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Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Questions

106 messages,  Last post on Nov 17, 2009 at 7:59 AM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan, Transmission, SUV

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#41 of 106 Re: Radiator leaking into Transmission [xtierra] by smokey75 Apr 19, 2009 (10:11 am)
Replying to: xtierra (Apr 19, 2009 12:11 am) I recommend Blackstone Labs if you want to send a sample of transmission fluid for testing. They'll tell you if there is any coolant in it and a million other things.
#42 of 106 Re: Radiator leaking into Transmission [dansc] by boonissan Apr 19, 2009 (12:00 pm)
Replying to: dansc (Apr 17, 2009 6:27 pm) If they tell you your having any kind of transmission issues, I would insist that you have them install a new radiator. The problem I had did NOT lower the levels of the transmission fluid or the antifreeze. They read normal. The only way to tell if they are mixing is to drain them both and check the color. I was told if it is pink then they are mixing but please check with your mechanic on the color.
#43 of 106 Re: Radiator leaking into Transmission [dansc] by dansc Apr 21, 2009 (10:46 am)
Replying to: dansc (Apr 17, 2009 6:27 pm) Ok, I dropped my Pathfinder off at the local dealership service department yesterday and the results are back in today. I was very straightforward and asked about the potential issue of the failing radiators causing transmission failure and that I was concerned that my rig might have that issue.   Here is the technicians diagnosis: "Check transmission fluid level/condition Found fluid to be contaminated/burnt"   "The technician did determine the transmission has failed & needs to be replaced. The failure was a result of the fluid itself & not a contamination from the transmission cooler lines in the radiator. This is good news as it is a slam dunk to order up a replacement unit."   So, I did not have the failed radiator issue and since my rig only has 57,200 miles on it Nissan is replacing the transmission for me at their expense under the original factory warrantee. I should note that I am the second owner on this rig, I’m glad that Nissan’s warrantees follow the vehicle and not ownership.   I now have a new car maintenance rule: Check the color of the automatic transmission fluid at every oil change. I drive this rig a lot (1,500-2,000 miles per month) so if the transmission hadn’t started exhibiting problems for just a few more weeks I would have been on the hook for a $4-5,000 transmission replacement, ouch.   Now I need to try and find out if they have identified the batch number(s) on the failed radiators and double-check to make sure I don’t have one so that it doesn’t become an issue down the road!   Many thanks for all of the comments and information shared on this forum, it really helped me prepare before going to the dealership to have them address my vehicle problems. Replies to this message: dansc (Sep 11, 2009 10:53 am) matt188 (Sep 17, 2009 3:31 pm) lildavidjax (Sep 18, 2009 7:22 am) 99accent (Sep 18, 2009 8:17 am)
#44 of 106 Transmission cooler seperate from the radiator. by lildavidjax Apr 24, 2009 (11:39 am)
For all those worried about this problem, ( I've posted this before,) Completely bypass the radiator and put an external transmission oil cooler on your pathfinder. The transmission will run cooler, extending the life of your transmission, and in no way can the two fluids mix, as they are now independent of one another! This is by far the least expensive way to go and you can buy this cooler aftermarket at any auto parts store with instructions included! After a long haul towing a 4000 pound trailer, the transmission cooler was only warm to the touch. The radiator was too hot to touch. Good luck! Replies to this message: dragod (May 17, 2009 4:42 am)
#45 of 106 Re: Radiator leaking into Transmission [medusan] by medusan Apr 24, 2009 (1:19 pm)
Replying to: medusan (Apr 13, 2009 6:29 pm) Well just to close the loop - I did what other people had done - contacted Nissan Consumer Services, spoke with the NW regional person and also got the Dealer Service Manager to do the same. End result, Nissan USA replaced the transmission even though it was at 61000 miles as a goodwill gesture (that and the damage was all done during the warranty period). All I had to pay for was the Radiator, the dealer even waved the cost of the transmission fluid that they put in when they replaced the radiator to still find that the transmission had no reverse.   So i guess we got lucky, hopefully some of you will do also.
