Can Factory Trans Cooler in 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 Be Bypassed with Aftermarket Derale Cooler

Updated 02/01/2016 | Published 01/30/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class IV - Efficient

(868)

$120.43

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

(868)

$109.61

Question:

Hello, I know that your tran cooler is meant to supplement a factory tran cooler for longer life, towing etc.. The factory tran cooler in my jeep is leaking. In a 2005 Jeep the tran cooler is built into the AC condenser as you likely know. Its an expensive fix to replace and recharge the AC etc. just to fix the tran cooler. So Id like to completely bypass and replace the cooling capacity of the factory cooler with one of your units if you have an appropriately sized one that would replace the factory cooling capacity. Thus leaving the old working AC condenser combo unit alone. My 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo has the v6 engine in it. Please let me know. Thanks

asked by: James M

Expert Reply:

Usually an OEM transmission cooler will be located inside the radiator where engine coolant will work to lower it's temperature before routing it back through the transmission return line. In such a situation a failed radiator can cause leakage of coolant into the transmission, a fairly common problem on some Nissan vehicles.

Some do use two separate cooling assemblies that can be stacked together or that are made as one unit but I am not aware of auto makers actually routing the trans fluid through the air conditioning condenser. More likely is that these two separate systems are mounted together or made as one unit, while still having dual separate systems internally.

You are correct that the supplemental transmission coolers we sell are intended to work along with the OEM coolers. They are not designed to operate as stand-alone items. The manufacturers of such coolers, like Derale who makes # D13503 that fits your Grand Cherokee, intend the item to work along with the OEM cooler when you are towing.

I cannot recommend replacing your OEM cooler with only an aftermarket supplementary cooler since there is no way to know that this unit can effectively cool the transmission all by itself.

expert reply by: Adam R