your input
03-13-2013, 11:22 PM
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Unless you add a trans temp gauge, you won't know until it starts spitting fluid out the dipstick and vent, leaving a trail of smoke behind you.
You could stop and check the pan temp with an infrared thermometer as a stopgap check. 150-225 is normal. up to 275 OK for very short periods. 300 deg the fluid is damaged and the trans will be shortly.
Last edited by Radi; 03-13-2013 at 11:24 PM.
03-13-2013, 11:42 PM
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I've checked my tranny fluid recently and it still smells and looks like new tranny fluid. If I had overheated my transmission/tranny fluid during towing, would my fluid appear and smell burnt?
03-14-2013, 12:15 AM
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If the fluid looks and smells good, doesn't feel gritty and the trans shifts as it should- you are fine.
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