Can the Average Do-It-Yourselfer Install a Transmission Cooler on a 2007 Chrysler Town and Country

Updated 06/16/2010 | Published 06/15/2010

Question:

I have never done this before, I do have some mechanic skills, do you think I can do this myself?

asked by: henry s

Expert Reply:

Installing a transmission cooler is not very difficult and I have every confidence that you will be able to install the Derale Transmission Cooler, # D13611, on your 2007 Chrysler Town and Country. Make sure you have the necessary tools. Your mechanical skills should serve you well for this installation.

I can give you some installation tips. Transmission coolers are designed to be mounted flush against either the radiator or the AC condenser core. For maximum cooling ability, the heat exchanger must receive as much airflow as possible. There are 3 possible mounting locations.

First, the most efficient place is to mount the cooler between your vehicles grille and the AC condenser core.

The second most efficient is to mount the cooler between the AC condenser core and the radiator. This will still allow for ample airflow, but cuts efficiency by 25 percent. Installation of a larger cooler unit in this position may help make up for the loss.

The least most efficient place is to mount the cooler between the radiator and engine. This location considerably decreases the available airflow and causes the cooler to be 40 percent less efficient than if mounted in the first position. It is recommended that you purchase a larger cooler to make up for that loss if you have to install the cooler in this location. Check these locations ahead of time in order to determine the best mounting location and if you will need a larger capacity cooler.

Transmission coolers come with the necessary hardware to mount them. They have these long plastic pins, kind of like wire ties, that will go through the unit, the AC condenser core, radiator, etc, and clamp on the other side with a little button. Spacers are placed between the unit and your vehicles components for protection. The system then plugs in line with the factory system.

I have included a video showing installation of a transmission cooler and an FAQ article below. You will see that installation is not very difficult and later you will be able to brag to your friends about the good job you did.