Transmission Cooler Recommendations for a 2011 Toyota Corolla

Question:

I have a 2011 Toyota Corolla with a towing capacity of 1500lbs. I will occasionally be towing a waverunner aka jet ski with a total weight of ~1200-1300 lbs. Would you recommend D13501 or D13611? Im just wondering if the 13501 would be overkill. I do not want to overcool the transmission during winter. Also I havent looked at my lines yet, but I know some installs require cutting the factory hardline and slipping a hose over it. Wouldnt a much safer solution be to use the the compression to barb fittings you sell like D13031 or D13032?

asked by: Robert W

Expert Reply:

Both the Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit, # D13611 and the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit , # D13501, would be a great choice for your 2011 Toyota Corolla.

The general rule is that transmission fluid cannot be cooled too much, so using the largest cooler that will fit is a good idea, especially if towing. The only reason not to add the largest cooler possible, would be if you live in very cold climates where temperatures are below 0 degrees often or for long periods. If you have a transmission cooler installed, warming the engine for a few minutes would be warranted. Most people warm the engine in these conditions any way so it is not a factor.

You are correct that if either of the Transmission Line Compression Fitting Kits, # D13031 or # D13032, will work with the lines on your Corolla and that they would provide a better connection for safety. Careful inspection and measuring of the steel or aluminum lines on your vehicle is required to determine if these fittings will work.

Transmission fluid does not run at unusually high pressures so normally slipping the hose over the flared end of your original transmission line is more than sufficient. I would not recommend cutting the line and installing the hose without some flare at the ends of the transmission line. We have a video that shows how our installer cut and flared the line on a Dodge Caravan, check out the 4 minute 20 second mark in the video linked here. A flaring tool, available at most automotive parts stores, is the best way to flare a steel or aluminum line without damage. The flare will allow the hose clamp to tighten around the line and keep the hose from sliding off the end of the line.