winnipegjohnston Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 So I've searched high and low to try and find out which transmission line is the return line (for when installing an auxillary trans cooler). I know you can do the "start the truck test to see which hose squirts out fluid" but why not just KNOW in the first place?! So, on my 2001 3.5l auto Pathfinder, the RETURN LINE HOSE IS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND GOES TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE BOTTOM OF THE RADIATOR (which is actually a factory oil cooler). I hope this helps and saves ya'll some time! Ps. I installed a B&M (16000lbs) trans cooler mounted infront of the air conditioning condensor = the optimum place to put it. I highly recommend purchasing a B&M kit as it comes with hose, clamps, etc...everything you need for install. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 Pics? I too have a tranny cooler mounted on my A/C radiator. I'm not sure of the brand name as it was installed several years ago when I had my trans rebuilt $$$$. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winnipegjohnston Posted April 30, 2011 Author Share Posted April 30, 2011 I'll snap some pics tomorrow if I get a chance and post them up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westy Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Great work... but does that apply to Australian RHD cars as well? =] also pics please Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winnipegjohnston Posted May 4, 2011 Author Share Posted May 4, 2011 Okay, so here are some pics...they are not the best as they are post install, but hopefully they are at least a little bit useful. This picture shows the two lines coming from the trans splitting off to either side of the bottom of the radiator (factory trans oil cooler). I have labeled the direction of flow for these lines. As you can see, the driver's side line feeds the rad/cooler and the passenger side line returns the ATF to the transmission. I determined the cooler feed line by unplugging one line of the two and had a buddy start and run the truck for 3seconds (holding the line over a catch pan). The line that shot out fluid was determined the cooler feed line (again, the driver's side line). The is a picture of the B&M cooler mounted to my air conditioning condensor This picture shows the cooler and where I routed the lines back to the undercarriage. There was just enough room to fit the two lines beside the driver's side of the rad. Be sure to run your lines behind the horizontal frame cross member or you will not be able to put your splash guard/shroud back on properly. This picture shows the lines coming back from the cooler to the undercarriage. One line goes to the transmission nozzle that feeds the cooler, and the other line goes directly onto the feed nozzle of the cooler. Voila! Note: When I did this instal I also replaced my ATF. Wether you do a fluid change or not, make sure you check your trans fluid level when you are done. You will most likely have to top it of as you`ll lose some fluid when you disconnect the trans lines. I hope this helps?! Oh, and I highly recommend B&M coolers as they come with everything you need for the install on multiple applications. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towncivilian Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 Thanks for the information and pictures. I will be installing a Magnefine in-line transmission filter in around 450 miles so this information saved me some time. Is that a Fram oil filter I see? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towncivilian Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 Is this the transmission cooler you bought? I'm thinking of picking one up too, considering it's so cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 Took a couple pics of mine while I had the grill off today. Sooo .... here ya' go? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towncivilian Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 Found a TSB that has transmission cooler line descriptions: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westy Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 (edited) thanks for the pictures!! I didn't realise you can attach the cooler to the condenser. Also, mine already seems to have a stock factory cooler, so I think I'll leave it there and add another one in series. Do you just add more transmission fluid to system, or do you have to flush the whole thing? Edited May 9, 2011 by Westy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 Do you just add more transmission fluid to system, or do you have to flush the whole thing? Mine was flushed as the cooler was installed after my tranny was rebuilt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towncivilian Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 You don't need to flush the transmission for a cooler install, just top off after installation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qx4donald Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 (edited) ... Wether you do a fluid change or not, make sure you check your trans fluid level when you are done. You will most likely have to top it of as you`ll lose some fluid when you disconnect the trans lines.... You should have to add fluid regardless if you lose fluid during the install, since the aftermarket cooler should take up some fluid as well, right? ... So, on my 2001 3.5l auto Pathfinder, the RETURN LINE HOSE IS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND GOES TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE BOTTOM OF THE RADIATOR (which is actually a factory oil cooler). ... Found a TSB that has transmission cooler line descriptions: so... this contradicts what winniepegjohnston found? when I read "Return Hose" and "Cooler outlet", I interpret that as the "return hose to the transmission" Edited May 11, 2011 by Qx4donald Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towncivilian Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 (edited) I'm having trouble routing my hoses in a way that I can put the stock undercover back on. I don't have any pictures of my current setup but I moved the in-line trans filter into the front bumper cover so it's out of the way of everything and now just have hoses to deal with. I installed the cooler on the passenger side in front of the radiator and ran them under the washer fluid reservoir and can't seem to get the hoses to not be in the way of the "mountain" part on the side of the undercover. Any hints? Edited August 13, 2011 by Towncivilian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towncivilian Posted September 4, 2011 Share Posted September 4, 2011 Thanks for those pictures, I routed them next to the battery and the undercover now fits perfectly, but I'll wait a few days before putting it back up to ensure there are no leaks. I used plenty of zipties to ensure that the hoses don't make contact with the radiator fan or pulleys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towncivilian Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 Here are some awful pictures of how I routed my hoses, if anyone wants them for reference: In the first picture, the hose on the right has the original short hose (from below the vehicle) leading to one end of the Magnefine which is tucked behind the bumper, then has a 4 foot hose leading to the return fitting below the vehicle. The hose on the left is from the stock cooler outlet to the auxiliary cooler. The other two pictures should hopefully make enough sense of how I routed the hoses otherwise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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