Transmission Cooler Recommendation for a 2003 Cadillac CTS

Question:

My transmission cooler line started leaking and I need new lines but have decided to go with an external transmission cooler. Which cooler do you think would work best and what other adapters of fittings will I need. Also, do I need to seal up the radiator where the two lines ran?

asked by: Samir

Expert Reply:

When it comes to picking out a transmission cooler for a vehicle there is not a list of confirmed coolers that will fit different vehicles. The best way to pick one out is to measure the area in front of your radiator and pick a cooler that will fit in that area.

If you have the room I think a Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit # D13502 should work well to cool the transmission fluid of your 2003 Cadillac CTS. The measurements of this cooler are 11 inches wide, 7-1/4 inches tall and 7/8 of an inch deep. I attached a review and installation video for this product.

Since you are bypassing the factory coolers you would not need any of the fittings like the part # D13018 you referenced. If you can get all of the fluid out of the factory cooler I would, otherwise it might drip out periodically until it all works its way out.

expert reply by: Jameson C