Need to replace transmission cooler lines

[FLAME747]

Hi All,

I have a small leak from one of the lines that is connected to the cooler, I got the replacement lines - But can figure out how to remove the old lines, Would removing the grill provide access to the lines - If so how do I remove it.

Also I think I purchased regular cooler lines, not the cooler lines for aux cooler
so with that being said are the the same lenght?



I have a 99 town & country limited

Thanks

FCA

[tcwagner1]

are your lines metal or rubber or a combination? Where is the leak? Can you patch it? You can cut a piece of neoprene (inner tube) to fit around the pipe like a band and put over a small hole in a pipe and use a gas line clamp to secure. Are the attachments gas clamps or are they quick release type? Is your cooler standard or is it an aftermarket?

[FLAME747]

Both lines are rubber, with gas clamps, the cooler is the original factory one.

I already have the replacement parts, I just can't figure out how to reach the hoses by the cooler.

Thanks

FCA

[tcwagner1]

I don't have a book on your model, but if your cooler is up in the front and not in the radiator, you will likely have to remove the grill. Usually there are a few screws on the upper part and some down below and you might have to take the bumper cover off. But it is not usually an undoable job for the novice. I would disconnect the battery (-) cable to ensure you do not set off the air bags before you start. See if you can figure it out. If you need help, post a picture or two of what you are dealing with. Someone will surely know. If you don't get an answer in a couple of days, keeping adding a post yourself to keep it at the front of the listings.
By the way, on my 05 TC, you can get a pretty good look at the connections, I recall, by removing the headlight assembly.

[alvin]

The external cooler is plumbed with metal tubing that bends around the radiator and connects to the rubber hoses near the left tank. To me, it looks like with some determination, you can reach those clamps from beneath.
Removing the battery and tray, and/or air intake ductwork also might help.
With external cooler used on some 1998-2000 models (apparently those with rear AC), the hose set includes a third, C-shaped line. The other two I believe are the same as w/o the external cooler.

[thebrakeman]

Remove the airbox (like you would to change the air filter), and maybe remove the lower air duct as well (I can't remember) and you will have plenty of room to change these lines directly from above. Just remove the 2 clamps at the trans, and the 2 clamps at the radiator, and replace the hoses.

If you also have the inline aux transmission cooler, then you will have 3 rubber lines:
1. Trans-to-radiator
2. Radiator-to-aux
3. Aux-to-trans
I can't remember what the flow-direction is, but be sure not to reverse anything. Mark them if necessary.

If the line you need to change is one of the lines that go to or from the aux cooler, then the job may be more involved. All bumpers are not created equal, but on my '00 G.Voyager, I was able to remove the grille without pulling the entire bumper. Start by simply removing the 4-6 bolts you see holding the upper bumper/grille to the radiator-mounts. This should allow you to pull the top of the grille/bumper away from the radiator and get some access. You will then see that the bottom of the grill is held to the bumper with 5-7 push clips. You may need a flat-blade screwdriver to pry them lose, but try not to bend them. PS - Mine was only held with 3-4 of those tabs, but it's very secure anyway.

But before you pull the grille off, if you don't think that will help you, don't bother. In that case, just remove the bumper/grille as an assembly. You have about 8 push pins underneath. Then remove the front splash shields in the wheel wells, and find 1-2 bolts on each side holding the bumper ends. The bolts are probably the toughest part, as they are well-hidden. With the bumper removed, everything is exposed.

This all sounds very involved, but you can have the bumper off within 30 minutes.

[tcwagner1]

I think it must be going to an aux. cooler or the problem would not be. You could just get to it from the bottom. But while we are on the subject, I am a great proponent of bypassing the radiator cooler altogether, this is a great time to do it. The radiator type can clog and burn up the tranny on early models, my 90 for instance 3.3.