Water in Nissan transmission | Pathfinder, Xterra, Frontier

[@theleequa]

What about doing a transmission bypass by going through the auxiliary cooler?

[@WrenchLink]

you could do that too but I'd recommend a bigger auxiliary cooler and check if it cools the transmission fluid properly by using a scan tool

[@davidyoung2622]

I think I will bypass the radiator and install another external one with a temperature blower fan 😊

[@CCB6939]

Excellent video! I just bought a 07 xterra with 90,000 miles and have read about this issue. no one explained it as well as you. I'm going to purchase a new radiator to be safe. Thanks again for the video !! A+

[@WrenchLink]

you're welcome, im glad i could help

[@mary-jr6tg]

Wish I had seen this video sooner. Have a 2006 Xterra this has happened to at about 150k miles. Just happen to catch it in the early stages of the failure. Keeping my fingers crossed the transmission hasn't been compromised. Had the timing chain and water pump replaced about a year ago.....$2800... OUCH!!!😢 Didn't know these things had two coolers. Video was very helpful and informative, thanks a bunch man!👍

[@WrenchLink]

I'm glad I could help!

[@stevek343]

Dumdass

[@emmittmatthews8636]

​@@stevek343brilliant spelling guy. 😂

[@stevek343]

@@emmittmatthews8636 I'm sure you know that word more than I do.

[@reynaldohernandez1425]

I appreciate the effort of putting this informative video. My 2.5 frontier is not affected by this issue but I love to learn and your the only one that explains this problem very clearly. Thanks again. I’ll subscribe!

[@WrenchLink]

You're welcome and thank you

[@marcusmariota421]

so does it not affect the 2.5L at all? I just bought a 2006 frontier 2.5L and would like to know

[@reynaldohernandez1425]

@marcus marista don’t worry the 2.5 doesn’t have that issue. I have a 2007 with 283k with very minimum maintenance. I have replaced the cam shaft sensor, catalytic converter which I bought from eBay for $250 about 4years ago and still working fine. I did it myself with very basic tools and it’s still working well. I would buy another 2.5 if I had the chance . They are very underrated but fantastic vehicles if you don’t tow heavy stuff.

[@ernestcatuncan727]

Took your advice and now she runs like a dream!!!! Thank you for your video.

[@rahmothcolby5908]

Wonderful explanation of why the failure happens. Thank you. Very informative and well presented A+

[@WrenchLink]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching

[@scottgriffin449]

Very informative video man, appreciate you explaining this and showing how the system works

[@WrenchLink]

you're welcome

[@javiergaytan977]

My radiator is clogged with Grey oil, does the new radiator solve the problem???🤔

[@WrenchLink]

@@javiergaytan977 the oil should be TRANSMISSION fluid from the cooler inside the radiator so replacing the radiator should solve the problem but you would have to flush the cooling system so that the oil already existing in the cooling system doesn't clog the new radiator again

[@javiergaytan977]

@Wrench Link tanks bro. Appreciate your help.

[@KnightOfChrist1978]

Great explanation brother the drawing was perfect good final touch

[@jeromehoward3625]

thanks for the in depth explanation, I am currently busy with the exact same issue on my 2006 bmw e90, and it is great to know how the coolant gets into the ATF. Now i know for sure where and what the problem is. Thank you very much.

[@WrenchLink]

You're welcome 😊

[@rocaleffix]

A question, is it possible to mix the fluids on the small radiator, or is it only possible inside the bigger radiator? By the way, very nice and detailed video congrats!

[@WrenchLink]

only in the big radiator

[@Heyyoo921]

Can i Dont just bypass the radiator and put a separate AT oil cooler insted? .

[@WrenchLink]

Yes, that's another option. Just make sure to put it in front of the radiator where air is going to hit it

[@Robnm618]

Do the new replacement radiators still fail the same way over time or has this flaw been fixed?

[@4eightyvolt]

Good question. I was wondering the same thing.

