Does a Transmission Cooler Need A Thermal Bypass for Sub-Freezing Weather

Updated 08/06/2020 | Published 08/03/2020

Question:

I am looking for a power steering cooler and transmission cooler for my 2006 Acura MDX for towing up to 3500 lbs. My main variable is if I would need a thermal bypass for the transmission cooler. I live in Northern Maine where winters are regularly below freezing and even below zero on the coldest days

asked by: Conard A

Expert Reply:

I have not ran into any issues where there was a thermal bypass needed for below freezing temperatures when using the Derale Dyno-Cool Tube-Fin Transmission Cooler part # D12906. There is a lot of heat generated when all of the parts get moving in there and a cool transmission is a happy transmission. I can't see the cooler over cooling the fluids to a point that there would be any negative effects.

For your power steering I rarely see the need to cool it. Even when hauling a trailer you will not be putting any excess stress on the system. Maybe if you routinely find yourself on very long and winding roads for extensive periods of time that can add some heat into the system that can be removed with a cooler.

expert reply by: Randy B