Transmission Cooler: Testing and Inspection

TRANSAXLE FLUID COOLER

Transaxle Cooling










When internal wear or damage has occurred in the transaxle, metal particles, clutch plate material or band material may have been carried into the torque converter and transaxle fluid cooler. These contaminants are a major cause of recurring transaxle concerns and must be removed from the system before the transaxle is returned for repair.

Transaxle Fluid Cooler Flow Test

NOTE:The selector lever linkage, selector lever cable adjustment, transaxle fluid level and line pressure must be within specification before carrying out this test. See Selector Lever Cable Adjustment for selector lever linkage and selector lever cable adjustment and see Special Testing Procedures for line pressure test. The transmission fluid must be above 82°C (180°F) for the cooler by-pass to open to carry out this test.
1. Using a scan tool, run the engine to establish the correct transaxle fluid temperature of 82°C (180°F).

2. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator from the transaxle fluid filler tube.

3. Place a funnel in the transaxle fluid filler tube.

4. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. See Lifting.

5. Remove the transaxle fluid cooler return tube (rear fitting) from the fitting on the transaxle case.

6. Connect one end of a hose to the cooler return tube and route other end of the hose up to a point where it can be inserted into the funnel at the transaxle fluid filler tube.

7. Start the engine and run it at idle with the transaxle in NEUTRAL position.

8. When transaxle fluid flowing from hose is in a steady stream, a liberal amount of transaxle fluid should be observed. "Liberal" is described as about 1L (1 qt) delivered in 30 seconds. If a liberal flow is observed, the test is complete.

9. If the flow is not liberal, stop the engine. Disconnect the hose from the cooler return tube and connect it to the converter outlet tube fitting (front fitting) on the transaxle case.

10. Repeat Steps 7 and 8. If flow is now approximately 1L (1 qt) in 30 seconds, See - Service and Repair. If the flow is still not approximately 1L (1 qt) in 30 seconds, repair the pump and/or the torque converter.
If new transaxle fluid cooler tubes need to be installed, see Service and Repair.