[@theleequa]

I saw another video and that one said that the factory Calsonic brand radiators are the ones that cause this issue. I'm unsure if there are others but that's the one that was pointed out in another video.

[@CCB6939]

I've researched and found many aftermarket radiators have fixed the issue so should definitely last.

[@leooneill1693]

Hi Thanks for the video. Does the 2011 diesel 3.0 models have the same problem?

[@WrenchLink]

I honestly don't know about that model

[@micro963]

Thank you for sharing I’m taking my truck for service tomorrow at least I have some idea now what might be happening 👍👍👍

[@WrenchLink]

You're welcome

[@micro963]

My Nissan Frontier 2014 is jerking up when shift gears at 20mph and 40mph up and down abrupt shifting, the dealer said there are no transmission codes or coolant contaminating the transmission. Does anyone have an idea what could be the problem? I would appreciate any help, thank you

[@Orangebrushskoibowlscott]

Great video. This is a well known problem with Frontiers (Navaras as they're known here in the UK) but this is the only video I've seen showing the disassembled rad and the actual point of faliure. Nissan do not help matters with the 'sealed for life transmission' bollocks. No dipstick on the later boxes, you have to read the ATF temp sensors with a decent quality diagnostic tool, drain and pump the fluid in via the fill tube in the pan three times to get a full fluid change. Clean the pan and replace the filter and pan gasket too, obviously. I actually approached Nissan for an ATF change and they refused to do it. "Sealed for life, mate". "Life" being Nissan's warranty period, then you're on your own. Did it myself at 100k and I'm glad I did, the fluid was turning brown. Do yourself a favour and buy a Toyota.

[@ericdorsey7372]

doing this right now, replacing rad and trans cooler. ready to hook up new hoses and refill and test. my question is, how does the trans fluid mix in the radiator and not mix with the coolant? wouldn't it make sense to just use the trans cooler for the ATF and the rad for the engine/heater coolant? if I'm putting on a new trans cooler, cant I run the hoses this way? thanks, great video btw

[@WrenchLink]

The ATF doesn't mix with the antifreeze inside the radiator, the antifreeze only cools down the ATF. The transmission fluid cooler Infront the radiator is not enough to cool down the fluid, it needs the radiator to cool down the ATF

[@TwoTall1988]

Is this a symptom all Nissan radiators have? I have a 2016 Nissan NV 3500 SL with the V8 platform that is shared with the 2008-2012 Pathfinder but they have a different radiator with the same liquid cooler/warmer setup.

[@WrenchLink]

No, not all Nissan radiators

[@dunebasher70]

very well explained i subscribed

[@WrenchLink]

I appreciate it

[@warrenslo5895]

Dose this problem exist in the 2023 / 2024 Frontiers ? 🔧 Also I liked your video .

[@WrenchLink]

Unfortunately, it's too early to know on those models.

[@dyardsale5475]

I have a 2004 Toyota Corolla. The upper transmission cooler line and fitting broke off the radiator (I don't know why) with trans fluid and coolant leaking all over. Engine coolant is now leaking from the hole that has been created by the fitting breaking off. I want to know if engine coolant has gotten into my transmission.

[@kofigodswaykumi5413]

Please I use 2007 Nissan versa but I just realized that coolant mixed with the transmission fluid please what should I do

[@WrenchLink]

You could drain and flush the transmission fluid if the transmission is still working. If not, then you would have to replace the transmission and fix the coolant issue

[@SeanCleverley]

I have a 2004 pathfinder, 318,000 KM on it...I have been told I can bypass the system and add a Air to Oil cooler? Or should I just replace the rad and transmission oil cooler? I am a bit confused, need a bit of help. thank you!

