Transmission Cooler Recommendation for 2003 Honda Pilot

Updated 05/06/2020 | Published 05/05/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/ NPT Inlets - Class I -Extra Efficient

(96)

$112.40

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

(890)

$94.93

Question:

Hello Which series do you recommend for my 2003 Honda Pilot? I don’t really tow or haul. Our trans are known to be troublesome overtime so I want to take preventative measures. Thanks

asked by: Yade

Expert Reply:

If you're not planning on towing frequently at or near its 4500 lb capacity or in mountainous areas, the Derale # D13611 you'd looked at would be an excellent choice. The cooler is a plate fit design, which offers extremely high efficiency in a small package that won't take up much room on the front of your radiator. If you'll be pushing the vehicle harder by towing more frequently and planning on running up and down hills, a larger cooler like # D13502 would be a better choice. Unless you live in a very cold climate (think Canada), you really can't over-cool a transmission. The more cooling you can provide, the longer the transmission will last.

Since you don't really tow, either choice would work fine for you.

I'll ink you to some help articles about transmission coolers. If you'd like to see an installlation video showing a cooler being installed on a 1st generation Pilot, click the provided link.

expert reply by: Mike L