Factory Trans Cooler [Archive]

CX9 SportOwner

06-07-2009, 12:44 PM

Coolers are added all the time and will not void the warranty unless the cooler or install directly caused the problem. Another reason I want to match the factory cooler as close as possible.

The real problem is that noone with the towing package is sharing.

ceric

06-07-2009, 02:18 PM

Can't help you there, Sports.
No tow package on my CX9.
I would be intested in an aftermarket tranny cooler to prolong the life of transmission.

benben01

06-07-2009, 10:46 PM

Hayden has plenty of oil coolers for various applications. A simple $30-$40 will do a much better job than the factory tow package coolers. If memory serves me correctly, the tow package coolers are nothing more than a single oil return line with fins on it. This was the case in our 07' Odyssey with the Tow Package and my parent's S500 as well.

vikefan7

06-08-2009, 12:03 PM

If memory serves me correctly, the tow package coolers are nothing more than a single oil return line with fins on it. This was the case in our 07' Odyssey with the Tow Package and my parent's S500 as well.

Well if that's the case then maybe it's been staring back at me the whole time I've been looking for something that looks like a mini radiator.

CX9 SportOwner

06-08-2009, 03:14 PM

What's throwing me is the fact the the ATF capacity isn't listed twice, one for no cooler and one for with a cooler. You suppose they all have it standard, and Mazda used "trans cooler" to sell more tow packages?

This is why I'm hoping someone with a tow package can ID the cooler and it's location. Then I can compare my car to theirs. If nothing else, I can see what it looks like and match or exceed it.

nazgul350r

06-09-2009, 01:48 PM

Ive been looking at random cx-9's when I see them in the parking lot and have still to see one with the tow package.

CX9 SportOwner

06-09-2009, 07:51 PM

be nice if other people on here were more helpful

brightwhite

06-10-2009, 08:08 AM

I'd help, but I've been under my car a few times and still have no idea where it is. NExt oil change in 1000kms and I'll be more inquisitive.

The-9

06-10-2009, 09:25 AM

be nice if other people on here were more helpful

Well at this point, the only thing I can do is crawl under my 9 to see but you can do that since it is your vehicle. (dunno) If you still need an answer when I get my manuals, I will be more the happy to see what they read and let you know. (2thumbs)

cccx9

06-10-2009, 12:46 PM

^^He doesn't have the tow package w/ tranny cooler so crawling under his car would not help him :)

CX9 SportOwner

06-11-2009, 02:19 AM

I took a closer look and there is some kind of cooling on the trans. The loop goes into the bottom radiator reservoir, and comes back out. It also passes through what looks like a pump driven by a separate coolant loop.
What I need to look at now is if a CX9 with the towing package matches this. Mazda says the TP includes a heavy-duty transmission cooler and radiator fan. I don't know if that's what I have, or they add something beyond it.

vikefan7

06-11-2009, 01:20 PM

Did you climb under the car to get a look at it? Can you take a picture of where it's located and I can see about getting under mine to see if they match up.

CX9 SportOwner

06-11-2009, 05:29 PM

The pump is located on the front of the transmission. The loop goes into the bottom side of the radiator on one side, and then comes out towards the other side.

CX9 SportOwner

06-11-2009, 08:09 PM

And the ATF connections to the lower radiator reservoir...

.

vikefan7

06-12-2009, 12:02 PM

benben01

06-12-2009, 12:27 PM

In my supercharged accord V6, I had a 14"x8" Perma Cool oil cooler attached to the ATF return line from the radiator. Also had a temp probe connected to the return line to monitor fluid temp. Never had any issues with the tranny at a time when Hondas were notorious for tranny failures. At that time, the Accord was putting down 280WHP. The tranny ran with boost for 50K miles before I parted out the vehicle.

CX9 SportOwner

06-12-2009, 01:48 PM

I'm pretty sure that all looks the same. I had a mechanic buddy come over and take a look and he says there isn't your typical external cooler anywhere, just a bunch of coolant lines coming out. Two that head to the radiator, one that heads back and one that goes up to the front somewheres

Also, I don't understand how you get these great photos. I was trying to get you a pic, but my SLR is a little too big to take under the car, so I was trying to take a pic with my phone camera and it just wasn't working.

