Hi scotty - I came across some new info regarding the Toyota Tundra Trans cooler.....I know it's been discussed sooo many times but i think this new info is very important!
Toyota stated on a few videos that the transmission fluid operates within acceptable range of 240 and higher per industry standards, and the trans cooler was no longer necessary for that reason.
However, I noticed recently at a local Toyota dealership that the 2020 & 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser still has the aux/trans coolers on them.....so my questions are the following:
1. if the trans fluid is acceptable to run this hot on the tundra, then why is it not allowed to do so on the landcruiser?
2. If a dedicated truck designed for towing no longer needs the trans cooler then why does a luxury suv?
3. What is the transmission temp that the land cruiser is operating at & what temp is it trying to stay below with the help of the Trans Cooler?
I'd love to have you do a video to bring up this new information, Thanks for everything you do sir, love your videos keep it up.
Below is the link for the Toyota Land Cruiser Trans Cooler Part:
https://toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth.com/oem-parts/toyota-cooler-assembly-3292060191?origin=pla&fbclid=IwAR3YwHZTwfWej5fhSbaWg-zhv7pss2rePgqbRJSaatQj-MYKMqPqOMF9iE0
I own a 2020 Toyota Tundra TRD Offroad with towpkg, 6k miles, automatic.
@mr-avalanche13 Yes, I watched that video, matter fact my questions above are pertaining to the response given by Toyota in that video regarding the high temps.
If they're allowed to run this hot on the tundra then why not the Land Cruiser, etc.
The Land Cruiser costs $50,000 more
Yes it's more expensive but regardless, the Tundra always had it for a specific reason, to keep trans. temp down for towing. It's a $350 part that saves your transmission.
Toyota is also contradicting its own statement, that because of advancement of trans fluid, that part is no longer needed, however they don't follow that same advice with the Land Cruiser......Keep in mind, the trans cooler is purposely added for towing, if the tundra doesn't need it then why does a luxury suv?
I guess because people who spend $100k on a vehicle have higher expectations.
- on a $100k vehicle, the company is less likely to cut costs
- the company is more likely to throw in a $100 accessory on a $100k vehicle.
It's the way it is with most cars and accessories. More expensive cars come with better accessories.
this is not an accessory, it's a crucial part of your drivetrain. At the very least, toyota should allow those who want to add it at time of purchase to do so, which they didn't allow.
if you ask toyota to add it they will state you'll void the powertrain warranty if you do any modifications to transmission cooler.
Keep in mind, my towpkg clearly states on my 2020 spec sheet that it does have it, and they removed the mention of it on the 2021 spec sheet.
You will have a hard time proving that it's crucial. If damage were to occur as a result of overheating (which seems unlikely) then Toyota would of course be liable, and they'd have to repair the truck under warranty.
In any case, if it the accessory was promised to you at the time of sale, then you might have a legal case, but the fact that you've had it for a year works against you. In the best case, you might force the dealer to buy the truck back from you at a prorated price. But you can't force them to install a cooler.
If it were me, judging from the video, I would not worry about it. The truck will perform fine. I don't believe they would deny a warranty claim if you installed your own cooler. They would need to prove direct cause. (like if a badly installed cooler line came off and the transmission failed). But it's up to you.
I'm just looking to add the same toyota OEM aux cooler on Land Cruiser on my tundra. I'll pay for part & have it installed by toyota dealer without being told it'll void the warranty....hence the issue here. I also doubt operating at 240 & above will be good for transmission over time and I certainly don't want to be the first generation to find that out.
I'm curious to see what Scotty thinks about this, from another post he clearly stated it needs to be there.
Periodically peaking 240F is not a big deal for synthetic fluids, if you keep up with maintenance. But if you plan to constantly tow trailers up mountains, then yeah I'd put a cooler in too.
Did you talk to Toyota about it? It seems to me that should be the first step.
I did, I opened a claim, at first of course i wanted them to add it, but after that request got denied, i offered to buy the parts and pay for labor at a toyota dealership so my warranty is not voided....they reiterated it'll void the warranty and they can't do it. Hence why I'm still on my search to find a fair solution
I'm not trying to give toyota a hard time, I'm a huge supporter of them, since i purchased my tundra, I also purchased a 2021 Tacoma & a 2021 Camry Se.
Our Previous 7 cars we owned were also Toyota, but the Tundra is my personal fav and love it cause we go camping and on trips to national parks. All that being said, it didn't matter to them, which i thought was disappointing over $350 part, just my pov.
You should give them a hard time. You paid extra for the towing package, and their documentation for tow package includes a cooler? So if you didn't get it, then at minimum, they owe you the $350.
As for your truck, you can mitigate the whole issue by just changing the fluid more often. Keep an eye on it. If you do a lot of towing, or if it starts to smell burnt, then just change the fluid, even if it's not due yet. If you do that, I think your truck will be fine.