Transmission Cooling Testing

Transmission Fluid Cooler

CAUTION: Whenever a transaxle has been disassembled to install new parts or because the main control valve body sticks due to foreign material, the main control valve body, transaxle fluid cooler and fluid cooler inlet tube and fluid cooler tube must be cleaned and flushed using Torque Converter/Oil Cooler Cleaner. Under no circumstances should an attempt be made to clean the torque converter by hand agitation with solvent.

When internal wear or damage has occurred in the transaxle, metal particles, clutch plate material, or band material can be carried into the torque converter and transaxle fluid cooler. These contaminants are a major cause of recurring transaxle troubles and must be removed from the system before the transaxle is put back into use.

Transmission Fluid Cooler Flow Test

NOTE: The transaxle linkage/cable adjustment, fluid level and line pressure must be within specification before carrying out this test.

1. Remove fluid level indicator from fluid filler tube.
2. Place funnel in fluid filler tube.
3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist and place suitable safety stands under the vehicle.
4. Remove the cooler return line (lower fitting) from the fitting on the transmission case.
5. Connect one end of a hose to the cooler return line and route other end of the hose up to a point where it can be inserted into the funnel at the fluid filler tube.
6. Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle. Insert end of hose into the funnel.
7. Start the engine and run it at idle with the transaxle in NEUTRAL position.
8. When the fluid flowing from the hose is in a steady stream, a liberal amount of fluid should be observed. "Liberal" is described as about 1 liter (1 quart) 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 line and connect it to the converter outline fitting (upper fitting) on the transaxle case.
10. Repeat Steps 7 and 8. If flow is now approximately 1 liter (1 quart) in 30 seconds refer to the transaxle removal procedure for cleaning and backflushing. If the flow is still not approximately 1 liter (1 quart) in 30 seconds, repair the pump or the torque converter.