Bypassing Factory Transmission Cooler on a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder

Question

Question:

I am looking at installing a transmission cooler to completely bypass the factory tarnsmission cooler that is built in to the radiator as a preventative measure. The 2005 - 2006 Nissan Pathfinders have had issues with the radiator leaking and the radiator coolant being mixed with the transimission oil and destroying the transmission. Is this advisible, would I need to install a sperate thermostat and what size would I need since I am compeletly bypassing the factory cooler. Thank you

asked by: Jason R

0

Expert Reply:

It is possible to install a transmission cooler and bypass the factory transmission cooler on your 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. This is not recommended by manufacturers, but it is possible. You will want to get the largest transmission cooler that will fit your vehicle. I do not know the area that you have available to install a transmission cooler, but if it will fit, I would recommend the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit, part # D13504. The overall dimensions for this cooler are 11 inches wide, 12 inches tall and 7/8 inch deep. Measure the height, width and depth of the area where you want to mount the transmission cooler and those dimensions will help you select the appropriate size cooler.

The best place to mount the transmission cooler is between the AC condenser and the grill. You will first want to cut off the transmission lines going to and from the radiator. It is very important that you plug the lines you cut coming from the radiator because you do not want the radiator coolant leaking out. You can then attach the a rubber hose to each transmission line and run those to the inlets on the new transmission cooler.

I have attached two images showing how the hoses and lines attach to bypass the radiator and the preferred mounting location for the transmission cooler. You will not need a separate thermostat because the temperature of the transmission fluid does not need to be regulated.

expert reply by: John H

0

click to enlarge

Ken I.

11/27/2012

Aloha! I am looking to do the same for my 2008 Nissan Pathfinder bypassing factory trans cooler and installing a seperate cooler for the trans. Would you recomend the same?Ken I

Reply

Patrick B.

11/28/2012

The D13504 would provide plenty of cooling ability for your Pathfinder, you should measure in front of your radiator to make sure there is enough room to fit this cooler. Again bypassing the factory cooler is not necessarily the recommended method, but it can work. If you install the new cooler in-line with the old, just make sure the path of fluid is transmission, factory cooler, new cooler and back to transmission. I have added links to a couple of videos you may find helpful.

Helpful Links

tv-install-transmission-cooler-2008-jeep-liberty-d13503.aspx

tv-transmission-cooler-install-derale-2006-honda-CRV.aspx

Reply

Simon

12/17/2012

Thank you for this information you give to. i have question, i see picture of preferred mount location but need to ask you, what about if i install this extra radiator in C location? this tube inside of radiator is doing cooling and heating effect as well in winter and it heats transmission fluid in cold starts and i think if i will place radiator after main engine radiator that will help to warm up transmission fluid with airflow from driving and even from contact with each other and same time transmission fluid goes much hot then coolant in radiator, in my opinion air flow even in very hot summer from radiator will be no more then 90 Celsius and even 100 Celsius is good working operation temperature for transmission fluid. What do you think?

Reply

Patrick B.

12/18/2012

You can mount a transmission cooler in location C on that diagram and it will help with warming the fluid in the colder winter months. It will still help cool fluid in the warmer temperature weather or when pulling a heavy load, but it will not be as efficient at cooling the fluid as it would be if it was mounted in location. If you are pulling light loads or doing some mild off-road driving, it probably would not be a problem. If you are pulling loads close to the maximum ability of the vehicle or are doing aggressive off-road driving where the transmission is working hard, then it would really be best to get as much cold air flowing over the cooler as possible. On the inside of the radiator, closer to the engine, is a lot of heat built up in the engine compartment.

Reply

Answer 1

Hello Paul, Definitely a good idea to keep your transmission cooled while pulling a 38' 5th wheel. I found another option that I thought would fit your needs a little better, I went ahead and reached out to my contact at Derale and he agreed. The…

view full answer...

Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Hey Brian, The Goodyear Endurance ST205/75R14 Radial Tire w/ 14" Liger Aluminum Wheel #LH55VR does not come balanced (none of our 205/75-14 combos come balanced...or the vast majority of the other combos for that matter), but you can either have…

view full answer...

Answer 6

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Hi Hayden; that bolt pattern is really uncommon but I believe it can be found on some really old Airstream trailers. There are no modern replacements that will match. The best option is to replace the hub with one that has a common bolt pattern like…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Trailer wheel bearings are specific to the spindle that is installed on the axle that is on your trailer. You will need to safely support the trailer, remove the wheel and tire, remove the grease cap, remove the cotter pin and washer that secures the…

view full answer...

Bypassing Factory Transmission Cooler on a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching