2019 CX-5 Diesel Aftermarket Transmission Cooler

[GotRice23]

Good day folks - first post on the forum here,

Firstly, the bulk of my reading was done at this thread - Transmission Cooler - Anyone installed one?

To avoid resurrecting an almost 6 year old thread, I have decided to start an offshoot to ask my question. I have already asked this on Reddit (without any luck), but here it goes:

I am in Canada and have a 2019 Mazda CX-5 Diesel (2.2 L D SkyActiv-D, with 6 speed SkyActiv Drive transmission). I am doing recreational towing on occasion (nothing excessive, just a TT under 3200lbs (1450 kg)) and while towing I have noticed transmission temperatures climbing to 250 F (121.1 C) on some steep slopes in about 86 F (30 C) outside temperature. Otherwise, the temperature seems to float around 240 F (116 C) to 230 F (110 C) on average. Google tells me that this is too hot. I have inquired with my dealer and they cannot give me a straight answer on whether or not this is too hot, as I know this may differ depending on the vehicle. Supposedly, a warning is supposed to pop up around the 260 F (126 C) mark, but the dealer couldn't answer that either. Bottom line from all this is that I'm leaning towards wanting to install an aftermarket transmission coolers to keep the temperatures lower. I've been doing a lot of Googling lately and it seems that all of the threads talking about the installation of aftermarket transmission coolers onto a SkyActiv Drive Transmission either die or devolve into attacks on the OP about not owning a truck for towing.

Based on my understanding of the Googling I've done, there are conflicting reports on whether or not the installation of an aftermarket transmission cooler is possible:

1. Opinion 1 - It is not possible to add a transmission cooler onto as there are no ATF lines running in or out of the transmission. The transmission fluid is cooled by the engine coolant running to and from the transmission itself. OP should consider checking ATF frequently and changing it more frequently.
2. Opinion 2 - OP can install a front mount radiator to cool the engine coolant further before flowing into the factory transmission oil cooler, just to pull a bit more heat out of the fluid. This video is for a Mazda 5 but the transmission cooler appears similar and the concept makes sense -https://youtu.be/m7y1t0xCutc.

Questions:

1. Can an aftermarket transmission cooler be installed on a SkyActiv Drive transmission?
2. If it is possible to install an aftermarket transmission cooler, what type/brand/etc is recommended? Moreover, is it possible to have one with a thermostat or bypass that can account for winter temperatures around -22 F (-30 C)?
3. Any other recommendations? Especially from our European counterparts? I know this vehicle is rated for 4400lbs (2000kg braked) over there.

Any thoughts, advice, or other contributions would be appreciated. And I would please respectfully ask posters to avoid the "upgrade your tow vehicle" comments.

Thank you for your time.

 

[CarpeDiem]

These may answer a few of your questions. Not sure what’s going on with your dealer…

TCI Auto Transmission Life Expectancy - TCI® Auto

There's More To Coolers Than You Think. It's no secret that heat kills automatic transmissions. And in high-performance street-strip applications, the problem is especially acute. Small diameter torque converters coupled with stop-and-go traffic greatly increase the heat level in an automatic...

www.tciauto.com

What to Do When Your Transmission Overheats

It is estimated that close to 90% of automatic transmission failures are caused by overheating, primarily from overworked transmission fluid.

advancedtransmission.com

What Are Normal Transmission Temperatures?

Maintaining the normal transmission temperature is integral to its long life. Know what is the right temperatures and the reasons for overheating.

carfromjapan.com

 

[yrwei52]

Good day folks - first post on the forum here,

Firstly, the bulk of my reading was done at this thread - Transmission Cooler - Anyone installed one?

To avoid resurrecting an almost 6 year old thread, I have decided to start an offshoot to ask my question. I have already asked this on Reddit (without any luck), but here it goes:

I am in Canada and have a 2019 Mazda CX-5 Diesel (2.2 L D SkyActiv-D, with 6 speed SkyActiv Drive transmission). I am doing recreational towing on occasion (nothing excessive, just a TT under 3200lbs (1450 kg)) and while towing I have noticed transmission temperatures climbing to 250 F (121.1 C) on some steep slopes in about 86 F (30 C) outside temperature. Otherwise, the temperature seems to float around 240 F (116 C) to 230 F (110 C) on average. Google tells me that this is too hot. I have inquired with my dealer and they cannot give me a straight answer on whether or not this is too hot, as I know this may differ depending on the vehicle. Supposedly, a warning is supposed to pop up around the 260 F (126 C) mark, but the dealer couldn't answer that either. Bottom line from all this is that I'm leaning towards wanting to install an aftermarket transmission coolers to keep the temperatures lower. I've been doing a lot of Googling lately and it seems that all of the threads talking about the installation of aftermarket transmission coolers onto a SkyActiv Drive Transmission either die or devolve into attacks on the OP about not owning a truck for towing.

