Why Would 2006 Jeep Commander Need a Transmission Cooler  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Are you wondering what benefit you'd get from installing a transmission cooler?

Depending on the engine size of your Commander and the frontal area of the trailer, the towing capacity of your Commander can range from 3500 lbs for the 3.7L up to 7200 lbs for the 5.7L engine according to what I read in the owner's manual.

If you're above half the towing capacity, I'd give serious thought to installing a transmission cooler and would consider it extremely important if you're towing in hilly or mountainous areas. Most vehicles will run the transmission lines through a loop in the radiator, but if you're towing a heavy trailer up and down hills frequently, your transmission fluid temp could rise above 220-240º, at which point bad things will start to happen. Installing an auxiliary cooler inline on the return line between the radiator and transmission can provide up to 50º of cooling which should keep your transmission within the 160-200º range.

Even if you aren't going to tow frequently, transmission coolers are inexpensive and not difficult to install, so it's inexpensive insurance to protect your transmission. The Derale # D13503 cooler you'd looked at would work well for you, and when we installed in on a 2006 Jeep Commander, we found it fit very well in front of the radiator directly behind the grille which is the recommended mooting location.

I've linked to a video showing the # D13503 being installed on a 2006 Commander like yours, as well as to some articles about transmission coolers that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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