Chrysler Repair: Oil cooler by Radiator leaking, transmission oil cooler, chrysler sebring

Question
SO I just wanted to know if this is bad and how much a ballpark figure on the cost... I got my engine steamed cleaned underneath and tried to pass inspection and no dice.  They said I have an oil leak near the oil cooler by the radiator..  I just need to know if I can take it to any mechanic or does it have to be the DEVILSHIP (dealership)...Samantha
99 Chrysler Sebring, V6 2.5L 2 door coupe

Answer
Hi Samantha,
This transmission oil cooler is located in front of the engine cooling system radiator and can be serviced by a shop that specializes in radiator/air conditioner repairing. It has several hoses and connections which might be the cause of the leak rather than the cooler proper, but in any case I don't believe that you would need to have the leak fixed at a dealer. So just look for radiator/AC repair shops and get a couple of estimates. Take a look yourself to see if it might not just me a loose hose clamp. But it is good to get it fixed so you don't run low on transmission fluid which could damage the transmission. There is one thing I would advise you to purchase at a dealer: the transmission fluid necessary to refill the system after the repair. The Chrysler electronic transaxles are very finnicky about the brand of fluid so don't run the risk of trouble because of incompatible fluids being used. A transmission repair is very expensive. So ask the repair shop about how much fluid they will need to do the repair if the cooler has to be replaced (if the clamp being loose is not the reason for the leak) and buy that at the dealer parts department, then and give it to them before they do the repair.
Roland