My 2021 has stock Transmission cooler...

New guy here,

I just got this 2021 Platinum and was surprised to see this stock transmission cooler when I crawled under the truck.

I did a quick search but didn't notice anyone else noting that their 2021 had this installed.

Order date 5/2021....

 

That is on all the Tundras.

The transmission cooler is a dead horse here. You'll have to decide if you want to install a supplemental on or not. Read this thread -> https://www.tundras.com/threads/tundra-transmission-cooler-kit.60550/

 

Thanks, I'll get on it!

Quick, delete this thread before I get roasted!!!!

Wil

 

I havent went seaching, but I asked at the dealership and on Toyotas website and they both stated the 21 towing package has a trans cooler. Is this what theyre referring to?

 

Yes.

 

No need to be embarrassed, Toyota has redefined what a cooler is, and what it isn't. Most newer owners can't tell the difference.

 

So, is that round thing the ATF "warmer"? What runs in there? Coolant from the engine block/thermostat?

 

Yes. Coolant warmed by the engine runs back there to help warm the ATF to operating temps. This makes the transmission run more efficiently and helps with MPGs. Once up to temp it acts as a mild cooler; if the ATF gets warmer than the coolant then some of that heat will naturally be leeched out by the lower temperature liquid. It's a basic heat exchanger type of set up.

 

Good to know!

Do any other truck companies have a similar set up? I don't recall GM having them on the TH400, 4L60e, 4L80e or Allison but have no idea if their newer transmissions have something similar to this.

 

The puck may or may not be used by others, but the deletion of the auxilary cooler up front is not restricted to Toyota. TFL has videos with Fords and Chevys that don't have them either.

 

I believe Ford is doing something similar in the F150 and their owners have reported higher trans temps under heavy load as well

 

oil-to-water coolers are being adopted by most oems now.

 

Fwiw, best I can tell the water coolant mixture is actually going through the heater core prior to the puck/exchanger which would allow some engine heat to dissipate prior to the heat exchange at the puck. Never had the dash apart and seen the ducts yet, but maybe if the a/c is running it is also employed to slightly cool the coolant prior to it flowing through the puck exchanger. Does not matter much in my case because I have installed factory like auxiliary transmission fluid cooler and it now stays under 220F.

 

The "puck" has been on Tundras forever but they used to call it a warmer now all of a sudden it's a warmer/cooler. Auto makers are all just trying to save money by not installing a proper cooler. Luckily we are still able to install one.

 

This is the tranny cooler thread for your enjoyment .

https://www.tundras.com/threads/tundra-transmission-cooler-kit.60550/

 

The puck is a warmer, until the transmission fluid gets too warm, then it's a cooler. Isn't that neat? By the way, it's the same transmission that came with a puck AND an external thermostatically-controlled cooler on the front of the truck for years. Seems that various domestics are redesigning transmissions with only a puck. That's different than what Toyota did.

To be fair, it's an extremely tough transmission, and I doubt very many people will have issues within their warranty period. But I want 300k+ miles out of mine, and with the way I use my truck, I decided it was a good idea to add one. It has been fun seeing people who previously mocked us cooler adders change their minds and decide to add one, too.

Maybe start monitoring your temps with an OBD Scangauge and Fusion app on your phone (or some other similar setup). Decide for yourself if you need one.