[@WrenchLink]

You can bypass by adding another external cooler, or replace the radiator which would give you another 50k miles or more

[@javeedkhanpathan6928]

Hi I have Nissan Pathfinder 2016 model, Last week I had driven it from deep water and it started jerking immediately. Then replaced all plugs, 8:39 engines oil , oil filter and when checked gear oil it had full water contaminated in it. 2 times they flushed the oil and still I'm not satisfied it jerking

[@javeedkhanpathan6928]

Can you guide me what to do transmission is expensive

[@WrenchLink]

The only solution I can think of without removing the transmission is to keep flushing the transmission until the water is removed completely. But that might take several transmission fluid flushes.

[@phetinsixiengmay9027]

Can you do a radiator bypass?

[@WrenchLink]

You could, but you would have to make sure that the separate cooler you install is actually cooling down the transmission fluid. You can check it with a scan tool

[@jaffarjaffar8386]

I mean, is what you mentioned can affect. The problem I have is that when it is cold it works until it reaches its normal temperature and then when I turn off the engine it does not work unless it waits for half or more than an hour. Does it have anything to do with TCM

[@WrenchLink]

you have a different problem, it shouldn't be the radiator

[@jaffarjaffar8386]

@@WrenchLink Thank you. I found out the reason and fixed it myself after several tests. I bought a simple test device and followed the codes and the problem was solved. Praise be to God.

[@37Kings]

@jaffarjaffar8386 what was the reason/problem you had then, if not the SMOD?

[@brandonpittman5243]

I just bought one that’s mixing for 1000. The transmission will move the truck but it slips so should I try and flush the transmission and coolant and replace the radiator or look for another transmission and new radiator?

[@WrenchLink]

If it slips bad than the transmission might be bad but if it still shifts in all gears than flush the transmission and replace the radiator

[@brandonpittman5243]

@@WrenchLink ok will give it a shot thanks

[@WrenchLink]

@@brandonpittman5243 you're welcome

[@brandonpittman5243]

@@WrenchLink ok it started making the whining noise again after the flush and a new filter so I took the pan down and that filter is clogged as well? So I’m gonna flush again and fill and see what happens. Maybe I didn’t get all the dibris out and that stopped up the brew strainer or maybe the water has ruined the clutches and that’s what’s stopping to the filter clutch Material. So I’m gonna flush one more time if it does it again then I guess it’s time for a transmission

[@WrenchLink]

@@brandonpittman5243 sorry to hear that. If it's metal shavings that's clogging the filter then it will most likely do it again

[@markartist8646]

Will the bypass compromise the cooling efficiency??

[@EarnestBates-v8y]

Will there be Trans fluid in the water,

[@rlh9373]

Have 07 pathfinder with 210670 miles. Around 40 miles it seems like it takes long to change gears the get up and go is slower 😒and also it will go in safety mode when doing a left turn or stop at light in slight decline. The Pathfinder starts right back up it makes me feel like I have a hybrid when they turn themselves off idling at the red light it doesn't do it a lot it seems to stop when I put a little bit of oil in it

[@WrenchLink]

When you put oil in the transmission?

[@nursevinyl6185]

Is this applicable for 2014 nissan frontier as well? Thanks

[@WrenchLink]

Yes

[@downundertruth3589]

Could you bypass the radiator and install a second external oil cooler?

[@WrenchLink]

Yes

[@antonylargue7443]

Great video. Very informative!

[@WrenchLink]

Thank you!

[@scottgriffin449]

Also heard these coolers known as "concentric oil coolers" fail due to increased pressure by being clogged. There is a product called kooler kleen in a can that is made to flush the cooler out to avoid any blockage

[@leonmaliniak]

Nice video. I subscribed. I have a question; I am thinking of buying a 2009 Pathfinder with 82,000 KM and I have read about this leaking radiator problem in some of these third generation models. What is your opinion about the risk of this problem happening with a 2009 Pathfinder.

[@WrenchLink]

very likely to happen. I'd suggest to replace the radiator and you'll have a good truck for many years to come. Sorry my reply too late, i get a lot of comments on all my videos and can't get to them on time

[@alexperez9679]

My 2008 pathfinder has purple oil color inside the radiator is that transmission cooler ? Transmission has no water any idea about it ? Need help !!

