I just did an oil change and noticed a small trans cooler just behind the motor. Is this a factory installed item or did someone put it on before I got the car?It's about 8"x4" approx.

 

don't know about 2005's, but I would bet someone put on an aftermarket one. The stock trans cooler (for the auto's) is loactaed in the bottom of the radiator...and is known to be a problem. many 2nd gen owners have had the stock trans cooler fail and when it does, since it's inside the radiator, it mixes coolant with the trans fluid... and will kill and automatic transmission.
Alot of people have put on external, aftermarket trans coolers

 

I can't remember what it is for exactly, but it is there on all the cars, AFAIK. It's mounted under the engine on the K-Member where the rack and pinion is. Aftermarket trans-coolers get mounted in front of the radiator, well, normally.

 

It is there to cool something. I thought it was an odd location for a trans cooler but it is in the open and air stream.

 

I know it's there to cool something, but I can't remember what exactly. Something to do with the A/C keeps popping in my head, but I dunno.

 

I posted this on another site and was told it's the power steering fluid cooler! I have never heard of this on any car. Maybe on some high end exotics but a Neon?

 

i see it under there when im doing oil changes... id follow the lines and see where it goes. i never really cared, but you have piqued my interest. thanks to you, old dude friend.

 

-My '05 has the same thing. I just automatically thought it was a tranny cooler too. Next oil change I'll have to follow the lines if someone doesn't do it first. Power steering cooler. That's a good one......

L8R,
Matt

 

ford has used powersteering coolers since the 60's. I bet that's what you guys are seeing.

 

Why don't one of you young guys crawl under there and check it out for the old guys?