This procedure covers removal and replacement of the transmission oil cooler, including draining transmission fluid, disconnecting cooler lines, and refilling the system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission oil cooler assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission cooler line O-rings × 1 — Replace all seals during installation
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification if equipped
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM gasket or RTV per spec

Fluids

• Mopar ATF+4 — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Allow engine and transmission to cool completely (minimum 2 hours if recently operated)
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
4. Raise and safely support front of vehicle on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove front skid plate if equipped
6. Place drain pan under transmission pan

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Remove transmission drain plug using appropriate socket and allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan. If no drain plug is present, loosen transmission pan bolts starting from the rear and working forward, leaving front bolts partially threaded to allow pan to tilt and drain. Once drained, remove pan completely and clean gasket surfaces. Install new crush washer on drain plug if equipped and reinstall drain plug to specification.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan and filter
   Remove all transmission pan bolts. Lower pan carefully as residual fluid will remain. Remove transmission filter by pulling straight down - some fluid will spill from filter. Clean pan interior thoroughly and inspect for debris or metal shavings that may indicate internal transmission damage. Clean gasket mating surface on transmission case with plastic scraper.
   ℹ️Excessive metal debris in pan may indicate transmission damage requiring further diagnosis before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access transmission cooler
   From above engine bay, locate transmission oil cooler mounted in front of radiator on driver side. Remove any air intake components or shrouding that restricts access to cooler mounting area. On some models, partial grille removal may be required for access.
4. 4

   Disconnect cooler lines
   Using flare nut wrenches to prevent line damage, disconnect transmission cooler lines from cooler inlet and outlet ports. Some connections use quick-disconnect fittings requiring special disconnect tools. Cap or plug all open lines immediately to prevent contamination. Note routing and orientation of lines for reassembly.
   ⚠Use correct size flare nut wrench to prevent rounding off line fittings. Standard wrenches will damage soft aluminum fittings.
5. 5

   Remove transmission cooler mounting
   Remove cooler mounting bolts securing cooler to radiator support or frame brackets. Note position of any spacers, insulators, or alignment shims. Carefully extract cooler from mounting location, being aware of any remaining fluid that will drain from cooler body.
   ℹ️Cooler may contain 1-2 quarts of residual fluid. Have drain pan ready during removal.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Inspect cooler lines and connections
   Inspect all cooler lines for damage, kinks, or excessive corrosion. Check line mounting brackets and rubber isolators for deterioration. Replace any damaged components. Clean cooler line fittings with wire brush and inspect threads for damage.
7. 7

   Install new transmission cooler
   Position new transmission cooler in mounting location, ensuring proper orientation with inlet and outlet ports accessible. Install all mounting hardware with any spacers or insulators in original positions. Torque mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even clamping pressure.
   ℹ️Verify cooler orientation matches original installation. Reversed flow direction can cause transmission damage.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect transmission cooler lines
   Install new O-rings on cooler line fittings, lubricating lightly with clean ATF+4. Connect cooler lines to new cooler, ensuring proper routing matches original configuration. For threaded fittings, start threads by hand to prevent cross-threading, then tighten with flare nut wrench. For quick-disconnect fittings, push firmly until audible click is heard and verify lock engagement.
   ⚠Cross-threaded cooler fittings will cause catastrophic fluid loss and transmission failure. Always start threads by hand.
9. 9

   Reinstall transmission filter and pan
   Install new transmission filter by pressing straight up into valve body until fully seated. Position new pan gasket on pan or apply RTV sealant per manufacturer specification. Lift pan into position and start all pan bolts by hand. Tighten pan bolts in criss-cross pattern working from center outward to specification.
   ⚠Over-torquing pan bolts will warp pan flange and cause leaks. Use torque wrench and follow specified pattern.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Refill transmission fluid
    Add approximately 6 quarts of Mopar ATF+4 through transmission dipstick tube using fluid transfer pump or funnel. Start engine and allow to idle in Park. With engine running and transmission at operating temperature (160-200°F), shift through all gear ranges, pausing 3 seconds in each position. Return to Park and check fluid level with engine running. Add fluid as needed to bring level to HOT range on dipstick. Total system capacity is approximately 10 quarts.
    ⚠️Never check transmission fluid level with engine off on this model. Fluid must be checked hot with engine running in Park.
    ⚠Overfilling transmission can cause aeration, foaming, and transmission damage. Add fluid in small increments and recheck frequently.
11. 11

    Pressure test and leak inspection
    With engine at idle in Park, carefully inspect all cooler line connections and cooler mounting area for leaks. Increase engine speed to 1500 RPM for 30 seconds to increase line pressure, then reinspect all connections. Check transmission pan gasket seal completely around perimeter.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front skid plate if equipped, torquing fasteners to specification
2. Reinstall any grille components or air intake parts removed for access
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands
4. Reconnect negative battery cable
5. Road test vehicle through all gears to verify proper transmission operation
6. Recheck fluid level after road test with transmission at full operating temperature

Verification

• Check transmission fluid level is in HOT range on dipstick with engine running at operating temperature
• Verify no fluid leaks at cooler connections, cooler body, or transmission pan after 15-minute test drive
• Confirm all transmission gears engage smoothly without slipping or delayed engagement
• Monitor transmission temperature gauge (if equipped) stays within normal range during operation
• Recheck fluid level after 50 miles of operation and top off if necessary

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