Transmission cooler install.

[Pradosaur Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pradosaur]

Hi folks

I’m about to install a transmission cooler and just need some clarification please.

I understand that the vehicle needs to be level and it’s best to add some extra fluid ( to account what you might spill switching pipes (assuming the cooler has already been filled) while it’s cool before you start & the fluid temp needs to be about 43°c at the pan and it’s best to run thru the gears a few times to ensure the fluid gets through the whole system and help getting to the desired temperature and you need to leave the engine on once you’re at 43°c and in park when opening the check level plug and draining til the flow slows to a slight drop/ dribble.

My question is about the vehicle being level. Are we talking parking on a level drive way or does it need to be level at the chassis as would be the case if the vehicle was on a lift? I’m assuming at the chassis given vehicles with suspension lift probably sit high at the back when unloaded.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated

[Daniel150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel150]

Hi mate. Not saying it’s correct but I’ve always checked mine on level ground. My lift is pretty level though.
I did 80k after this with no problems.
My thoughts are that 10-20mm difference in level will only be about 50ml of fluid, older transmissions with dipsticks had about 1L between full and add on the dipstick so I can’t see 50-100ml causing a problem.
With my current prado, I just filled the cooler and lines then connected them. I didn’t even check the level, I’ll let Toyota do that next service.

[GeeWhizz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GeeWhizz]

The quantity of ATF is not drop-dead critical. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to drive up (or down) a long, steep hill, towing a caravan. I did the fluid-level check in my car port (almost level), with the wheels on the 'deck'. When you see how you check the fluid level by removing a bung at watching the fluid dribble out (do you let it drip for 20 seconds or an hour?), you realise that plus or minus 50 ml will not make any difference.

P.S. I would take my Prado to an automatic transmission specialist before trusting my local Toyota dealer's service department (did I mention their apprentice?). I've had too much experience with them!