How do I Remove Cooler Lines in a 97 Dodge 1500?

Cooler lines on the 1997 Dodge 1500 carry transmission oil to and from the transmission and radiator. The transmission houses the gears which the oil lubricates by circulating through. At the end of the cycle, the fluid is too hot to run through the transmission again. It runs through the oil cooler lines to the radiator where coolant lowers the temperature. Then the oil runs back through the lines to the transmission to begin the cycle again. Remove the lines to fix leaks or to work on the radiator.

Instructions

1

Raise the engine off the ground eight to 16 inches with a pair of jack stands. The added height provides easier access to the underside of the engine. Press on the front of the hood with full body weight to make sure the car is steady on the stands before moving on to the next step.

2

Find the transmission drain pan underneath the center of the truck's engine, just off to the driver's side. The drain pan is a 5.7L metal tank fastened to the transmission assembly with 8 bolts. A flashlight is often helpful in locating the tank.

3

Put a collection pan and drop cloth underneath the drain pan. Use the 18 mm socket wrench and remove seven of the eight bolts from the drain pan. Wait until the majority of the fluid is out of the tank. Take off the final bolt and pour the rest of the transmission oil into the collection pan. Replace the drain pan.

4

Look for the two round ports on the side of the transmission and the bottom of the radiator. The cooler lines run between these ports. Clamp a flare nut wrench onto the nut attaching the line to the port. Spin the nuts clockwise to loosen them. Pull the hoses out from the ports to remove them from the engine.