How to Install a Cooler on a Turbo 350

A transmission cooler is much like an engine's radiator, in that it uses cooling tubes and fins to transfer heat to the air surrounding the unit. In fact, the only difference between a radiator and a transmission cooler is the fluid that flows through them (coolant for a radiator, transmission fluid for the cooler). The installation process is fairly simple and can be completed in about an hour. No special tools are required.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Wrench set
• Socket set

Instructions

1. Remove the negative battery cable to disable the vehicle's airbag system. Wait five minutes for the backup capacitors to discharge before continuing.

2. Raise the vehicle off the floor using a jack and jack stands or wheel ramps.

3. Remove the following components: radiator shroud, passenger side airbag sensor and hood latch.

4. Position the transmission cooler on the passenger side of the radiator, between the radiator and grill. Attach the outboard bracket under the outboard airbag mount. Attach the inboard bracket through the second hole on the passenger side hood latch mount.

5. Remove the overflow tank by removing the overflow tube, cap and sensor and unbolting the unit. Unplug the electric fan wiring and remove the two tabs from the fan shroud. Remove the two bolts (one on either side) from the cooling fan and remove the unit. Run the transmission cooling lines from the cooler, down the front of the radiator, and through a gap between the radiator support and the bumper bulkhead. Disconnect the transmission line fitting from the bottom of the radiator.

6. Thread a clamp on the end of the inboard fluid hose, and run the hose around the outboard side of the inboard bracket. Secure the clamp. Thread a clamp on the end of the outboard fluid hose, and run the hose around the inboard side of the inboard bracket, across the top of the cooler, behind the outboard bracket and to the cooler nipple. Secure the clamp.

7. Reattach the radiator shroud, passenger side airbag sensor, negative battery cable and hood latch.

References

• Automedia: Transmission Coolers