There are two coolant hoses coming off the side of the radiator, on the drivers side, that run alongside the battery back to the transmission.

 

I see no reference to them in the manual, but mine look rather dodgy and due for replacement.  Would help to know their correct name and tips about replacing them before I start taking things apart.

auto trans cooler lines

Just take a piece of the line to your local auto parts store and ask for how many feet you need. Tell them its for a transmission cooler so you get the proper braided hose.  I'd replace the hose clamps while youre at it. You will probably need to top the transmission fluid to replace the little that dripped out. It won't be alot though.

 

Just unscrew the clamps, cut hose to length, install clamps, top off fluid. Real easy to do.

Edited September 11, 201411 yr by stratman977

Just take a piece of the line to your local auto parts store and ask for how many feet you need. Tell them its for a transmission cooler so you get the proper braided hose.  I'd replace the hose clamps while you're at it. You will probably need to top the transmission fluid to replace the little that dripped out. It won't be a lot though.

 

Just unscrew the clamps, cut hose to length, install clamps, top off fluid. Real easy to do.

Thanks, I thought I was going to have to drain the radiator since the hoses are connected to it.  Sounds like I don't have to drain anything.

 

Apparently, the transmission lines must be connected to independent tubing inside the radiator.  When I disconnect the hoses from the radiator, it sounds like the transmission fluid in the hoses will drain back into the transmission. Am I correct on these assumptions ?

drain back ? You wish ! The trans fluid in the lines will drain to the lowest point, so at least undo the lower pipe fitting first as there is a small radiator containing trans fluid inside the radiator tank. A failing of non Subaru models is the small radiator inside the tank, splits, allowing coolant to enter the auto trans and ruin your day and trans, all in one stupid action. Safety is an exterior only cooler, bypassing the radiator immersed in a radiator concept.

 

And hide the keys until job done or you will pump trans fluid all over the joint if engine is started. Alternatively loop two lines together if you need to move car before job is done.

drain back ? You wish ! The trans fluid in the lines will drain to the lowest point, so at least undo the lower pipe fitting first as there is a small radiator containing trans fluid inside the radiator tank. A failing of non Subaru models is the small radiator inside the tank, splits, allowing coolant to enter the auto trans and ruin your day and trans, all in one stupid action. Safety is an exterior only cooler, bypassing the radiator immersed in a radiator concept.

 

And hide the keys until job done or you will pump trans fluid all over the joint if engine is started. Alternatively loop two lines together if you need to move car before job is done.

 

Okay, I will drain nothing, prepare for the flood, disconnect the battery and hopefully get 'er done.

I would change the atf if you haven't already since it does help them shift better with new fluid.

Edited September 11, 201411 yr by turbosubarubrat

+ 1 on changing the ATF.   Measure what drains out.  Amount will be different than stated capacity because all does not drain out.  Save the old fluid, mix with acetone to make liquid wrench. 

Then drain and replace the fluid again after 1 month if you wish to get near 100% new fluid.