Good day folks - first post on the forum here,
Firstly, the bulk of my reading was done at this thread - Transmission Cooler - Anyone installed one?
To avoid resurrecting an almost 6 year old thread, I have decided to start an offshoot to ask my question. I have already asked this on Reddit (without any luck), but here it goes:
I am in Canada and have a 2019 Mazda CX-5 Diesel (2.2 L D SkyActiv-D, with 6 speed SkyActiv Drive transmission). I am doing recreational towing on occasion (nothing excessive, just a TT under 3200lbs (1450 kg)) and while towing I have noticed transmission temperatures climbing to 250 F (121.1 C) on some steep slopes in about 86 F (30 C) outside temperature. Otherwise, the temperature seems to float around 240 F (116 C) to 230 F (110 C) on average. Google tells me that this is too hot. I have inquired with my dealer and they cannot give me a straight answer on whether or not this is too hot, as I know this may differ depending on the vehicle. Supposedly, a warning is supposed to pop up around the 260 F (126 C) mark, but the dealer couldn't answer that either. Bottom line from all this is that I'm leaning towards wanting to install an aftermarket transmission coolers to keep the temperatures lower. I've been doing a lot of Googling lately and it seems that all of the threads talking about the installation of aftermarket transmission coolers onto a SkyActiv Drive Transmission either die or devolve into attacks on the OP about not owning a truck for towing.
Based on my understanding of the Googling I've done, there are conflicting reports on whether or not the installation of an aftermarket transmission cooler is possible:
Any thoughts, advice, or other contributions would be appreciated. And I would please respectfully ask posters to avoid the "upgrade your tow vehicle" comments.
Thank you for your time.
Firstly, the bulk of my reading was done at this thread - Transmission Cooler - Anyone installed one?
To avoid resurrecting an almost 6 year old thread, I have decided to start an offshoot to ask my question. I have already asked this on Reddit (without any luck), but here it goes:
I am in Canada and have a 2019 Mazda CX-5 Diesel (2.2 L D SkyActiv-D, with 6 speed SkyActiv Drive transmission). I am doing recreational towing on occasion (nothing excessive, just a TT under 3200lbs (1450 kg)) and while towing I have noticed transmission temperatures climbing to 250 F (121.1 C) on some steep slopes in about 86 F (30 C) outside temperature. Otherwise, the temperature seems to float around 240 F (116 C) to 230 F (110 C) on average. Google tells me that this is too hot. I have inquired with my dealer and they cannot give me a straight answer on whether or not this is too hot, as I know this may differ depending on the vehicle. Supposedly, a warning is supposed to pop up around the 260 F (126 C) mark, but the dealer couldn't answer that either. Bottom line from all this is that I'm leaning towards wanting to install an aftermarket transmission coolers to keep the temperatures lower. I've been doing a lot of Googling lately and it seems that all of the threads talking about the installation of aftermarket transmission coolers onto a SkyActiv Drive Transmission either die or devolve into attacks on the OP about not owning a truck for towing.
Based on my understanding of the Googling I've done, there are conflicting reports on whether or not the installation of an aftermarket transmission cooler is possible:
- Opinion 1 - It is not possible to add a transmission cooler onto as there are no ATF lines running in or out of the transmission. The transmission fluid is cooled by the engine coolant running to and from the transmission itself. OP should consider checking ATF frequently and changing it more frequently.
- Opinion 2 - OP can install a front mount radiator to cool the engine coolant further before flowing into the factory transmission oil cooler, just to pull a bit more heat out of the fluid. This video is for a Mazda 5 but the transmission cooler appears similar and the concept makes sense -https://youtu.be/m7y1t0xCutc.
- Can an aftermarket transmission cooler be installed on a SkyActiv Drive transmission?
- If it is possible to install an aftermarket transmission cooler, what type/brand/etc is recommended? Moreover, is it possible to have one with a thermostat or bypass that can account for winter temperatures around -22 F (-30 C)?
- Any other recommendations? Especially from our European counterparts? I know this vehicle is rated for 4400lbs (2000kg braked) over there.
Any thoughts, advice, or other contributions would be appreciated. And I would please respectfully ask posters to avoid the "upgrade your tow vehicle" comments.
Thank you for your time.