Transmission cooler for Grand Caravan 2003 with 3.3

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by cosza, Dec 8, 2003.

  1. cosza

    cosza Guest

    Even though I don't tow, is it worth getting a tranny cooler. After 2001 I
    heard the tranny greatly improved especially now that it uses synthetic
    ATF+4. Any expert opinions are greatly appreciated.
    Tx
     
    cosza, Dec 8, 2003
    #1
  2. It is very, very difficult to keep your transmission fluid too cool.
    Transmission fluid coolers are much less expensive than transmission
    repairs or overhauls. The transmission may (or may not, depending on whom
    you ask) have been "greatly improved" for '01, but it is still asked to
    haul around an enormous vehicle relative to its torque capacity. Buy and
    install a fluid cooler and consider it a cheap insurance policy.

    DS
     
    Daniel J. Stern, Dec 8, 2003
    #2
  3. cosza

    Tom Ruta Guest

    On Mon, 8 Dec 2003 10:52:27 -0500, "Daniel J. Stern"

    ....
    My 01 tranny lasted all of 8 months. So far the 03 tranny is a year
    and (I think) ok. The tow package should be std. equipment.
     
    Tom Ruta, Dec 8, 2003
    #3
  4. cosza

    Art Begun Guest

    Are you sure it wasn't just a sensor failure? Admittedly they should
    not fail but it still a lot less significant than a real AT failure.
     
    Art Begun, Dec 9, 2003
    #4
  5. cosza

    Tom Ruta Guest

    On Tue, 09 Dec 2003 05:05:31 GMT, "Art Begun"

    ....
    The gears turned to mush - saw them.
     
    Tom Ruta, Dec 9, 2003
    #5
  6. cosza

    BACKNCARDR Guest

    BACKNCARDR, Dec 9, 2003
    #6
  7. cosza

    Tom Ruta Guest

    On 09 Dec 2003 16:37:56 GMT, 1spam (BACKNCARDR)
    wrote:

    ....
    Right. Not on a new vehicle unless the pump failed. Which it
    probably did. Chryco trannies are a POS (A604)
    Van was destroyed in freak boating accident so it is no more.
     
    Tom Ruta, Dec 10, 2003
    #7
  8. cosza

    Zork Guest

    I get the impression from this thread that a xmission cooler is definetly
    a priority if any towing is planned. Just got a '03 T&C with towing in
    mind. Any ideas if there is any difference between one cooler and
    the next ? ? Cost involved ? ?
    Thanks ! !
    Zork
    ---------
     
    Zork, Dec 11, 2003
    #8
  9. I can't speak for the '03, but my '96 has a cooler integrated into the
    radiator. When you add a cooler, you can either "replace" the existing one,
    or "add" it inline with the other. The size of cooler you buy depends on
    which way you go. If you go to the parts store and read the packaging,
    hopefully there's a discussion of it's application to certain vehicles for
    both cases. You can buy these things starting at around $30 going up to
    $100 or so depending on the size and brand you get. Installing them is only
    hard to the extent that getting access to the front of your radiator is
    hard. I can't speak for the '03 though.

    These transmissions aren't heavy duty and were originally designed for use
    on cars. It's a crap shoot even when you don't tow. If you do tow, I'd go
    easy while driving, get the extra cooler, check fluid level and condition
    regularly and be very diligent about changing the fluid/filter.

     
    David J. Allen, Dec 11, 2003
    #9
  10. cosza

    cosza Guest

    I found the brand called TRU-COOL and from wha tI read it is a LPD type that
    it is as per OEM, but but I am not sure if this can void my warranty. I
    rather put this product instead the Dodge one, from what I read it provides
    more flow , it is self regulating meaning the oil flows on top when it is
    cool and as it warms up it goes through the whole cooler. I can just see my
    dealer saying no good your unit, here in Canada the dealer part is 131 and
    the TRU-COOL is 75 . What I am not sure is who makes the Dodge part. The
    TRU-COOL is advertised as a OEM replacment. We might have no choice and go
    through the dealer

     
    cosza, Dec 11, 2003
    #10
  11. cosza

    BACKNCARDR Guest

    These transmissions aren't heavy duty and were originally designed for use
    To add what David said above-consult yer owner's manual for recommended tow
    capacities and further see if towing in overdrive is permitted. I doubt it is
    and may not even be addressed in the manual.
    Lastly, it would be prudent to install a trans oil temp guage to further
    protect yer investment.
    Respectfully submitted,

    Loren Knighton
    Woodland, CA.

    Under the hood since 1964
    Member TRNI IATN
    http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/trans_atf.html
    http://www.longmfg.com/web/longwebframework.nsf/home/web.trucool
     
    BACKNCARDR, Dec 11, 2003
    #11
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