Buy Lexus LX570 Transmission Oil Cooler

Lexus fits the LX 570 with a liquid-to-air transmission oil cooler-also called a trans oil radiator or ATF heat exchanger-to keep the 6- or 8-speed automatic's fluid in the safe 175 °F-220 °F window while towing, climbing steep grades, or crawling off-road. When the cooler works well it protects clutch packs, keeps shifts smooth, and lets the SUV haul its rated 7,000-lb trailer load without overheating.

The LX 570's gearbox uses pressurized fluid (ATF) both to shift gears and to carry away heat. The cooler channels hot ATF through an aluminum plate-and-fin core mounted in front of the engine radiator, where incoming air strips off heat before the fluid returns to the pan. (IH8MUD Forum, Trans Parts Warehouse) A factory spec sheet confirms every 2015-2021 LX 570 leaves the plant with "Transmission…Oil Cooler" listed as standard equipment, showing its critical role. (Car and Driver)

1. The transmission pump pushes hot ATF out the outlet line. (IH8MUD Forum)
2. Fluid flows through the main cooler and, on tow-package trucks, a secondary auxiliary cooler.
3. Cooled ATF re-enters the case to start the loop again, keeping internal parts under 230 °F. Enthusiast data say drivers should ease off if temps hit 240 - 260 °F. (IH8MUD Forum)

Cooler Types

Lexus uses a stacked plate/plate-and-fin design, prized for large surface area and light weight compared with older tube-and-fin units. (Trans Parts Warehouse, HOT ROD) Fans add cooling when airflow is low, such as in slow sand or mud driving. (cbr-performance.com)

Open the hood and look through the grille: the slim silver core sits directly in front of the main radiator and A/C condenser on the driver's side. Lines run to the right (passenger) frame rail before diving to the transmission. (YouTube, Wholesale Automatic Transmissions)

• Pink or red puddle under the nose hints at leaking cooler lines. (Trans Parts Warehouse, RepairPal.com)
• Burnt smell or dark ATF shows fluid cooked from excess heat. (Trans Parts Warehouse)
• Harsh or delayed shifts often appear once the cooler can't shed enough heat. (RepairPal.com)
• Trans temp warning on scan data above 240 °F merits an immediate cool-down. (IH8MUD Forum)

Ignoring these can lead to warped clutch packs and costly rebuilds.

• Flush the cooler any time the gearbox is replaced to keep debris out, says a Lexus technical bulletin.
• Replace ATF with Toyota WS-spec fluid every 60 k mi when towing or off-roading often; an independent guide notes the exact spec. (Blauparts)
• Check fluid level between 94 °F - 114 °F using the fill port procedure shown in factory service videos. (YouTube)

All 2008-2021 LX 570 SUVs, whether 6-speed (AB60F) or 8-speed (AA80E/AE80F), share the same cooler footprint and line spacing. (Car and Driver, Car and Driver)

Towing Factor

Lexus rates the truck to tow 7,000 lb thanks in part to this standard cooler. (Lexus USA Newsroom) Owners pulling long grades have logged stable temps around 200 °F with a 5,500-lb trailer. (IH8MUD Forum, Toyota Tundra Forum)

1. Remove the grille and upper radiator cover.
2. Unbolt the cooler brackets and disconnect quick-connect lines; cap them to keep out dirt. (Wholesale Automatic Transmissions)
3. Swap in the new unit, torque fittings, and bleed air by idling in neutral for 5 min.
   A video on a similar Lexus model shows line-by-line steps and clamp placement. (YouTube) Always wear gloves and dispose of used ATF responsibly at a recycling center.

Drivers who tow over 6,000 lb in hot climates often add a second plate-and-fin core in series. Aftermarket kits for Toyota 3UR-FE drivetrains drop temps 20-30 °F in testing. (Cruisers & Company, etrailer) Make sure any add-on unit matches the LX's 3/8-in. line size and is rated for at least 18,000 BTU/hr.

ATF contains detergents; a spill can harm pets and waterways. Store drained fluid in sealed jugs and take it to a certified recycler. Local rules are listed on the NHTSA vehicle safety site. (NHTSA)

Q: What does a transmission oil cooler do?
A: It works like a small radiator that pulls heat out of the gearbox fluid so the transmission stays healthy and shifts smoothly. (IH8MUD Forum)

Q: Is it the same as an "ATF cooler" or "gearbox oil chiller"?
A: Yes-those are common synonyms for the same device.

Q: Where is it on my LX 570?
A: Right behind the front grille, in front of the main radiator. (Wholesale Automatic Transmissions)

Q: How hot is too hot for the LX 570's transmission?
A: Ease off the throttle if fluid temperature climbs above about 240 °F. (IH8MUD Forum)

Q: Do all LX 570s have a cooler, or only tow-package trucks?
A: Every model year includes a factory cooler; tow-package SUVs add a larger or secondary unit. (Car and Driver, Lexus USA Newsroom)

Q: What fluid should I use after replacing the cooler?
A: Toyota/Lexus ATF-WS meeting JWS 3324. (Blauparts)

Q: How much ATF will I lose when I swap the cooler?
A: About 1-1.5 quarts drains from the lines; catch it in a clean pan.

Q: Do I need special tools?
A: Basic metric sockets, snap-ring pliers for hose clips, and a spill-free funnel.

Q: Can a clogged cooler cause shifting problems?
A: Yes; if fluid can't shed heat, it thins out and clutches slip, leading to rough shifts. (RepairPal.com)

Q: What are leak signs?
A: Pink puddles, burned smell, or oily mist on the cooler fins. (Trans Parts Warehouse)

Q: How often should I inspect it?
A: Check fins for damage and lines for cracks at every oil change.

Q: Will an extra cooler hurt in winter?
A: No; modern thermostatic valves keep fluid from over-cooling. (3si.org)

Q: How does towing affect temperature?
A: Each extra 1,000 lb can raise ATF temp 10-20 °F on long grades. (IH8MUD Forum, Toyota Tundra Forum)

Q: Are plate-and-fin coolers better than tube-and-fin?
A: Plate-and-fin and stacked-plate styles move more heat with less pressure drop. (Trans Parts Warehouse, HOT ROD)

Q: Can I flush the cooler instead of replacing it?
A: Yes, but only if it isn't cracked; Lexus requires flushing whenever the transmission is swapped.

Q: Do I need to drop the bumper?
A: No, removal of the upper grille trim gives enough room. (YouTube)

Q: Is coolant mixed with ATF in this cooler?
A: No, it is an air-to-oil unit; coolant stays in the radiator.

Q: What happens if coolant ever mixes with ATF?
A: Milky fluid means internal leaks and demands immediate repair to avoid clutch failure.

Q: Are there recalls for the LX 570 cooler?
A: No cooler-specific recalls; always check your VIN for open campaigns. (NHTSA)

Q: Can I install an electric fan on the stock cooler?
A: Yes, slim 8-in. puller fans fit and help at low speeds. (cbr-performance.com)

Q: What torque spec do the cooler line banjo bolts need?
A: 27 ft-lb with new sealing washers, per Lexus workshop manual.

A sound transmission oil cooler is cheap insurance for your LX 570. Keep the fins clean, fix leaks early, and your gearbox can outlast the truck. Always use clean ATF-WS and recycle old fluid properly for safe, trouble-free driving.