Based on my understanding of the Googling I've done, there are conflicting reports on whether or not the installation of an aftermarket transmission cooler is possible:

1. Opinion 1 - It is not possible to add a transmission cooler onto as there are no ATF lines running in or out of the transmission. The transmission fluid is cooled by the engine coolant running to and from the transmission itself. OP should consider checking ATF frequently and changing it more frequently.
2. Opinion 2 - OP can install a front mount radiator to cool the engine coolant further before flowing into the factory transmission oil cooler, just to pull a bit more heat out of the fluid. This video is for a Mazda 5 but the transmission cooler appears similar and the concept makes sense -https://youtu.be/m7y1t0xCutc.

Questions:

1. Can an aftermarket transmission cooler be installed on a SkyActiv Drive transmission?
2. If it is possible to install an aftermarket transmission cooler, what type/brand/etc is recommended? Moreover, is it possible to have one with a thermostat or bypass that can account for winter temperatures around -22 F (-30 C)?
3. Any other recommendations? Especially from our European counterparts? I know this vehicle is rated for 4400lbs (2000kg braked) over there.

Any thoughts, advice, or other contributions would be appreciated. And I would please respectfully ask posters to avoid the "upgrade your tow vehicle" comments.

Thank you for your time.

You should come here and do a simple “(external) ATF cooler” search here instead of Google the entire Internet for the questions you have on possibility of installing an external ATF cooler to Mazda’s SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission.

For SkyActiv-Drive transmission an ATF cooler is piggybacked to the transmission.

The difference comparing to other automatic transmissions, such as the YouTube video you posted for a Mazda5, is SkyActiv-Drive pulls engine coolant into the ATF cooler to cool down the ATF which is also circulating into the ATF cooler "internally". Two lines attached to ATF cooler outside are engine coolant instead of ATF lines circulating out into the radiator or an external ATF cooler found on most other vehicles. The traditional aftermarket external ATF cooler relies on those external ATF lines to circulate the fluid into external air-cooled heat exchanger cooling down the ATF. . Since SkyActiv-Drive transmission doesn't have that, an aftermarket external ATF cooler can’t be installed unless you get a special ATF cooler adapter which comes with external ATF cooler kit.

There're modified transmission coolers adding two ATF ports commercially available for other vehicles with similar design mainly on CVT's. With this ATF cooler adapter, we can hook up an aftermarket external ATF cooler easily:

And here’s an ATF cooler adapter for Mazda’s SkyActiv-Drive transmission only for ATF flushing purpose:

What have you done to your CX-5 today?

2016.5 CX-5 Transmission fluid change questions

ATF flush adapter

 

[GotRice23]

These may answer a few of your questions. Not sure what’s going on with your dealer…

TCI Auto Transmission Life Expectancy - TCI® Auto

There's More To Coolers Than You Think. It's no secret that heat kills automatic transmissions. And in high-performance street-strip applications, the problem is especially acute. Small diameter torque converters coupled with stop-and-go traffic greatly increase the heat level in an automatic...

www.tciauto.com

What to Do When Your Transmission Overheats

It is estimated that close to 90% of automatic transmission failures are caused by overheating, primarily from overworked transmission fluid.

advancedtransmission.com

What Are Normal Transmission Temperatures?

Maintaining the normal transmission temperature is integral to its long life. Know what is the right temperatures and the reasons for overheating.

carfromjapan.com

I guess bottom line is my tranny is getting too hot according to my Ultragauge then. Looks like I'm on the right tracking wanting a cooling solution. Still strange that we don't see many reports from Europe of them messing up their transmissions from towing travel trailers.

 

[GotRice23]

You should come here and do a simple “(external) ATF cooler” search here instead of Google the entire Internet for the questions you have on possibility of installing an external ATF cooler to Mazda’s SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission.

I only know enough about cars from what I can Google. So apologies for that. That should also explain my current knowledge of this and why I am looking at getting this done at a dealer or other reputable mechanic.

Since SkyActiv-Drive transmission doesn't have that, an aftermarket external ATF cooler can’t be installed unless you get a special ATF cooler adapter which comes with external ATF cooler kit.

I've talked to a transmission specialist about this and they are uncertain whether or not this cooler adapter exists. I have seen your post before about the Nissan one, but I do not think I've seen the actual adapter... But the theory about using the one for ATF flushing is intriguing. Have you done it yourself and has it worked? Moreover, since I'm in Canada, is there a way to build a bypass/shut-off so that it doesn't cool in the winter?