#46 of 106 Re: Radiator leaking into Transmission [superkeyword] by dsmith7228 May 10, 2009 (9:49 am)
Replying to: superkeyword (Nov 30, 2008 11:07 pm) hi i'm having the same problem my pathfinder will not start at all now.. what is the IDPM that you are refering to? is it something that can be easily replaced? i am a descent mechanic but have never messed with a tranny before?
#47 of 106 Transmission Cooler by 70ss454_man May 14, 2009 (8:24 pm)
As was mentioned above, the stock transmission cooler on the WD21 Pathfinders (1986.5-1995) are a fin style set up, which is prone to clogging and cannot be cleaned, no matter what anyone will say. WHEN this clogs, it robs the transmission of fluid flow and it overheats and burns up the clutches and gear brakes. This also caused youe fluid to smell burned and turn brownish.   The fix is to completely bypass the stock transmission cooler with at least a 15,000GVW unit. NO NOT run the new cooler in sequence with the stock cooler.   Yes, the stock transmission cooler is housed in the same unit as the radiator, but it is 100% separate.   Hope this helps.
#48 of 106 Re: Transmission cooler seperate from the radiator. [lildavidjax] by dragod May 17, 2009 (4:42 am)
Replying to: lildavidjax (Apr 24, 2009 11:39 am) Dear Lildavidjax,   Can you please advice (if you know) what type of external oil cooler can be used on 2005 Pathfinder? I had the same problem with transmission fluid leakage and my mechnics told me that Path has a separate AT cooler and simply disconnected it from radiator. However it seems to me not a very correct approach?! So I'm now looking for a solution to the problem.   Thanks in advance for your help...
#49 of 106 Re: Radiator leaking into Transmission [fthevision] by andreww2 May 21, 2009 (12:41 pm)
Replying to: fthevision (Apr 18, 2009 7:23 pm) Add me too this list...   Got a 2005 Pathfinder (Canada), Started to feel a vibration at certain speeds and rev (clearly to do with shifting), so took it in for an inspection (which I had to pay for), and said I think there is a transmission problem getting worse, but was told this is normal... Just watch how you use overdrive (stupid comment and idea from the senior technician). Two weeks later I took it back again and said no this is a problem so what is it… again told it is normal for these cars. Well 4 weeks after the second visit to the dealer I went to the airport then got home and I looked under the car, sure enough liquid on the floor. Looking in the radiator & header tank and pink scum every where (not in the engine - dip stick though). Had it towed in to a different dealer (not going back to the first one after their help…!), and was told the radiator had leaked into the transmission but also the transmission had gone into the radiator. Third Pathfinder they had seen do this. I Called Nissan Canada and they said tough over warranty… With this Pathfinder I have also had two u-joints replaced and cam shaft tightner belt done and now this and only 100,000km’s on the clock. This was my 3rd Nissan, I am now done with NISSAN cars. Mazda here I come.
#50 of 106 Re: Radiator leaking into Transmission >>More of the same by litpat May 26, 2009 (4:48 pm)
Replying to: fthevision (Apr 18, 2009 7:23 pm) Just went throuh this fiasco . The trans quit & I thought I bought a flood car , the dealer said the water in the trans voided the warranty ...dealer sends me to my insurance . Miraculously the comp insurance writes a check for $7K....3 weeks later I overheat with trans oil in the radiator and fouled trans fluid . The dealer is happy to sell me a radiator & fluid flush at a discount of about $ 500 for both. I thought the dealer did me good by recommending insurance , but now I suspect they knew there was an issue , I pick up my car tomorrow & I want to fight this new charge , but I'm wondering if I will only get pissed .....BTW my U-Joints had to be replaced already... I drove my last Pathfinder into the ground ... I'm surprised this part went on a young truck...$^$%^$%^%^%^ RHH Replies to this message: sf05finder (Aug 03, 2009 11:01 am)

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