Recommendation for a Transmission Cooler For a 2000 Honda Odyssey  

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Some vehicle manufacturers require that an additional transmission cooler be used when you plan to tow with the vehicle. The owners manual will be able to give you the specific information on towing with your 2000 Honda Odyssey. Even if a cooler is not required, it is a good idea to add one to extend the life of the transmission and to avoid any potential problems associated with transmission fluid that is too hot.

Transmission fluid cannot be overcooled, so adding a cooler is a good idea when towing. Some things to consider when choosing a transmission cooler are how much weight you will be towing, the type of terrain where you will be towing, and the distance. For a heavy load, hilly terrain, or long distances, I recommend a larger capacity cooler like # D13503, which is a Class III cooler rated for up to 6,000 pounds gross trailer weight.

For all other towing scenarios that are not as strenuous, I would go with # D13502, which is a Class II rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Another aspect to consider is where you will be able to mount the cooler. There are essentially 3 location options. The best place is in front of the A/C condenser core. The next most efficient place is between the core and the radiator. The least most efficient place is between the radiator and the engine. If this third location is used, a larger capacity cooler is recommended to make up for the lost efficiency.

I have included a link to our transmission cooler FAQ article along with a link to a video showing a typical transmission cooler installation for reference.

expert reply by: Michael H

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