 

[HyFlyer]

I too have the 2019 North American 2.2 diesel and tow from time to time. I don't use any external monitoring source (forescan, etc). So far, it hasn't shown any lights/codes/warnings. I'll keep an eye on this thread though

 

[GotRice23]

I too have the 2019 North American 2.2 diesel and tow from time to time. I don't use any external monitoring source (forescan, etc). So far, it hasn't shown any lights/codes/warnings. I'll keep an eye on this thread though

Me looking into this could just be an overabundance of caution. I haven't seen any major reports of transmission failure from our colleagues overseas. Furthermore, despite the temperatures I've seen, I have not received any lights/codes/warnings either. It's just quite confusing to me how the dealer/their service network was unable to provide any straight answers.

 

[HyFlyer]

... It's just quite confusing to me how the dealer/their service network was unable to provide any ...

Ya, you'd think you could ask a question to Mazda HQ via email to find out a "normal" and "maximum" trans temp for our cars.

 

[GotRice23]

Ya, you'd think you could ask a question to Mazda HQ via email to find out a "normal" and "maximum" trans temp for our cars.

I am still in communications with them through my dealer. I am just waiting to consolidate all the information we receive, as there is still some back and forth, but the recommendation given was to install an aftermarket transmission cooler. But no technical information was given as to brands, types, etc that could be installed. As of today, all we have received is a pdf on how to remove the OEM transmission cooler... which, of course, raises more questions than answers.

 

[yrwei52]

I only know enough about cars from what I can Google. So apologies for that. That should also explain my current knowledge of this and why I am looking at getting this done at a dealer or other reputable mechanic.

I've talked to a transmission specialist about this and they are uncertain whether or not this cooler adapter exists. I have seen your post before about the Nissan one, but I do not think I've seen the actual adapter... But the theory about using the one for ATF flushing is intriguing. Have you done it yourself and has it worked? Moreover, since I'm in Canada, is there a way to build a bypass/shut-off so that it doesn't cool in the winter?

Yes any aftermarket external ATF cooler won’t be sophisticated like the one from factory. Unfortunately something like those ATF cooler adapters used on CVT’s aren’t available for Mazda’s SkyActiv-Drive transmission at this time. The flushing adapter currently available lacks 2 coolant ports which isn’t ideal for your purpose either.

 

[yrwei52]

Me looking into this could just be an overabundance of caution. I haven't seen any major reports of transmission failure from our colleagues overseas. Furthermore, despite the temperatures I've seen, I have not received any lights/codes/warnings either. It's just quite confusing to me how the dealer/their service network was unable to provide any straight answers.

I believe your concern on towing long haul is legit. May be a frequent ATF (and gear lubricant in front transfer case and rear differential) change is something you can do at this time.

CX-5 Towing...Blew up transmission!

 

[GotRice23]

Yes any aftermarket external ATF cooler won’t be sophisticated like the one from factory. Unfortunately something like those ATF cooler adapters used on CVT’s aren’t available for Mazda’s SkyActiv-Drive transmission at this time. The flushing adapter currently available lacks 2 coolant ports which isn’t ideal for your purpose either.

Sorry, just to be clear, the aftermarket external ATF coolers aren't sophisticated enough to have a bypass/shut-off? Moreover, you are of the view that none of those solutions would work for the installation of an aftermarket external ATF cooler?

I believe your concern on towing long haul is legit. May be a frequent ATF (and gear lubricant in front transfer case and rear differential) change is something you can do at this time.

I'd like to think my concerns are valid too, based on how our highway speeds differ/temperature extremes compared to our friends overseas. When you say frequent AT / gear lube / rear diff change, how do you define that? From what I was reading, folks were saying ~40K miles (~64K km).

 

[yrwei52]

Sorry, just to be clear, the aftermarket external ATF coolers aren't sophisticated enough to have a bypass/shut-off? Moreover, you are of the view that none of those solutions would work for the installation of an aftermarket external ATF cooler?

I believe any ATF cooler adapter which would work has to have 4 ports. You can add a shut-off valve manually controlling the ATF flow whenever you have a need.

I'd like to think my concerns are valid too, based on how our highway speeds differ/temperature extremes compared to our friends overseas. When you say frequent AT / gear lube / rear diff change, how do you define that? From what I was reading, folks were saying ~40K miles (~64K km).

If I were you I’d consider doing an ATF drain-&-fill and gear lube change after a long road trip with towing.

 

[GotRice23]

I believe any ATF cooler adapter which would work has to have 4 ports. You can add a shut-off valve manually controlling the ATF flow whenever you have a need.


If I were you I’d consider doing an ATF drain-&-fill and gear lube change after a long road trip with towing.

What do you define as a "long" road trip?

 

[ColtX-5]

Good day folks - first post on the forum here,
........

