ATF Cooler on 2022 Tacoma?

So, I’ve heard and seen videos that say the ATF cooler on the third generation tacos had been removed at some point … yet on my 2022 sticker and brochure it states clearly that it has one. Anyone have any info on this?

 

Are you referring to this?....

 

No. This.



Source:

https://www.toyota.com/content/dam/toyota/brochures/pdf/2022/tacoma_ebrochure.pdf

 

3rd gens used to have external coolers as well as water cooled exchangers. Now they only have water cooled heat exchangers (like most modern vehicles).

 

its cooled in the radiator

 

So cooled in radiator instead of an “external cooler”? Not sure what that means.

 

The fluid goes through tanks on the side of the radiator, as opposed to the previously added external air cooled finned small radiator.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/missing-transmission-cooler.671079/

 

After reading that I’m even more confused! People there saying the ATF cooler is missing despite it being listed in the spec sheet! Does the taco cool the fluid enough during towing or not?

 

It cools fine enough to tow but speculation would argue the former design and external cooler was better at cooling, alot of people added on or b*tched about it, Toyota clearly felt it was not necessary and a way to save on production costs. But yep its been gone since early 2020 MY. I had one of the last 2020's with one, my 2022 obviously does not have one.

 

Same question here about the ATF Cooler. I'm about to pull the trigger on a 2022 Taco and would like to know about the ATF fluid being cool enough to tow. The only thing i'll be towing is my ATV trailer with 2 Polaris Sportsman onboard. Nothing too heavy. Thanks just curious

 

I also want to know. Makes me wonder whether Kaizen is for the benefit of the truck/consumer or solely the profit margin.

 

There's 46 pages of conversation in the other thread. Not sure how much more could be covered here.

There's plenty of after market options to add an external cooler if you feel the need. Get a scanner and monitor your trans temp while towing if you are that worried about it.

If you use the search bar, you'll find plenty of writeups and even kits for sale.

 

All of the window stickers i've looked at all say transmission w/oil cooler. Just want to know or if anyone has added an external cooler just in case for towing. I guess extra doesn't hurt but just curious. Sorry to ask so early on Sunday. Enjoy the day.

 

Was about to say the same, well said. The towing specs did not change so Toyota feels its fine, but if you don't then mod away, monitor temps and do your thing.

 

There used to be an external cooler, there is not anymore. No one meant to be condescending, Toyota feels its fine without but if you don't and need to tow you can add one or monitor temps, lots of good write ups on how to add one in here.

 

Geez, I'm so very upset my new (still in transit from Guanajuato) Tacoma won't have an ATF cooler. Oh wait! My Tacoma has a manual transmission.

For those confused about the different type of ATF cooling most (but not all) vehicles equipped with an autotragic transmission employ to keep the ATF cool enough to function properly...

• Liquid to Liquid cooling (90+ percent of all vehicles): hot ATF is circulated though a pipe to a heat exchanger inside one of the radiator tanks, and then back into the transmission.
• Liquid to Air cooling #1 (a small fraction of vehicles): hot ATF is circulated through a pipe to a mini-radiator located somewhere in cool(ish) area of the engine compartment.
• Liquid to Air cooling #2 (even a smaller fraction of vehicles): ATF is circulated directly into device which does double duty as a cooler and a warmer; this device is typically mounted directly to the transmission.

 

I never felt anyone to be condescending. I'm Irish and nothing offends me anyway. I've read extensively the tread on towing and adding another cooler. Just curious on the trend to add them good or bad. Switching from Chevy to Toyota and downsizing for my retirement vehicle is a little new to me and just want to know a few options. Thank You and enjoy the day.

 

My confusion is more around whether the “ATF cooler” comment in the brochure (and my vehicle spec sheet) is accurate—whether it refers to the old external cooler (which was removed) or whether it refers to the radiator cooling.

 

Yes, it is accurate; the fact is, regardless of whether the ATF cooling is done via a stand-alone mini-radiator, or a liquid to liquid heat exchanger inside of the engine radiator, you have an external ATF oil cooler in your Tacoma.