2016 Toyota Rav4 Transmission Cooler Recommendation

Updated 05/30/2018 | Published 05/27/2018

Question:

Hi, Im adding a secondary transmission oil cooler to the front of my radiator. I know stock Rav4s have a hockey puck style oil cooler, I want to add the secondary one in line with the system thats already in place. I know the hoses need to route from the stock cooler to the secondary aftermarket one then to the transmission. I have two questions however. First, I cannot find the return line to the transmission, which one is it? There looks to be 3 hoses coming out of the OE cooler. Second since this is a sealed transmission unit without a dipstick to check fluid levels, how will I know how much Transmission fluid I need to add? Can I just fill the secondary unit with fluid when installing?

asked by: Cam

Expert Reply:

Sealed transmissions make installing a transmission cooler a bit more interesting since there isn't an easy way to add or check fluid.

There may not be a dipstick on your transmission, but there is drain and fill plug. You are going to have to use a lube pump to get the proper amount of fluid in the vehicle so honestly your best option is going to be to have a transmission shop do the install since they will have the equipment needed.

Prefilling the cooler might get you pretty close but there will still be fluid lost when you remove the lines and it could get pretty messy trying to fill the cooler.

The Derale transmission cooler part # D13503 though would be a great choice.

expert reply by: Jameson C