Lower part of the radiator is your transmission cooler... Does the oil appear to be dark red and smell of ATF? It is likely leaking at the cooler line's crimped aluminum clamp on rubber hose section.

https://www.moparpartsoverstock.com...ock.com/images/uploads/SimplePart - Chrysler/fullsize/a_20151001_1101148325.png

 

Lower part of the radiator is your transmission cooler... Does the oil appear to be dark red and smell of ATF? It is likely leaking at the cooler line's crimped aluminum clamp on rubber hose section.

https://www.moparpartsoverstock.com...ock.com/images/uploads/SimplePart - Chrysler/fullsize/a_20151001_1101148325.png

No, the transmission cooling lines are on the lower part of the AC condenser.

Check the transmission lines at the lower part of the AC condenser, it just may need to be tightened.

 

It actually seems to be dark, like synthetic oil. not red to me at least... I was thinking of taking off the front bumper and grill and getting a better view. seems to only drip when its hot. Im just not familiar with this area of the Van....

 

Hi Dave,

Sorry to hear about this! If you decide to visit your local dealership I'd be happy to follow up with them if needed. Just PM our page and let me know.

Andrea
Chrysler Social Care Specialist

 

Well, it seems it is the a/c - transmission condenser. does anyone know where I can find the steps or watch a video on how to replace this part? I know that one side has the a/c connections and the other has the trans lines... I found the Part on Rockauto. http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3608979&cc=1441236&jsn=573&jsn=573

thanks in advance!!

 

Since you are working with AC pressurized system, your best bet is to take it to an AC shop so they can properly remove pressurized refrigerant and then recharge the system. Refrigerant should not be released to the atmosphere, federal laws penalizes licensed person who knowingly discharge refrigerants to the atmosphere, of course, if you don't have a license, you will not be penalized, but still, do the right thing if possible.

 

So tranny fluid now runs through the A/C condenser? Did that start with the 08 5th gens?

I take it a tranny fluid leaking from the condensor wouldn't necessarily mean he also has a A/C refrigerant leak rendering his A/C weak or dead.

 

So tranny fluid now runs through the A/C condenser? Did that start with the 08 5th gens?

I take it a tranny fluid leaking from the condensor wouldn't necessarily mean he also has a A/C refrigerant leak rendering his A/C weak or dead.
Last edited by RIP; 11-30-2016 at 03:57 PM.

Yes, started on 5 Gen. but not sure if started on 08. Mine is a 2012 and is built that way.

No, it would not affect the AC system at all, but if you have a transmission fluid leak, then the whole AC condenser must be replaced.

 

Would it be possible to just add a transmission oil cooler in front of the condenser and detach the trans lines from the condenser and attach them to the new cooler? Just blowing out the old fluid from the condenser? I really don't wanna mess with the a/c seeing it's working fine. Thoughts?

 

Yes, that is a great option for you. You can get a ready to install Hayden kit, available in various sizes.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...dodge,2008,grand+caravan,4.0l+v6,1441236,transmission-automatic,oil+cooler,2088

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...008,grand+caravan,4.0l+v6,1441236,transmission-automatic,oil+cooler+mount,18606

 

Just found this thread, is anyone still getting notifications on this? I have an 08’ T&C 4.0 Limited.....and whoah am I (do still) have the exact same issue/problem. But my A/C line blew first, followed by leaking red fluid (ATF) and now a Tranny that won’t shift out of 1st gear, thinkin I cooked it. Let me get this straight, Is the A/C condenser (if damaged) part of or can affect the tranny cooler? Effectively a possible culprit or cause for transmission issues?