How to Flush a Transmission Cooler

[EricTheCarGuy]

If you’re installing a new or rebuilt transmission this is a very good practice to help protect the longevity of your new transmission.

Topic

[Robert]

Hi Eric,

You made a video on how to flush the transmission cooler on a 2001 Honda Odyssey. As part of that video, you covered the installation of an inline transmission filter.

I wanted to find out how well that’s working for you now that some time has passed, as well as hearing the from other members of the forum that have tried this.

I have a 2006 Honda Odyssey EX-L. It has that killer Honda J-series engine that I love, combined with their infamous tranny which is the bane of every Ody owner’s existence. It has 270,000 miles and I consider myself lucky to have made it this far with the original transmission. My family and I love this van. My children have traveled the U.S. for half of their childhood in it. So despite the miles, I’m getting a reman tranny instead of buying new. The van is otherwise in great shape. I’ve kept all the other maintenance up, so I figure “what the heck”.

I’ve looked at the top remans like Jasper and ETE. ETE recommends NOT installing the inline filter because it adds 2 other point where hose can pop off, dump all the fluid and kill the tranny. I have not heard of this being a problem with other folks, but would like to understand the risk I’m taking. He did not specifically say it would void the warranty, but I’ll probably go back and ask if this is something I decide to do. Tranny replacement is not something I dare attempt myself, but the filter I can easily handle if they won’t do it. I’d love to see my ody go for another 270K, so like the idea of the filter.

What’s your take on this?

Thanks in advance!

[Kevin Criswell]

I would heavily disagree with ETE. By using that logic adding a transmission cooler to a truck that pulls heavy loads would be a bad idea (Which it is not). A inline filter is an excellent idea and I install them regularly here at the shop. In fact I use them not only on transmission, but A/C units and power steering systems also.

When a component fails often contaminates are deposited on the walls of the lines. When the new component is installed and gets up to temp the heat can cause the contaminates to release and end up in the new component you just installed. It is the reason most HVAC component maker require proof of a receiver/drier,filter and flush before they will warranty a new compressor that fails.

[Jay]

I’m curious too. My car does not have a inline filter and I plan on putting one on. I also plan on a cooler since it currently runs through the radiator and I don’t like that. Any filter work?

[Kevin Criswell]

Here is one with a magnet built into the filter

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/WIX0/58964/N0114.oap?ck=Search_N0114_-1_-1&pt=N0114&ppt=C0232

Here is a Motorcraft one

http://www.ryderfleetproducts.com/ryder/af/ryder/core/content/product/srm/oid/131498/erm/productDetail.do?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=product&gclid=CJGr5vapiLMCFURxQgodbRgAGw

[Jay]

I like that magnetic one!

[EricTheCarGuy]

[quote=”YourCousinVinny” post=78893]Hi Eric,

You made a video on how to flush the transmission cooler on a 2001 Honda Odyssey. As part of that video, you covered the installation of an inline transmission filter.

I wanted to find out how well that’s working for you now that some time has passed, as well as hearing the from other members of the forum that have tried this.

I have a 2006 Honda Odyssey EX-L. It has that killer Honda J-series engine that I love, combined with their infamous tranny which is the bane of every Ody owner’s existence. It has 270,000 miles and I consider myself lucky to have made it this far with the original transmission. My family and I love this van. My children have traveled the U.S. for half of their childhood in it. So despite the miles, I’m getting a reman tranny instead of buying new. The van is otherwise in great shape. I’ve kept all the other maintenance up, so I figure “what the heck”.

I’ve looked at the top remans like Jasper and ETE. ETE recommends NOT installing the inline filter because it adds 2 other point where hose can pop off, dump all the fluid and kill the tranny. I have not heard of this being a problem with other folks, but would like to understand the risk I’m taking. He did not specifically say it would void the warranty, but I’ll probably go back and ask if this is something I decide to do. Tranny replacement is not something I dare attempt myself, but the filter I can easily handle if they won’t do it. I’d love to see my ody go for another 270K, so like the idea of the filter.

What’s your take on this?

Thanks in advance![/quote]

Honestly I haven’t checked the filter at all. The van runs fine so I don’t feel the need. I hear a slight click when engaging reverse but I think that’s just the gear moving into place. That transmission uses a separate idler gear and shift fork to activate reverse. Otherwise, it’s doing fine. As for the filter install, if it’s installed correctly, I don’t’ think it will be a problem. I think it’s better to have it than not have it, especially if you had a transmission failure that could have sent metal particles through the radiator. As mentioned many times in this thread an external cooler is a good idea and can extend the life of the transmission tremendously. The enemy of the automatic transmission is heat, the more of it you can get rid of, the longer the transmission will last.

[Author]

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