Transmission Coolers

[ASAD.]

Hi All, 

Just wanted to get opinions on Aftermarket transmission coolers and auxiliary radiator fans especially for Toyotas (Prados, FJs, LCs etc.). Do they really help in keeping the engine/ transmission temperatures in check? are the stock ones not good enough once you climb up the levels or the desert heat during the summer? is there any other benefit for this type of mod on the car? 

[Cha]

4 minutes ago, ASAD. said:

Hi All, 

Just wanted to get opinions on Aftermarket transmission coolers and auxiliary radiator fans especially for Toyotas (Prados, FJs, LCs etc.). Do they really help in keeping the engine/ transmission temperatures in check? are the stock ones not good enough once you climb up the levels or the desert heat during the summer? is there any other benefit for this type of mod on the car? 

Sorry I haven't heard of any Toyota owners complain about any overheating issue in summer 😅

PS: my experience limited to 2021 summer only

[ASAD.]

14 minutes ago, Zixuan Huang - Charlie said:

Sorry I haven't heard of any Toyota owners complain about any overheating issue in summer 😅

well thats a relief 😆

[Gaurav]

I totally agree with Charlie, Toyota's are the last car to overheat, even in peak summers.

And in case it does, try to troubleshoot the actual cause of the issue than just strapping coolers based on off-road garage advice.

Tranny coolers and fans are really helpful, no doubt but in some cases, they act counter-productive to block a lot of air passage for radiators. So after installing a HUGE tranny cooler you might run cooler A/T oil but the radiator will overheat the car temperature.

Bottom line, follow the steps to really nail the issue (when it appears):

1. Fix the stock component if overheats.
2. Add additional fan on existing cooler if it doesn't have one, common issue with many manufacturers.
3. Use a slightly longer or taller tranny cooler and not double the size, as it will block more air passage for the radiator.

If A/T light comes in peak summer on cross-tracks or self-recovery for a few seconds and goes away when you start moving, then don't bother much as when air circulation is so less in peak summer this is quite normal and not a flaw.

If A/T light comes during the normal off-road driving conditions, then it's a concern and some of the action is needed.

[ASAD.]

Thanks @Gaurav, really insightful.