Kluger Auto Trans Coolers

[JohnM]

Hi Everyone,

I posted this on another forum and have been encouraged by David {Thanks for the reply David], to post it on the Kluger forum.

Hi everyone,

Just joined and need some advice. I have a 2010 Kluger towing a caravan approx 1500kgs. I have been told I should fit a auto transmission fluid cooler. Apparantly 90% of transmission failures occur because the transmission fluid gets too hot when towing. I have spoken to RAA [ Royal Automobile Association] in SA. and they agree, advising anything to keep the fluid cooler is a good thing and can extend the life of the transmission. I have spoken to my Toyota dealer and they say its not required as the car is designed to tow 2000kgs.[but they dont like anything added to the car thats not genuine Toyota part].

So has any Kluger owners got any experience with this situation or have an opinion.

Thanks

John

[CROCO]

Thats alright john ,not a problem.

I also was told by toyota that the kluger didnt need a aftermarket transmission cooler, I asked caravan salesman and few other towing accessory places, they said If your towing close to the maximum limit, In hilly or hotter climate that the transmission cooler was advisable, Im not sure how you will go with the factory warranty when you fit the aftermarket transmission cooler.

I was going to get a aftermarket transmission cooler fitted, but now I have decided to buy a smaller camper trailer that only weighs 700kg, and I am only going to tow it ocaisonary so I wont need a transmission cooler,in your case towing 1500kg, I would personly would get a aftermarket transmission cooler , especialy if your towing in hotter climate or hilly areas, mate thats just my opinion, hopefully someone on this forum might know more than me, and had experience towing with there kluger.

[JohnM]

Thanks David,

I have spoken to my Toyota Dealer and provided the recommended trans fluid was used they saw no problem with the warranty issue. I think for peace of mind given that I will be travelling the top end of Australia I will have the cooler fitted.

Thanks

John

[Ronnyboy]

The Kluger has been designed and tested to tow 2,000 KGs. I'm not sure why there is a need to get an aftermarket transmission cooler if you're planning to tow 1500 KG's.

[JohnM]

Hi Ron,

Thanks for the reply,

I have spoken to several people about this now including the RAA [Royal Automobile Assoc in SA] a transmission mechanic and some caravaners that have not had a cooler fitted. All these people advise to have one fitted. Your point about the car being designed to tow 2000kgs is valid but some have questioned has it been dsigned to cope with Australias hot conditions in the north and west where temps can reach over 45 degrees. Even the Toyota dealer guy said that although they dont recommend any non toyota part he advised that normally the trans fluid never has to be replaced but if towing replace it every 30,000 k, and provided genuine toyota trans fluid is used then there should be no warranty problems. To me that suggests there is doubt in his mind. For the sake of a few hundred dollars I think it best to have one fitted as most of my Kluger driving will be towing around Australia.

John

[Ronnyboy]

If its only a few hundred dollars and helps expand the life of the transmission, its worth investing in one.

I came across this video which may be useful.

[JohnM]

Thanks for the video Ron, It kind of says what everyone has told me. I have been quoted $450 from a RAA approved transmission specialist so I still think it good policy to do.

Thanks for you help

John

[ruggedron]

Hi John,

I've just come back from round trip to Mt Gambier with my Kluger and caravan. I had trans cooler fitted in Feb this year. I had no problem driving thru various terrain and weather conditions. Apparently the Kluger's built in trans cooler is quite small and not sufficient for all conditions. I recommend you get one fitted.

Cheers Ron

[JohnM]

Thanks Ron,

I am definetly getting one fitted. Takes the worry out when I'm up north with the higher temps. Can I ask how much did it cost you assuming you had a trans specialist fit it?

Thanks

John

[ruggedron]

Hi John,

The cost of my cooler was $450 fitted by a trans. specialist. The cooler is about the same width as the radiator and is mounted in front of it.

Cheers Ron

[JohnM]

Hi Ron,

Thanks for the reply. I was quoted between $450 to $500 by our local specialist so that seems to be the going cost. Just need to book in as soon as I get time off work.

John

[am3037]

IMO those prices are on the higher side for a transmission cooler installation, but in the long run are cheap insurance when you look at the big picture.

The cost of the transmission coolant radiator will be between $40-$120 depending on size.

The cost of additional hosing (standard rubber/silicone with hose clamps, not braided teflon and -8 speedflow fittings!) is approximately $15 (with plenty left over)

The cooler and hosing will require less than a litre of additional transmission fluid. ~$10. However, this is the new Toyota WS version of fluid, which funnily enough is designed to never be replaced unlike the ATF IV and Toyotas own special (!) T-IV fluid. So you can only buy it from the stealership in a shiny 4L can for around $90. It is a very cool and shiny can though.

Allow an hour to install. ~$110

Oh, workshop consumables, environmental disposal fees, carbon tax, ~$20

If you are touring around the Top End in the Wet Season, its pretty extreme. Youll have the AC running non stop for a start. The engine radiator is also cooling the transmission, as well as the engine, so whilst towing, its working even harder.

For towing large loads, an often overlooked area is braking.

Certain areas in the NT are very long and very hilly, and as the Kluger is already underbraked (in my opinion) a set of upgraded pads should be considered as much as a transmission cooler, considering they would be half the cost (supplied and fitted) and can really make your drive a lot less stressful when towing close to the Klugers capacity. ( I tow a car trailer often enough up here)

Whilst brake shops and retailers will certainly agree and recommend a $400 pair of rotors and $200 set of pads with some $90 fluid, the truth is the factory plain rotors (328mm- thats larger diameter than a 2000 model twin turbo Toyota Supra) are fine (when in spec) but the pads are quite a let down.

I fitted TRW/Lucas pads, they are very cheap, but handle heat very well and dont chew the rotors unless pushed hard on a race track. The part number is CDB3130M and I paid $115 for a front set (you pay more for everything in the NT). They are still on the car now and still surprise me.