Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Problems

carcrazy08carcrazy08 Member Posts: 1
I have an 06 does anybody hear whinning in transmission when get going tranny fluid is full truck has 68000. miles.
Thanks
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Comments

  • mcclancymcclancy Member Posts: 2
    145K total miles. I had major service 6K ago, including transmission flush. Dealership replaced leaking front differential pinion seal at that time. Occasionally the tranny has been a little balky or delayed about shifting into overdrive at highway speeds (70 & up). Last night, vehicle simply would not shift into overdrive above 65 mph. Pulled into gas station to check things out, found the tranny fluid was about 1.5 inches above the full mark and tranny fluid all over the bottom of the tranny case. After sitting about 10 minutes, there was a dinner-plate sized puddle of tranny fluid under the truck. Got towed back to the house. No fluid at all under the truck this morning. ???
  • diannaddiannad Member Posts: 1
    the transmision on my 1997 pathfinder went and I took it to a garage and had a used one put in. When I picked up the vehicle I noticed it had a very bad vibration in it and after driving it about 30 km there was a loud bang and the transmission broke (no reverse) I took it back to the garage and they put another transmission in it . the car still vibrated and the mechanic never made a comment when I mentioned it . I took the car home and when driving to work he next morning the exact same thing happened. What is wrong here??? I can't afford to put yet another trasnmission in this car, I had to pay over 800$ in labour each time in addition to the transmission , what could be causing this to happen? I was not driving more than 70 km each time it broke.
  • rhtransrhtrans Member Posts: 84
    The problem most likely(but not positive) lies with the cooler in the radiator not allowing adequate cooler flow...the garage should make sure that the flow is at the very least 1 quart per 20 seconds, if not it will damage the unit that is installed very quickly.
  • crh84dalcrh84dal Member Posts: 1
    I have a 95 pathfinder that the reverse just went out on. The rest of the gears work fine. I heard there maybe a band or belt (something that can be adjusted) that I can get to if i drop the pan. Does anyone know what I'm looking for and how to adjust it if there is one?
  • towel1981towel1981 Member Posts: 1
    Hi all,

    I am at wit's end. My brand new 2008 Path was doing fine for the first 2 months. However, for the past week, I have been experiencing the following problem:

    1. Problem: Delay when shifting from Reverse to Drive on upward slope

    When the vehicle is on a street that is sloped upward, and after backing up I shift from Reverse to Drive, the vehicle will continue to roll backward (downhill) as if it is in Neutral for a few moments before it changes to Drive.

    2. Problem: Delay when shifting from Drive to Reverse on downward Slope

    When the vehicle is on a street that is sloped downward, and after driving forward I shift from Drive to Reverse, the vehicle will continue to roll forward (downhill) as if it is in Neutral for a few moments before it changes to Reverse.

    3. Problem: Delay when shifting from Drive to Reverse or Reverse to Drive

    When the vehicle is on a street that is level and not sloped, and I shift from Drive to Reverse or Reverse to Drive, the vehicle may not roll due to the lack of a slope, but it will have a delay as if it is in Neutral for a few moments before it changes to Reverse or to Drive.

    The mechanic at the dealership said that this issue is 100% normal and that his personal Pathfinder does the same thing. He says it was okay until now because it was not yet broken in.

    Is it true that this is typical or is it in fact a transmission problem?

    (note that once the gear is engaged there is no rollback, it is only in the first few moments after switching from Reverse to Drive or vice versa.)
  • esksesks Member Posts: 2
    Have a 2005 automatic pathfinder,97000Klm it seemed to be missing at about 80KPH or chugging when shifting into 4th gear. I just went to dealer and found out that the radiator is leaking into my transmission causing the trany to slip and I will have to replace rad and flush trany with Nissan J Matic fluid (no other type will work- very expensive) possibly up to 3 times Bill C$2000+. Has anyone else run into this problem and is there any other solutions less costly. Is there any possibility that once fixed the trany could be damaged and I will then have to spend additional $$ to replace?
    Thanks
  • superkeywordsuperkeyword Member Posts: 2
    same thing happened, supposedly changed transmission, but now 25K miles later at a small local shop in Los angeles, california, tranny shifts are into 2nd into 1st, some times get stuck in 3rd/ 4th gear..

