Transmission Cooler Lines Replacement Cost

When the transmission fluid becomes too hot, the transmission cooler lines help to lower the temperature. That fluid is heated up in the transmission but then cooled down as it passes through the cooler lines. Once those lines start to malfunction, then the transmission fluid can overheat.

You will pay somewhere between $100 and $450 for a transmission cooler line replacement. The labor should be between $60 and $300, while parts can cost you anywhere from $40-$160.

Transmission Cooler Lines Replacement Cost Comparison

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What Is Transmission Cooler Lines Replacement?

Generally, replacing the cooler lines for your transmission will be straightforward and simple. Some lines are more expensive than others, and sometimes there is a lot of fluid to be cleaned up, but this typically isn’t a complicated or in-depth process. If the problem persisted for a while before you noticed it or before you addressed it, then there could be severe damage that needs to be dealt with before the vehicle is roadworthy again.

Benefits of Transmission Cooler Lines Replacement

You will benefit from replacing the damaged lines by saving on transmission fluid. You will also protect the parts of your car that could be damaged by leaking fluid or by low fluid levels. Ultimately, you will be protecting your transmission, which is one of the most vital components of your vehicle and one of the most expensive to replace.

You’ll also have a safer vehicle that won’t be as likely to shut down or malfunction on you. The more serious the problem is (which is likely a leak), the more you benefit by getting it cleared up.

What Is Done during Transmission Cooler Lines Replacement?

The mechanic typically won’t have to drain the transmission fluid when replacing the cooler line. However, the transmission cooler will need to be drained once the initial cooler line has been disconnected. When no more coolant is coming out of the lines, they can all be disconnected, the transmission and transmission cooler can be cleaned of fluid, and new lines can be put in place. Then the mechanic will refill the transmission fluid and test the vehicle, checking specifically for further signs of leakage.

When to Get Transmission Cooler Lines Replacement

Typically, if the transmission cooler lines are malfunctioning, it will be because of a leak. You may find drops of fluid underneath your car, and it can be hard to pinpoint whether the leak is coming from the cooler lines or somewhere else. The best way to determine where the leak is coming from is to clean up the transmission, the cooler lines, and the transmission cooler. Then you can inspect them again after you have run the car for a short while. It should be evident where the leak is coming from then.

If you only have a small leak, then you may be able to seal it up for now as a short-term fix, and it may not even be serious enough to rush to the mechanic over. Larger leaks or cooler lines that have become disconnected, however, can cause serious problems, and they can make your car inoperable or unsafe to drive. In those situations, you need to see the mechanic right away and get this problem fixed as soon as possible.

How to Save Money on Transmission Cooler Lines Replacement

One way to cut your costs is to make this a DIY project. You can replace the cooler lines or patch them up on your own at minimal cost, but you just need to be sure that you assess and identify the problem correctly. Misdiagnosis can cost you a lot of money and damage your car severely.

You can also shave off some of the cost by comparing the cost of labor from one mechanic to the next. Or you can source the parts for yourself and try to get a better deal than what your mechanic is offering. Most mechanics will let you use your own parts for the repairs, so long as they are compatible with your car. Just make sure that you know for certain what the issue is before you go buying parts to fix it.

Sample Transmission Cooler Lines Replacement Costs