I just have a regular digital camera I stick up in there. The other line doesn't go to the front. It goes up into a priming loop, then comes back down and into that round pump.

If yours looks like mine, then all CX9s have trans cooling standard.
If true, I'm not sure what increases the capacity from 2000 to 3500 pounds. Altering the shift points alone wouldn't make that difference.
Maybe someone more versed in modern adaptive transmissions can answer that.

The first photo with the labels was taken from below the car pointed at the pump. Can you get a photo like that?

vikefan7

06-12-2009, 03:46 PM

Yeah, that's the photo I was trying to take for you but I couldn't get the cameraphone to take a good enough shot. I'll try to get under there tomorrow and get you a pic.

nazgul350r

06-12-2009, 05:19 PM

The pump is located on the front of the transmission. The loop goes into the bottom side of the radiator on one side, and then comes out towards the other side.

The line that you have labeled at the ATF loop is where you would tap into for the external cooler. Much like the hayden that was mentioned early in the thread.

CX9 SportOwner

06-12-2009, 05:27 PM

I know how to add one. What I want to know is if this is the setup for the 3500lb rating. Seems like it is

ceric

06-12-2009, 06:09 PM

SportsOwner,
Mazda articles mentioned
"heavy-duty transmission cooler and radiator fan".
My interpretation of that phrase is that there are transmission cooler and radiator (of course) on CX9 w/o Tow package, but the CX9 with TP has the "heavy duty" ones.

CX9 SportOwner

06-12-2009, 06:14 PM

Yes. Vikefan has the towing package, though, and says his looks exactly the same. Thus my confusion.

vikefan7

06-12-2009, 07:21 PM

Yes. Vikefan has the towing package, though, and says his looks exactly the same. Thus my confusion.

And mine. I swear I have the towing package. I'll take a pic to prove it....

vikefan7

06-18-2009, 12:34 AM

Okay, here they are. Sorry it took so long, had to find the right camera to take these pics. I've included a picture of the atf pump that you requested as well as a picture proving that I have the stock towing package and a view looking up from underneath the car just behind the radiator.

Hope this helps.

CX9 SportOwner

06-18-2009, 01:36 AM

And you already confirmed that there isn't a third cooler in front of the radiator, based on my photos, correct?

Yours looks almost exactly like mine. The connector at the left fan is different.

Can you take a photo looking at the fans from the prop rod, and straight down on the left fan, like these?:

.

vikefan7

06-18-2009, 12:04 PM

Yeah, I see no other coolers. I'll get you the pics. I think it looks the same.

vikefan7

06-19-2009, 11:36 AM

Sorry I didn't get a chance to take pics last night, had to take the little ones to a bday party. I'll try to get those to you tomorrow.

CX9 SportOwner

06-19-2009, 02:50 PM

No problem. Your help, whenever you have time, is appreciated.

vikefan7

06-20-2009, 10:18 PM

Here are the pics from above. The only difference is that I have the two "heat-sink" looking things I described way back when you first asked about this. They say Denso on them so they obviously have something to do with the NAV system somehow.

ceric

06-20-2009, 10:50 PM

vikefan7,
The "thing" with "heat-sink" is the "fan control module" (based on WorkShop Manual).
Denso is a big company in Japan. Their product line covers many areas.
On Tow Package, there are two fan control modules, on regular CX9 (like mine), there is only one. The WorkShop manual also mentions this. However, it only mentions that some models have dual fan control modules. From comparing yours and mine, I think it is the Tow Package which makes the difference. Strange though, mine also have two fans controlled by one module. On Tow package, there are two control modules control two fans. More efficient? "Heavy-duty"? Who knows?

I also found something interesting (I believe someone asked about this), and I quote:
"Depending on the vehicle, the cooling fan may operate suddenly even when the ignition switch is turned off. Therefore, keep hands and tools away from the cooling fan even if the cooling fan is not operating to prevent injury to personnel or damage to the cooling fan. Always disconnect the negative battery cable when servicing the cooling fan or parts near the cooling fan."

