An unforeseen side effect of buying my TL has been that I find myself wanting to drive it much more spiritedly than my previous vehicles. Because I'm paranoid about maintenance, and I have a lingering fear of weak automatic transmissions, I started thinking about ways to improve the life of my transmission.

So, I started looking into transmission coolers. I was able to find a couple instances of 3g tl owners installing them, but nothing for 4g tls.

Does anyone have experience installing/using these types of coolers? Thanks.

 

If you have the SH, it comes with one already. Not sure about the fwd.

 

I think the fwd probably has one too, I think basically all modern cars do, I was thinking of something beyond the built in cooler.

 

I had a transmission cooler in my 01 V6 Accord. I believe I used a B&M 70264 and a Magnefine inline filter. I did a 1x3 tranmission fluid flush and new filter every year. If you decide to add a aftermarket cooler, make sure you install the cooler AFTER the stock cooler (if there is one).

 

trans has a cooler/warmer on it from the factory. Honestly replace the filter every so often and the fluid and you'll be fine!

 

Thanks! I eventually learned that while the fwd doesn't have one, the awd does, like you said.

 

I think the FWD 2012-2014 has the cooler as well.
The 4G TL actual has two different sub-groups.
I use the unofficial "A" and "B" designations for reference.
The major difference between the two is the switch from 5sp auto to 6sp auto.
4G-A (2009-2011)
4G-B (2012-2014)
The 4G-A-SHAWD has the cooler and all 4G-B (I think) have the cooler.

I also recommend changing the 4G-B inline trans filter. You didn't tell us what year you have.
Search this forum for info on this filter.

 

The FWD 2012-2014 has a cooler and warmer through the radiator as well as an inline filter. I considered installing a 2nd one but don't think it's necessary. I've got 180K with filter changes every 30K and ATF drain/refills at every 10-15K and it's running like a charm. I'm pretty easy on it though. I push it once it's in gear but I accelerate conservatively from a stop or whenever the TC isn't locked and I'm rarely at WOT during shifts.

 

Buy it. Your car will run better then you have experienced.

 

There are aftermarket ATF coolers on places like RockAuto. I really don't think it would be necessary though. The car has a cooler AND a pass through the radiator. The cooler is on the lower passenger side behind the foglight where air passes through. So it gets plenty of ventilation. The pass through the radiator helps to warm the fluid when it's cold. Then it acts to cool it once it gets hot. So you've essentially got a dual cooling effect between both of those. If you have the 2009-2011 FWD (the only models without the cooler), then I'd consider purchasing the stock one which might bolt right on. If not, one of the aftermarket ones.