Transmission cooler lines

Tiny
PALACIO239
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD ESCORT
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 173,000 MILES
I’d like to know of the two transmission cooler lines that thread and connect to the radiator. Which one is the return line to the transmission and which one is the one that sends the fluid to the radiator?
Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 8:23 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,465 POSTS
I believe the top line is the output from the transmission and the lower one is the return. Easy way to tell is to just remove one line, then have someone start the engine just long enough to verify which way the fluid flows. Say you remove the upper line and fluid comes out of it, that is the output, if fluid comes out of the cooler it's the return line. I always do it that way because I've run into a few where someone reversed lines or replaced an OEM cooler with an aftermarket unit and just cut the lines. If you are planning on adding a cooler to this car, add it in the return line if you are in a colder area, that helps the transmission warm up in the cold. If you are in a warm climate you can just use a larger external cooler to keep the temperature down and not connect to the stock unit at all.
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 9:17 PM
Tiny
PALACIO239
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Thank you.
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Thursday, April 9th, 2020 AT 12:46 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,465 POSTS
You are welcome, Thank you for using 2CarPros.
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Thursday, April 9th, 2020 AT 4:00 AM

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