Main radiator with automatic transmission cooling
A radiator is a heat exchanger designed to cool a liquid by removing heat to the environment. The radiator, combined with cooling the automatic transmission, performs two functions:
* Engine Cooling: Removing heat from engine coolant to prevent overheating.
* Automatic transmission cooling: Removing heat from the automatic transmission fluid, which heats up during operation of the gearbox.
Design
An automatic transmission cooling radiator usually consists of the following components:
* Heatsink Core: Consists of numerous thin tubes or channels with aluminum or copper fins that increase the surface area for heat dissipation.
* Reservoirs: Two plastic or aluminum reservoirs located at the ends of the radiator core through which coolant flows.
* Thermostat: A device that regulates the flow of coolant through the radiator to maintain optimal engine temperature.
*Cooling Fan: Used to increase air flow through the radiator to improve heat dissipation.
* Transmission Cooling Lines: Tubes or hoses that connect the radiator to the automatic transmission and allow transmission fluids to circulate through the radiator core for cooling.
Operating principle
Coolant heated in the engine and automatic transmission passes through the radiator core. Thin tubes or channels in the radiator core release heat into the surrounding air through the fins. The cooling fan increases airflow as needed to improve cooling efficiency. The cooled fluid is then returned to the engine and automatic transmission.
Advantages
Using one radiator to cool both the engine and automatic transmission provides the following advantages:
* Space Saving: Reduces the need for a separate automatic transmission radiator, saving space under the hood.
* Improved Transmission Cooling: Allows transmission fluid to circulate through the radiator core, providing more efficient cooling and longer transmission life.
* Optimum Engine Temperature: An integrated thermostat regulates coolant flow to maintain optimal engine temperature.
Service
Regular servicing of the transmission cooler is critical to ensure optimal transmission performance. Recommended:
*Check your coolant level annually: Low coolant levels can cause overheating.
* Clean the radiator of debris: Accumulated debris can block airflow and reduce cooling efficiency.
* Check cooling hoses and lines: Leaks or damage can lead to overheating and other problems.
* Replace Coolant and Filter: Over time, coolant loses its effectiveness and needs to be replaced, and the filter prevents contaminants from entering the cooling system.