So, our beloved cooling fans do activate even when the ignition is off.
Case closed.

CX9 SportOwner

06-21-2009, 12:42 AM

The fan control modules are definitely different. I don't even have one on the passenger side fan, so that is the difference, not the ATF cooler itself. ('heavy-duty transmission cooler and radiator fan').

I will still need to add a front cooler to get more than 1500lbs. (Or replace the internal loop with the auxiliary cooler) At least now I know, and how to hook it up. Thanks for your help, vike.

Ceric, do you have any insight on the 'revised Engine Control Module'? Is it shift points, or temp sensing?

ceric

06-21-2009, 01:37 AM

> Ceric, do you have any insight on the 'revised Engine Control Module'? Is it shift points, or temp sensing?

From what I have read before I bought CX9, the "programming revision" was about
- modifying shift points
- preventing trailer swaying under hard braking

CX9 SportOwner

06-21-2009, 02:25 AM

Thanks

nazgul350r

06-21-2009, 11:10 AM

CX9_SportOwner

Please do a write up on your install for the rest of us.

CX9 SportOwner

06-21-2009, 02:03 PM

It will be a while, since right now I don't need the 3500lb rating yet.

If anyone else out there installs one, go ahead and post your photos for anyone else interested.

When I do, I was thinking of bypassing the internal cooler by disconnecting and extending the lines on the bottom reservoir to go to the new cooler. Then cap off the original connections so the whole thing can be reversed.

ab040501

07-03-2009, 10:30 PM

Is the extra fan control module identifies that the CX-9 has the Towing Package? Does this tells me that my CX-9 got a Towing package?

CX9 SportOwner

07-03-2009, 11:05 PM

Vehicle details please. All 3 years are different.

Always include your vehicle details when asking questions.

ab040501

07-04-2009, 11:03 AM

It's 2008 CX-9 GT with NAV and rear Entertainment Unit no Moonroof. It's the last unit on sale for 2008 model I bought in Jan. 2009. I don't know if it has towing package.

CX9 SportOwner

07-04-2009, 11:20 AM

ab040501

07-04-2009, 11:49 AM

Yes I am in Canada, here's the picture of my CX-9 I took few days ago.

ab040501

07-04-2009, 04:47 PM

Does anyone has a page of workshop manual showing the wiring for the hitch signaling/light? Can you please post it here. Thanks.

CX9 SportOwner

07-04-2009, 04:53 PM

You have the heavy duty cooling. Just need to add the receiver and harness.

There should be a connector under the left rear cargo bin. Otherwise, you just have to tap the lights yourself, which is really all the factory plug does, and run power to the battery.

A awl type 12v test light works well to ID the wires, if you don't get a schematic from anyone.

ab040501

07-05-2009, 01:55 AM

On the left rear cargo bin of my CX-9 there's a Bose subwoofer, when I open the compartment for the jack and look thru I can see a white connector I don't know if that's what you are pertaining here. Is there a way I can remove the cover of the subwoofer without damaging it or voiding the warranty?

mixmasterlove

07-05-2009, 02:50 AM

My question is.... If I have no intention of ever towing, but always have people in my CX-9 IS it worth it, for the extra $500.00 to get the Tow Package for the extra cooling??

ceric

07-05-2009, 03:41 AM

The thing is that you want the transmission to operate at the "set" temperature. The temperature was calibrated by Mazda to function properly in terms of MPG, longivity, etc.
Transmission operating at a lower temp could cost you MPG and may cause rough shifting. Towing and heavy load cause the transmission to work hard, therefore, raise temperature behind set degree. W/o better cooling, the transmission will shut down into limp mode (see TSB - loss power while climbing hills...).

I am not expert on this. Just to contribute what I have learned while researching into adding transmission cooler.

In short, people have reported loss of MPG by adding excessive cooling to the transmission. What is "excessive"? I don't know.

Maybe that is one more reason why GT AWD w/ Tow package could have the worst MPG among all models.