[@johnmontana18]

Is it possible that some were built with better radiator? My 06 Xterra has 160000 miles and has not had this problem.

[@WrenchLink]

Probably or the radiator has been replaced before

[@shadowtruck5991]

I replaced my rad at 87k odo as elective maintenance covered by extended warranty. My 07 V6 Fronty is now 260k odo. Runs like when i bought it brand new 2007.

[@johnmontana18]

@@shadowtruck5991 That is great. I wasn't offered a radiator. I heard the problem was that some of the original transmission oil was corrosive and it caused the damage. Love my 2006.

[@elonsus9747]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@johnmontana18I would do the bypass, or replace the radiator if you haven’t already. 05, 06, are really susceptible to it. Anything from 05-11 are really.

[@johnmontana18]

@@elonsus9747 Dealer told me that not all had the problem and mine was one that didn't. But I will have it checked again as I have a very slow coolant leak. thanks for your reply. Checked again (8/23) for coolant transmission issues and my xterra is built different and doesn't have this problem. Mileage 186000.

[@jaffarjaffar8386]

Hi . I have a problem with the vehicle Nissan Xterra 2008. The diagnostic code is u1000.can bus . I don't know how to fix this problem . If possible , do you have any information about it ? Thank you in advance

[@WrenchLink]

a U1000 is a lack of communication issue. sometimes affected a low power. check if the battery is charged properly

[@BowieRosenberg-jr6xn]

Awesome, thank you!!

[@WrenchLink]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching

[@alcazzone]

Does this problem also effect the 2.5dci 6 spd Manual transmission as well?? Thanks

[@WrenchLink]

No, only automatic transmissions.

[@ernestcatuncan727]

5/27 8pm I had the milkshake problem, i replaced my trans with a used one, after installing trans my truck barley moves at a high rpm. Is there anything I missed? Please help

[@ernestcatuncan727]

I did replace radiator and added an external trans cooler

[@WrenchLink]

Does it have good transmission fluid level?

[@brettharrell7599]

Great video!!

[@WrenchLink]

Thank you!

[@sglee4708]

Thank you

[@WrenchLink]

🙂

[@javiergaytan977]

HELP My radiator have Grey oil on tap, is possible is fixed put it new radiator? Sorry my pour English.

[@WrenchLink]

Yes, most likely the transmission cooler in the radiator is leaking. Replace the radiator and flush the cooling system and flush the transmission fluid to prevent transmission damage

[@javiergaytan977]

@@WrenchLink thanks bro, appreciate your help.

[@WrenchLink]

@@javiergaytan977 you're welcome

[@joetan4125]

How about the 2010 Nissan Titan?

[@pastormichaelhibbertminist7486]

Great Video!!!!

[@dylanshepherd3213]

2005 frontier, S.M.O.D. just happened to me, in a bad way, new transmission and radiator on its way 😭

[@WrenchLink]

sorry to hear that

[@ottodepaz7187]

How much is the damage?

[@stephensurratt9117]

? Nissan Altima ? Same?

[@WrenchLink]

As far as I know, the Altima doesn't have this problem

[@ruiz212]

Damn replace the radiator every 50k miles?!?! Did they not fix the radiator problem??

[@WrenchLink]

Apparently not

[@emmittmatthews8636]

You can bypass the radiator on these. There's videos on here showing that. The trans fluid doesn't really need to go through the radiator, although I'm sure it helps cool it to some degree.

[@Leo-qw1dv]

Can you buy separate transmission ,bypass original.😄😄

[@marcosacevedo3656]

When my truck is cool and start to drive it first gear takes long to shift then after 1-2 mins it drives like nothing anyone had this problem?

[@pedrovillafan]

The information you provide That's not accurate ,,,, be careful what you said

[@WrenchLink]

What's not accurate about it?