Is Supplemental Transmission Cooler Really Needed for 2007 Grand Caravan SXT with Factory Cooler

Published 09/25/2018

Question:

There was a previous question Recommendation for Transmission Cooler and Engine Oil Cooler for 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan SXTinch about this, so here is my follow up. I took my 2007 Grand Caravan to the transmission guy in my area, I really didnt want to install the cooler myself. He performed routine maintenance on the transmission and told me that I did not need a transmission cooler for towing. He said that the SXT uses part of the A/C condensor for transmission cooling and that this was so much more effective that an additional transmission cooler was not required for towing. What is your opinion? I am still not convinced. The transmission guy is not someone with whom I have an established relationship sooo?

asked by: Ethan R

Expert Reply:

Nearly all vehicles that benefit from a supplemental transmission cooler have a factory transmission cooler built into the radiator like what your 2007 Grand Caravan SXT has. Since the factory cooler is connected to the radiator that means the heat from the coolant flowing through the radiator is going to keep the factory transmission cooler warmer than ideal. In nearly every situation a supplemental transmission cooler will give the transmission of any vehicle a longer life since heat is the number one killer of transmissions. I am not sure exactly what your guy was thinking but it sounds like maybe he was trying to get out of performing the install.

expert reply by: Jameson C