Transaxle Cooling

The transmission fluid cooling system consists of the following:

• Oil-to-air (OTA) transmission fluid combo cooler
• Transmission fluid cooler tube assembly
• Thermal bypass valve
• Transmission fluid cooler outlet tube
• Transmission fluid cooler return tube

These vehicles are equipped with an external fluid cooler. The transmission fluid cooler is part of the A/C condenser and cannot be serviced separately. The cooler is mounted in front of the engine radiator. The cooling system also consists of a thermal bypass valve which is mounted on the transaxle main control cover. When the transmission fluid is below normal operating temperature, transmission fluid travels from the transaxle to the thermal bypass valve and back to the transaxle. When the transmission fluid is at or above normal operating temperature, the thermal bypass valve opens allowing transmission fluid to travel from the transaxle through the cooler and back to the transaxle. The transmission fluid cooler transfers heat from the transmission fluid to the outside air.

Fig 1: Transaxle Cooling

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.