    also when i restart, it shifts normal for a day or 2...

    i had the IDPM controller changed right after this, nothing but trouble, warranyts out,
    $700, caused the car not to start or stall after 5 mins

    i ihave over 112k miles.. [non-permissible content removed]..
  • lildavidjaxlildavidjax Member Posts: 68
    My 93 pathfinder has no third gear. (Shifting) 1st, then second, then when third is supposed to hit, it just free wheels. I built the transmission under two years ago, I really doubt it's the clutch packs. Any ideas? Because I really don't want to have to pull it out again! It's four wheel drive and a total pain in the @$%! :mad:
  • roddwhitneyroddwhitney Member Posts: 1
    This also just happened to my 2005 Pathfinder with 50k mi. I'm having the transmission rebuilt and radiator replaced for almost $3000. Dealer said not under warrenty and wanted $6-8K to replace transmission. Icalled Nissan USA and after making me wait 2 days, they said I was SOL. Earlier this year I had to have the fuel sensor in the gas tank replaced too. Total piece of crap. My first and last Nissan.
  • TarpedTarped Member Posts: 1
    I have 05 pathfinder with 85,000 miles and it is vibrating and stuttering on shifts around 45 -55 mph and 2000rpms. The tach jumps and around and if you back off throttle it will make the shift. I've been told 3rd gear is the weak point in these trannys but your comments and others about radiator leak into tranny fluid concern me as well. What was the outcome of your radiator fix and change of tran fluid.

