Trans Oil cooler?

[UglyTruck]

I've got a 2006 CE and would like to install a tranny oil cooler - the dealership said they couldn't do it(?) and after calling around a bit Canadian Tire seems to be the only option. Anyone have a CT oil cooler out insatlled? They have three sizes available although I'm not sure which to get - is bigger better?
I'm located in Canada - Kitchener - so winters are cold, is there any concern about damage to the transmission because the oil is too cool in the winter?

Perhaps: large capacity oil cooler + winter cold + no load = cold oil + problems?

The trailer I usually pull (in the summer months) is probably 1500lbs with a loaded van as well.

Thanks!

[kolkh]

Check this out:

http://siennachat.com/forum/index.php/topic,565.0.html

Are you sure you need additional equipment? Did Toyota dealer confirmed that you really need it for 1500lbs trailer?

[tcp]

If it's a Canadian CE, not purchased in the US, you have a tranny cooler built into the radiator already. All Canadian Siennas have the towing package from 2004 onward. That means you have a tranny cooler on yours and the 2007 and up have an oil cooler as well with the larger engine. For a 1500lb trailer you don't need to add anything. Maybe change the transmission fluid more often and run synthetic oil. That's it.

I've got a 2006 CE and would like to install a tranny oil cooler - the dealership said they couldn't do it(?) and after calling around a bit Canadian Tire seems to be the only option. Anyone have a CT oil cooler out insatlled? They have three sizes available although I'm not sure which to get - is bigger better?
I'm located in Canada - Kitchener - so winters are cold, is there any concern about damage to the transmission because the oil is too cool in the winter?

Perhaps: large capacity oil cooler + winter cold + no load = cold oil + problems?

The trailer I usually pull (in the summer months) is probably 1500lbs with a loaded van as well.

Thanks!

[robo5]

Welcome UglyTruck. Hey another canidian!!!! I agree with the last 2 replies. I am also a big fan of changing my trans fluid WELL before the factory says so.

[brian_bp]

Add a "me, too" for me...

I did not add a supplementary transmission oil cooler, and I (occasionally) tow a 3000 lb trailer. I would be more concerned about the possible problems introduced by a poor cooler or installation than by operating the vehicle within its rated limits without the extra cooling.

Over-cooling does seem like a bit of a concern to me, although not as much as it would be with an engine oil cooler. The transmission may have an internal thermostat to control flow to the stock cooler, but even it if does not, if it's not needed for the stock cooler than I don't see a need for it with an additional cooler.

I suspect - although it is only my guess - that the dealer said they they could not do it because they only install genuine Toyota parts or equivalent, and don't do modifications.