A transmission radiator, more accurately called a transmission cooler, works by dissipating heat from the transmission fluid to prevent overheating.
The question assumes that the transmission radiator exists as a radiator separate from the engine radiator. However, it can come in two forms.
- A stand-alone cooler
- A section within the engine radiator.
Here's a breakdown of how a transmission cooler (either stand-alone or within the engine radiator) functions:
- Fluid Circulation: Transmission fluid, heated by the transmission's operation, is pumped to the transmission cooler.
- Heat Exchange: This cooler features a series of fins or plates. As the hot transmission fluid flows through these fins or plates, air passes over them.
- Heat Dissipation: The air flowing over the fins absorbs heat from the fluid, cooling it down. This is the key principle of operation. According to the provided reference: "Air flowing over the transmission cooler fins dissipates the heat and further cools the transmission fluid moving through the fins."
- Cooled Fluid Returns: The now-cooled transmission fluid is then returned to the transmission, completing the cycle and maintaining optimal operating temperature.
