Followed BPD's excellent write up on adding the 2013 transmission cooler to my 2011 PP and have to say it is a fantastic mod. Trans temps would consistently hit 215-220 just cruising down the highway in 80 degree temps. Last night it was almost 90 and typical temps were around 160-170 - highest I ever saw even when heat soaked was 180. Need to get the fluid flushed again. Has anyone gone to a different trans fluid (Royal Purple etc...)?
For the install the only additional tips I have are to take your time and you will need to remove one of the two tubes that are attached to the thermal bypass valve block to get the old one off the engine and the new one on. It seems obvious but wasn't mentioned explicitly in the directions unless I missed it. It is very easy to remove. Also make sure you pay attention to all the rubber seals before hand. I was missing one of the small O-rings and had to reuse one. When I pulled the old tube out it left a large rubber grommet behind so make sure you get that out or the new one obviously won't go in.
I mounted the cooler with two self tapping screws as mentioned and this was actually very easy to do. A small 10 mm socket will help get the thermal bypass block mounting bracket nuts off from the side of the car much easier. I know someone did this without removing the front end...if you have a lift it might be doable, but personally I think it would have been a huge PITA. That said the installation isn't hard and taking the front end off looks intimidating but really isn't bad..just a lot of screws and bolts. I definitely recommend doing this as it adds a bit of extra insurance if you run your car hard. Super happy with the results!!
Congrats on the install8)Has to feel good seeing such great #'s on the Trans after install. Thinking a winter project for me as of right now max temp I see is 204 tops in 90+ heat in traffic.
Thanks...I am hoping after I swap fluid it will run a bit cooler as well.
This sort of gets my mind going on temp ranges and what we watch through torque.
Just a suggestion here as the PID thread is already top notch, but since I've seen you upgrade the understand ability of it a few times. Maybe some normal running ranges and or a danger range for some key PID'S.
That's a good idea. I will try and get to it eventually! I used up some wife good will yesterday with the trans cooler install. :)
Understand that, time to build up those brownie points again. This gets me doing things late at night alot and sacrificing sleep. MODeration she says, lol.
Usually she is pretty good but to be fair it was our anniversary. I made up for it later though with a surprise night out ( which is rare for us with one year old twins)
Good man, happy wife = happy life
Great job!
Quote from: ecoboostsho on August 03, 2014, 09:10:59 AM
Usually she is pretty good but to be fair it was our anniversary. I made up for it later though with a surprise night out ( which is rare for us with one year old twins)
I'm impressed! You have a keeper there. It's great that you appreciate what you have. Congratulations on your anniversary!
Quote from: ecoboostsho on August 03, 2014, 09:10:59 AM
Usually she is pretty good but to be fair it was our anniversary. I made up for it later though with a surprise night out ( which is rare for us with one year old twins)
Good move! Excellent way to take are of both your girls!
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/04/baza4ypa.jpg)
You don't lose much fluid...this is what mine looked like. I'm at 60k now...last BG service at dealer was at 35,700...
Royal Purple ... the preferred brand of the heavy right foot :D Can't go wrong with it.
As for swapping the fluid out am I correct in assuming you can't drop the pan in this transmission? (or at least not without major effort) Does it even have a drain plug? (embarrassed I've never even looked) I will probably just get the BG service done again but was curious if you even can do this job yourself.
There appears to be a drain plug on the transmission pan but there is no way to drain the torque converter.
Thanks for the quick reply! I've also read there isn't a serviceable filter? If that is so then getting the BG service seems like the best way to go...
I have also been told there is no serviceable filter. There is a thread about that somewhere - maybe on an old forum..... I think the BG service sounds like the best bet.
I believe you have to crack the trans open to get at the filter with the 6F50/55 series. Same wonderful idea as having to drop the fuel tank to get at the fuel filter :) They are both supposed to be lifetime, but coz they are squirreled away, don't know for sure!
Definitely something for me to considering doing especially with the extreme hot weather here in south TX
About how long did this very smart mod take you to install?
Quote from: SHOnUup on August 05, 2014, 09:08:48 AM
About how long did this very smart mod take you to install?
It's only a couple hour job. Do you have ACC?
Quote from: crash712us on August 05, 2014, 01:08:38 PM
Quote from: SHOnUup on August 05, 2014, 09:08:48 AM
About how long did this very smart mod take you to install?
It's only a couple hour job. Do you have ACC?
No ACC for me.
Couple hours not bad at all. Would like to avoid taking front bumper off If possible. Haven't read the how to thoroughly yet.
Yep what everyone else said...a couple of hours assuming you have all the right tools handy. (which isn't much) I really think you are going to want to remove that front bumper. I just don't know how you will get the clamps off the risers tubes where they connect to the top of the existing cooler (the piece in front of the radiator). Mine were on super tight even after I removed the clamps...taking off the front is easy although I have done it a couple of times so I can see why you'd want to avoid it.
As an update I took a couple of long drives (2 hours) in 90 degree heat and on the highway at 75-80 mph the tranny temp seems to stabilize around 190-195. I admit I was expecting it to be a little lower but if I get on it - it still stays below 200 so the cooling capacity of the system is still greatly improved. I also haven't swapped fluid out yet and I know it needs it. Still super happy though because everything I've read says if you can stay below 200 the service life of the fluid is barely degraded...
Thx for the details. Front clip gives me nightmares of when I put the grille in. More to do with the grille than clip.
Long needle nose pliers will be your friend. Spark plug boot pliers too will get the hoses off behind the grill. Also a trans line disconnect tool will as be useful. In case your think a fuel line disconnect tool will work, it won't so you know.
Quote from: crash712us on August 05, 2014, 05:08:47 PM
Long needle nose pliers will be your friend. Spark plug boot pliers too will get the hoses off behind the grill. Also a trans line disconnect tool will as be useful. In case your think a fuel line disconnect tool will work, it won't so you know.
Roger that, thx