    Thanks
  • lildavidjaxlildavidjax Member Posts: 68
    Before you start worrying yourself over the transmission, It might be your TPS, that is the throttle positioning sensor. Comes off with two tiny screws. Real easy to get to. If you have an ohm meter you can actually test it first. See how much one costs, might be worth it to change it anyway. And third gear? Yeah, I have my transmission out right now for third gear. Oh well, at least I can do it myself! Good luck!
    David
  • almattialmatti Member Posts: 164
    I did the complete 4WD service: change the tranny fluid, filter, all the differential oils [there are 3 of them], at 60k. I have 113k now. Time to do it again?. I do notice lately a slight "delay" when shifting into drive from reverse. How many people use the OD off when driving around town?
  • esksesks Member Posts: 2
    Well , it was the rad leaking into the transmission and after spending $2300 to have the rad changed and the transmission flushed with the Nissan fluid (took over $800 worth of fluid to clean)I got it back and it still was slipping slightly so the Dealer worked with Nissian and they replaced my Transmission under warranty (amazing) and the dealer refunded me $600 of the $2300 I spent. Every thing seems to be fine now. Truck is running real nice. If anyone has this problem get your dealer to approach Nissian for you and see what they can do. I was probably just fortunate that I have been dealing with the dealer for a while and have another Nissan that I take there as well which may have worked in my favor. Good luck
  • jbaumerjbaumer Member Posts: 8
    My wifes 2006 Pathfinder makes a clinking noise when she transfers from 2WD to 4H but no noise in Auto. Am I looking at replacing the entire transfer case? Or replace a part or 2 in the case? Have not taken SUV into shop as yet. Any input would be appreciated. jb
  • xtierraxtierra Member Posts: 55
    thanks for posting your problem... this will help other owners check their tranny fluid all the time to avoid going thorugh that problem.... dealer should have re-funded all of your money since its a problem with a batch of radiators that where installed on the 2005 models.... you might want to write a letter to nissan and see what they say... remember .. they are not going to offer any re-fund untill they get a certified notarized letter that will cause them to want to avoid any legal matters in court....
  • jason51jason51 Member Posts: 1
    Just remember auto is only for when the computer senses a slip in the rear and at that point it will engage the 4wd. When you select 4h you are actually engaging 4wd until you un-select it, auto is just a nice feature for when you are driving in conditions where it's not always slippery that way you aren't running your 4wd on a non-slick surface b/c that can damage your x-fer case and such. I don't think you have a problem unless you meant something else in your post.
  • buynamericnnowbuynamericnnow Member Posts: 2
    I just got my quote back from Nissan for $4,500.00 for a new tranny + tax and labor of course. 3 months ago I had the radiator replaced for around $1,000.00. It is the '05 Pathfinder with just over 104,000 on it. So much for thinking that I would get 200K out of it without any problems. It was making the same studdering and shifting vibrations prior to replacing the radiator that others have described in here to the T. We also had the tranny flushed and all fluids replaced. Nissan dealer recommended another round of cleansing if we noticed it again. Well, I'm noticing it alright and my wallet is now making the shuddering noises. My wife is an attorney so, I'll let you know how this one rolls out. It's her car and she is not gonna be happy about it....No she won't.
  • almattialmatti Member Posts: 164
    jbaumer: Don't fool around with this. See my earlier inquiry to this forum. I delayed checking the 4WD system fluids and in fact should have had the entire drivetrain inspected - sure enough last week, 1st week of March, my 2001 Pathy LE 4WD with 113k miles comes up with a serious vibration. Been to 3 different shops and Dealers. First diganosis : Transfer case damage (infiniti Dealer + a long laundry list of other things); another mechanic says U joints and driveshaft - maybe xfer Case; third mechanic: could be U joints BUT xfer Case noise was detected too. I've posted the problem another thread. The vibration is only really detected at 45+ mph, its smoother at 70 mph but still vibrates, then the vibration increases again 60-45 mph, then totally smooth as soon as you hit 40 or below??. Can't get a straight accurate answer. I'm not about to go spending all sorts of $$$ to "experiment" with various part changes. IMO, Change those fluids: x-er case oil, center & rear diff fluids; tranny fluid and filter... remember too they MUST speciifc Nissan Fluids!! No more TRUCKS for me, you don't need them anyway, unless you are a True Off-Roader.
  • boonissanboonissan Member Posts: 9
    buyamericnnow

    I'm with you! Thought Nissans were supposed to last! I have a 2005 Pathfinder, 93,000. Currently in the shop. Just found out that radiator fluid leaked into the transmission. Since it was internal there were no warning signs that anything was wrong. Transmission rusted out. Now I am replacing the transmission and radiator at a cost of $3,7000.
  • boonissanboonissan Member Posts: 9
    xtierra,

    How did you hear that there was a problem with a batch of radiators installed on 2005 models? I would love to get this information to see if I can pursue any kind of refund from Nissan. I'm replacing my transmission and radiator for a cost of $3,700 on my 2005 Pathfinder for fluid leaking from the radiator into the transmission. Rusted the wrong thing. No warning signs this was even happening until it was to late.
  • gunblupathygunblupathy Member Posts: 1
    boonissan

    When you say there were no signs until it was too late what was too late? Did you stall out? I am experiencing the same studdering issues between 40 & 60 mph I also have the whining sound which started first. This has been going on for a few weeks now. I would like to get as much info on this as possible. If I have to bring my pathy in soon then hopefuly a fluid flush will fix the problem but as I read through all of the posts I can see that it may be much more than I can afford.
  • boonissanboonissan Member Posts: 9
    gunblupathy,