CX9 SportOwner

07-05-2009, 04:13 AM

If it's a square connector not hooked up, that's probably the one the trailer converter will connect to. Use a test light to conform brakes and turn signals on it. I honestly don't know how the subwoofer comes out. Maybe someone with the Bose can help on that. Probably not much to it. The connector, and a couple of retainers, I'd guess.

The CX9 does have standard transmission cooling. The tow package just changes the fan control modules to keep more air across the radiator sooner.

Passengers and gear alone are fine without adding cooling. Just like the engine itself, you don't want to overcool the trans.

The-9

07-05-2009, 10:10 AM

If it has the towing package it will have a hitch on it. Unless you're in Canada, which, I understand, all CX9s were set up for adding the hitch.

To tell if you have the extra cooling, look at the two radiator fans. If they both have the silver control module on the fan frame, like in vike's center photo, you have it. Non towing like mine only has one on the drivers side fan.

Also, take the rear cargo bins out and see if the trailer light connector is there. It taps into the left side taillight harness, I believe, and will be a square connector.

If this is the way to tell (truly) then my CX9 AWD GT without towing has the heavy duty cooling. I have two fan controls, one on each fan with heatsink.
The controls are black the heatsink is silver (aluminum)

I will have to check out the factory manual on this.

ceric

07-05-2009, 01:59 PM

mixmasterlove

07-05-2009, 06:35 PM

The-9,
All 2009 GT AWD has the Tow Prep included as standard.
Therefore, it is no surprise that you have dual fan control modules.
Tow Prep has everything a Tow package (of 2007-8) has excluding the hitch.

So basically... ALL 2009+s GT AWDs will have the added cooling feature, with OUT having to purchase the tow package?

nazgul350r

07-05-2009, 08:11 PM

Just checked my 08 GT FWD and it only has the one hint sink

CX9 SportOwner

07-05-2009, 09:30 PM

US 07 and 08 didn't have the tow prep. If you had the towing, you got the whole package.

ceric

07-06-2009, 12:50 AM

So basically... ALL 2009+s GT AWDs will have the added cooling feature, with OUT having to purchase the tow package?

Any AWD models of 2009 (Sports, Touring or Grand Touring) has tow prep as standard.

ab040501

07-06-2009, 01:28 AM

Is this the connector for the hitch wiring? This connector is located near the Bose subwoofer left side bumper.

The-9

07-06-2009, 06:24 AM

Any AWD models of 2009 (Sports, Touring or Grand Touring) has tow prep as standard.

Well hot damn. I for one always like getting a tow prep package because of the better cooling features.

cccx9

07-06-2009, 09:23 AM

Thanks to all those who have contributed to this thread. Very informative. This is what forums are all about.

ab040501

07-08-2009, 02:52 AM

Are there any CX-9 owners with towing package on their 08 can you please take a picture of the OEM hitch wiring connector, located in the left side tail of the car under the cargo bin? I want to confirm why the connector just like the one I posted here got so many wires, please see the attached pictures. Is this the correct connector for hitch wiring? Why it got so many wires?

vikefan7

07-08-2009, 11:53 AM

I do, but I won't be able to take a look at it until next week sometime.

CX9 SportOwner

07-08-2009, 12:53 PM

Contact U4IA (http://www.msprotege.com/forum/member.php?u=74152). He found the trailer light connector.

ab040501

07-09-2009, 12:51 PM

Thanks vikefan, I will wait for your posting then.

vikefan7

07-20-2009, 12:12 PM

So, I opened the storage compartment last night and I don't think I'm going to be able to help you on this one. I've got the BOSE unit sitting on the left side of that compartment and I'm guessing this is where you're finding those wires. Do you just have a big open space on that left side?

ab040501

07-22-2009, 03:58 AM

Yes I got the Bose sound subwoofer, I took the jack out and use my small camera and set it to take pictures like setting for close up picture on flowers, and I slide my camera in and took a picture of it. I'm Asian so I don't know how big your hand is, but my hand fit in there.

Thanks for the effort.

This will be a lot easier if someone with Workshop manual can post the related pages.