How to Find Transmission Return Line on Toyota RAV4 for Cooler Install

Updated 09/08/2024 | Published 08/14/2018

Question:

Does the bumper cover have to be removed? Im having trouble locating factory trans cooler lines. Any diy tips?

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

Determining which line is the return is pretty easy once you have identified the lines of the cooler. You should see two lines from the transmission that run up to the radiator area.

First, locate the transmission lines. Then, start the vehicle, and place the transmission in drive for 10 seconds. Place the transmission in park, and turn off the vehicle. Feel both transmission lines. The cooler of the two lines will be the return line, which is the one you would use to install the transmission cooler.

In nearly all situations the bumper cover can be left on when installing a transmission cooler, we take them off for our videos to make showing the process easier.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Larryboy57

9/6/2024

Seems it's going to take a lot longer than 10 seconds to cause any noticeable difference in temperature between the lines.

Jameson C.

9/8/2024

@Larryboy57 Thanks for passing that on. Our installers would say to brake torque the vehicle a little bit to get the fluid moving quicker although that could potentially be a little dangerous.