    When I stated there were no signs until it was to late. I meant that the truck started downshifting. I also experience the truck not moving without pushing hard on the gas when I stopped at a traffic light. This started about a week before I took it into the transmission shop. It wasn't happening very long. That's the first signs that anything was wrong with the transmission. The truck has been in the shop now for a week and half. So far they replaced the transmission, radiator, pump and now some electronic wiring. I would have thought there would have been some warning sign with the leak in the radiator. From what I understand the leak cause the antifreeze and the transmission fluid to mixed. So the truck did not overheat or did the antifreeze level ever read low. The only way they can tell if the fluids are mixing is by the color. This leak cause an extreme amount of rust throughout the transmission and beyond. The shop can't believe I drove it as long as I did.I would take your truck in asap to have it checked. Maybe you can save yourself from as much damage as I had.
  • xtierraxtierra Member Posts: 55
    i read a post on nissanhelp.com either under pathfinder or xterra.... one tech mentioned that a batch of the radiators on 2005s had a defect. thus causing the internal leak into tranny.

    i have been checking my tranny fluid every week just in case, since i cant afford to replace a tranny. i am at 107,000 miles.

    person that posted the tranny/radiator problem was a female driver with no off road time on her nissan
  • lealabitualealabitua Member Posts: 2
    vehicle jerks left when i let off the gas and the right when i step on it. once i reach cruising speed the vehicle will jerk left and right violently.
  • lealabitualealabitua Member Posts: 2
    I just want to know if anyone has had the same problem, I can't seem to figure out what it is. I had a four wheel alignment done and I'm thinking of replacing the shocks.
  • lildavidjaxlildavidjax Member Posts: 68
    It has been my experience in automobiles, that radiators seem to start leaking right around 100,000 miles. (plastic radiators) Although the internal cooling coils for the transmission fluid may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, open your hood occasionally and smell for a sweet smell. EASY indication of a coolant leak. I don't know what the tranny cooler in those radiators are made of, mind you, but a radiator is sure alot cheaper than a transmission! Good luck!
  • lildavidjaxlildavidjax Member Posts: 68
    How can your transmission 'jerk left'? Are you talking about steering? How many miles?
  • buynamericnnowbuynamericnnow Member Posts: 2
    Well, $4,000 dollars and a week and a half later I have my newly "rebuilt" transmission. If you are having this radiator problem being described your transmission will be ruined and need to be replaced or rebuilt. I have had it done for about 3-4 weeks now and just yesterday I noticed the oil leak on my new garage floor. It is going in today for a 30 day inspection to keep warranty up on the rebuild so I imagine they will tighten it up to stop the leak. All in all it is working fine with a few whines and ticks, but it is much tighter than it was.

    Prior to the rebuild it started banging into every gear and on the way to Nissan the OD went out so it was just a matter of time before it would have crapped out. The mechanic told me that it when this happens it gets really hot. The fluid pressure dropped which made the clutches not work properly etc etc. Its a bad deal really.

    Anyone have any luck getting Nissan to fork over someting for pain and suffering here?
  • oldyankeeguyoldyankeeguy Member Posts: 1
    To add another statistic to your wife's case, I too had an identical problem. The only symptom was a subtle shuddering sound at 40 & at 60 MPH. My 05 Pathfinder had only 65000 miles my dealer confirmed that the radiator had leaked coolant into the transmission. My choices were $5400 to replace radiator and transmission, or $1000 to replace radiator and flush transmission, with no guarantee that the transmission would last very long. My dealer made promises to help out, but the help was weak, at best. After a painful, weeklong round of voice mail messages with a Nissan North America "Regional Specialist", whom I was never able to speak directly with, the verdict came back "NO" to any financial help. The best they would do is a extended warranty service plan if I purchased a new Nissan.
    Needless to say, after owning 4 Nissans, I have moved on. I traded the Pathfinder at a $6000 loss, and would find it difficult to ever buy another!
  • medusanmedusan Member Posts: 5
    Hi,

    we have just had this occur with our 2005 Pathfinder. I was wondering how you managed to get the transmission replaced under warranty. Ours has just hit 61000 miles, was yours under the 60000 mile warranty limit ?

    Shame our Nissan Main Dealer did not know about this - they just spent $1400 on changing the rad and fluid, then found out the reverse did not work - they contacted the Nissan Central Tech Specialist who told them it needed a new transmission - another $4000 - interestingly we also had the fuel gauge sender unit replaced which i noticed is another common problem on 05's !

