Where is the intercooler located?
In most turbocharged cars, the intercooler sits in the charge-air path and is used to cool compressed air before it enters the engine. The most common arrangement is a front-mounted intercooler (FMIC) placed in front of the radiator. But there are several layouts depending on vehicle design, including top-mounted, side-mounted, or even water-cooled/intercooler combinations.
Common intercooler layouts
Different manufacturers and models use different layouts to balance cooling efficiency, space, and aerodynamic considerations. The following are the most typical configurations you may encounter.
- Front-mounted intercooler (FMIC): a flat, radiator-like unit mounted at the front of the engine bay, directly in the path of incoming air in front of the radiator.
- Top-mounted intercooler (TMIC): located on top of the engine, often seen in performance or older Subaru designs, accessible in the engine bay under the hood.
- Integrated/intercooler within the engine bay: some compact or modern designs use a compact intercooler tucked alongside intake piping, sometimes less visible behind covers.
- Water-to-air intercooler (WTA): uses a separate cooling loop and radiator; the intercooler itself may sit in the engine bay or behind the bumper with piping connecting to the turbo and throttle body.
- Rear- or mid-mounted intercoolers: in some mid- or rear-engine layouts, the intercooler may be placed closer to the engine or behind the rear bumper/pod area to optimize heat management.
These layouts affect heat dissipation, airflow, and maintenance access. Always confirm with your vehicle’s service manual for the exact location.
How to locate the intercooler in your car
Use these practical steps to identify the intercooler location on your specific vehicle. This is especially helpful if you are inspecting a used car or planning a job that involves the turbo system.
- Check the owner's or service manual for the engine section; look for terms like "turbocharger," "charge air cooler," or "intercooler."
- Trace the path of air from the turbocharger: the component that sits between the turbo outlet and the intake manifold is the intercooler or its associated piping.
- Inspect the front of the engine bay and the area immediately in front of the radiator for a parallel-core heat exchanger with two large pipe connections.
- Look under the engine fold or behind bumper covers in some layouts; if you cannot find it, refer to official diagrams or seek a professional view, as some vehicles hide the intercooler behind panels.
- Note that some high-performance designs use a dedicated intercooler loop or a water reservoir; identify any extra coolant lines that indicate a water-to-air system.
Knowing the exact location helps with cooling system maintenance, diagnosing leaks, and planning modifications or inspections.
Maintenance considerations
Intercoolers themselves are robust, but the associated piping and seals can develop leaks over time. Keep the intercooler and its pipes free of debris, inspect for oil contamination (which can indicate a turbo seal issue), and ensure the heat exchanger fins are intact for efficient cooling.
For accurate information on your specific vehicle, always refer to the manufacturer's documentation or a qualified technician.
Summary
The location of an intercooler varies by design. The most common arrangement is a front-mounted intercooler in front of the radiator, but many cars employ top-mounted, side-mounted, water-to-air, or rear-side configurations depending on packaging and performance goals. To identify the exact position on your vehicle, consult the owner's manual or inspect the charge-air piping from the turbocharger outward.