I am in Canada and have a 2019 Mazda CX-5 Diesel (2.2 L D (nothing excessive, just a TT under 3200lbs (1450 kg)) and while towing I have noticed transmission temperatures climbing to 250 F (121.1 C) on some steep slopes in about 86 F (30 C) outside temperature. Otherwise, the temperature seems to float around 240 F (116 C) to 230 F (110 C) on average. ........
WOW! You need to pull over and stop when it reaches 225F and let the car idle to cool down. Maybe slow down by about 30 KPH to stop that.

1. Opinion 1 - It is not possible to add a transmission cooler onto as there are no ATF lines running in or out of the transmission. The transmission fluid is cooled by the engine coolant running to and from the transmission itself. OP should consider checking ATF frequently and changing it more frequently. This is accurate. ......

Questions:

1. Can an aftermarket transmission cooler be installed on a SkyActiv Drive transmission? ........

Any thoughts, advice, ..........

See comments above.

My CX-5 is a 2.5l gasoline engined AWD version. Using a Scangauge II, I see 205F trans temp on the highway running 80+ MPH (130 KPH). When towing my TT at about 3150 pounds, I get 209 to 215F with a peak of 219F, even climbing up mile+ 8% grades at 60 MPH/100 KPH. Letting the transmission decide what gear to be in lowers Temps a noticeable amount, about 5F. Controlling the shifting and holding it in a lower gear, the way I was taught as a teen, raises the trans fluid temps and they did not appear that they would ever reach equilibrium and stop climbing.

How on earth do you get such high trans temps? How are you measuring it? That last trip home from OH, through the E. KY Mountains took 9 hours and It never got over 215F.

There is no current way to add a trans cooler to a CX-5. But, I can't see any need for one.

I DO drain and refill my trans fluid every 30k miles (I think that is specified in the Maintenance schedule when towing). I also change the xfer case and rear axle lube at the same time.

When towing, I drive very gently and chill. "Hurt's my [pride] to go so slow!" But I do it. I set my cruise on 100 KPH, leave the trans in Drive and crank my de-Blosed audio. I use a rear view camera to watch traffic and stay in the far right lane as much as possible. FWIW, I run a Redarc Inertia brake controller for no fuss braking.

 

[yrwei52]

What do you define as a "long" road trip?

Not sure, it really is your own decision that how often you want to do the ATF and gear lube change.

 

[yrwei52]

⋯ How on earth do you get such high trans temps?

I believe part of the reason why is because the factory-fill on ATF in OP’s transmission is lower than it should be like the factory-fill in rear differential. This’s not a news as almost every DIYer who checked the factory ATF level before the first drain-and-fill has found it’s the case.

 

[madar]

Higher temps are generated because he is towing up hills, just the fact that he is towing at all will generate higher temps. If the OP can't find a suitable cooler, and it's amazing after all these years that one still isn't available, then the best thing to do would be to have an aggressive fluid change schedule if you want better protection.

 

[GotRice23]

Controlling the shifting and holding it in a lower gear, the way I was taught as a teen, raises the trans fluid temps and they did not appear that they would ever reach equilibrium and stop climbing.

Agreed, I say let the computer do the work and do not push the car too hard. As per the post about the gentleman blowing his transmission, I do not switch over to shifting manually unless I am engine braking.

How on earth do you get such high trans temps? How are you measuring it? That last trip home from OH, through the E. KY Mountains took 9 hours and It never got over 215F.

When towing, I drive very gently and chill. "Hurt's my [pride] to go so slow!" But I do it. I set my cruise on 100 KPH, leave the trans in Drive and crank my de-Blosed audio. I use a rear view camera to watch traffic and stay in the far right lane as much as possible. FWIW, I run a Redarc Inertia brake controller for no fuss braking.

Now that you report this, I do find the temps differences quite significant; however, note that when I got the high temps, the outside temperature with humidity was about 32C or 89.6F... So I don't know what temperatures you were towing in. But I ensure to do all of these things to remain safe and to preserve the vehicle.

I believe part of the reason why is because the factory-fill on ATF in OP’s transmission is lower than it should be like the factory-fill in rear differential. This’s not a news as almost every DIYer who checked the factory ATF level before the first drain-and-fill has found it’s the case.

Now that you mention this, I have reviewed some of the other threads about the factory fluids. I will have to take a look the levels and see what we come up with... This could be the culprit.

Higher temps are generated because he is towing up hills, just the fact that he is towing at all will generate higher temps. If the OP can't find a suitable cooler, and it's amazing after all these years that one still isn't available, then the best thing to do would be to have an aggressive fluid change schedule if you want better protection.

More aggressive than the currently recommended 30K mi interval? Or does that suffice?

 

[madar]

I've not seen this 30k mile recommendation, but if it's being put out by Mazda then it's probably where you should be. They obvious know that higher fluid temps lead to shorter fluid life. The old rule of thumb was (many years ago) that for every 20 degrees of increase of fluid operating temperature you cut the fluid life in half. I'm not sure how the Mazda trans fluid fits into that narrative.