    Would really like to see if we can get the transmission done under warranty - anything you can provide to help us out will be greatly appreciated.

    Should something like this not be covered under a recall ? :sick:
  • boonissanboonissan Member Posts: 9
    medusan,

    Sorry to hear about your Pathfinder. I was Not covered under warranty because I was at 92,000 miles. I believe that this problem is just starting to occur to most Pathfinder owners. It seems the radiators are breaking down at or near 80,000. I would fight with Nissan about having yours covered. The problems probably started before your warranty was up and since there was no way of knowing that there was a problem until it was to late you might be able to get it covered. Tell them that this is a problems that is starting to occur to a lot of 2005 Pathfinder owners. Good luck. The transmission shop has been working on my pathfinder now fo 5 weeks. There was so much damage. It went into the electronic too so we're dealing with that now. I am hoping to get it back soon. I am going to start writing and calling Nissan once I have all my paperwork together. Who knows maybe they'll eventually do a recall.
  • danscdansc Member Posts: 4
    Now you guys have me worried!

    Just today my 2005 Pathfinder started not shifting into reverse unless I rev the engine up, then it will suddenly grab and lurch backwards... so I started googling "2005 pathfinder reverse" and found this thread.

    I found the dipstick and checked the level this evening and it is full up. What color is the ATF fluid normally? Mine is a brown/golden brown color, there isn't any smell or rust or burning coming from it. In other words, is there any way for an average user to figure out if there is coolant leaking into the transmission fluid?

    The only thing going in my favor is that I only have 57,100 miles on the rig, so I "should" be covered under warranty - any thoughts or suggestions on how I should approach the dealership on Monday to get this properly covered and not denied if they determine that I have the dreaded "radiator failure that killed the transmission" issue?

    The reluctance to shift into reverser is my only symptom to date.

    Many thanks, I'll keep the forum up-to-date as I go through this process.
  • almattialmatti Member Posts: 164
    This is a follow up report to my post in March. After pinpointing the source of the vibration/shuddering at 40MPH + to a bad U joint in the front drive shaft, the mechanic also said: I think I hear something in the transfer case itself, not completerly sure"...When the drive shaft was taken out (no more 4 WD only 2WD ) the virbration was gone. I saw the 1 bad U Joint. I decided to replace both U joints on both drive shafts. When they re-installed the front drive shaft, WOW the virbration was WORSE. Why: The clutch in the Transfer Case is bad. So after spending $650.00 now I find the mechanic (who really knows Jeep systems -which fail quite a bit), actually wasted my money. He did offer to try to obtain a Used X-Fer Case and install it at a reduced price to make up some of the mis-diagnosis. That would be another $800-$1000 using a Junked PF's X-FER Case. That'll teach me to deal with a 4WD "truck based" vehicle - 8years old, 114K miles, Japanese or not, there is still Planned Obsolescence in place. The Manufacturers don't want you to keep a vehicle for 5+ years without major repairs or costs. get a new One is the Mantra. Now my PF will be a money pit. Bye Bye Pathfinder.....
  • medusanmedusan Member Posts: 5
    So the first signs we had was exactly the same issue - put the lever into reverse and then nothing happened - then it would grab and lurch - next it started doing this in the forward gears.

    I checked the fluids and could spot no wrong - i had the transmission fluid changed just before christmas and they saw nothing wrong with it then.

    good luck - make sure you dealer puts a call in with Nissan USA and try and get it covered under warranty.
  • medusanmedusan Member Posts: 5
    What was the mileage on your pathfinder when Nissan replaced the transmission under warranty ?
  • fthevisionfthevision Member Posts: 1
    Well add me to your list we have just been told by a Nissan dealer in TN. that we have a crack in the radiator and it went into the transmission. To make a long story short we need a new radiator and transmission to cost us 5000.00. Nissan needs to do a recall and suck up the costs! This is crazy.
  • xtierraxtierra Member Posts: 55
    your tranny fluid should not be brown/golden brown..... i believe you have the coolant leaking into your tranny.... purchase some fishtank plastic hose (4 feet) and stick it through your dip stick to suck out a small amount of the fluid... there has to be a lab that you can send it to have analyzed. for future battle with nissan.

    your tranny fluid should be red. i would say drive it to dealership asap to see if its covered under warranty... take a flat head screw driver and make a mark on your tranny to make sure they replace it if your covered under warranty.

    if your not covered, you might have caught the problem in time.... if nissan does not cover the problem you have 2 choices. having the dealer fix it or taking it to a mechanic that will charge you less.

    i would replace radiator and replace the tranny fluid 2 times over a 2 week period. dont do the tranny flush... but get the shop to do a pump and dump...... 1st have them drain the tranny fluid and fill with amount that was taken out, 2nd have them disconect the hose that enters the radiator on the bottom in front of engine oil filter and turning engine on for 4 to 8 seconds taking 1 quart of tranny fluid out and putting 1 quart new tranny fluid. it should take about 10 quarts.

    once the new red fluid begins to come out of the hose its been drained..... drive it for 2 weeks and check the fluid color to see if you have any faint signs of coolant/ like you see a puddle of water and some gas that has dripped the puddle.... if you see that, then do the pump and dump again to get all the tiny particles of the contaminated.

    i hate to say it but i guess all of us nissan owners need to check the color of our tranny fluid every 2 weeks untill nissan can tell us what batch of radiators where faulty from their suppliers.
  • smokey75smokey75 Member Posts: 434
    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.
  • boonissanboonissan Member Posts: 9
    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.
  • danscdansc Member Posts: 4
    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.
  • lildavidjaxlildavidjax Member Posts: 68
    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! :shades:
  • medusanmedusan Member Posts: 5
    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.
  • dsmith7228dsmith7228 Member Posts: 1
    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?
  • 70ss454_man70ss454_man Member Posts: 107
    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.
  • dragoddragod Member Posts: 1
    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...
  • andreww2andreww2 Member Posts: 4
    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.
  • litpatlitpat Member Posts: 1
    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
  • justmosesjustmoses Member Posts: 1
    You can add yet another to the long list of Pathfinder owners who have a radiator leaking into the transmission. My tranny started to shudder at higher speeds on the highway, and occaisionally I would lose 1st gear, I'd have to rev up the engine until I reached about 20 mph, then it would work ok. (Just hated to hit a red light) Brought it in to the dealer, "the warning light isn't on now, so we think it is a solinoid, keep your eye on it." It kept happening, brought it back again and they tell me the great news of radiator leaking in transmission, so need to replace radiator, flush it very well, may have to replace all hoses as they are now contaminated, (I guess oil weakens and breaks down rubber over time), flush the transmission 2-3 times, and they said there is no guarantee that I won't have to replace the transmission also. Total cost for all - $7,000 - $8,000. Nissan won't come to the table, I'm only 4 years in on this vehicle but have 80,000 miles on it. I will never purchase another Nissan. This should have been a recall, but I guess it would to massive of a hit to the Nissan Corp.
  • boonissanboonissan Member Posts: 9
    Just got off the phone with the regional district specialist. I was told that Nissan will not cover the cost of the repairs I had done to fix my transmisssion(4,300.00) because I did not go to a Nissan Dealer. If anyone suspect that they are having the same radiator failure - go to the Dealer(even if it is after warranty). I was told they will then look at it on a case by case basis. The only way for me to get any money back now is if there is a recall. My guess is that won't happen. Not done fighting with Nissan over this yet. Will keep the formum informed with any new information.
  • fishermanjfishermanj Member Posts: 1
    I just had the tranny and replaced under warranty (50,000 miles) for the fluid leak onto the tranny. With the new radiator and tranny, do I need to worry about this again?
    Also, I occasionally tow a light boat for maybe 40 miles round trip - I know to turn the O/D off - do you need an axillary cooler with this vehicle?
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