Can a Remote Transmission Cooler be Used in Place of a Factory Cooler on a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder

Updated 09/27/2011 | Published 09/26/2011

Question:

I would like to know if the D13950 transmission cooler with fan will fit my vehicle 2005 Nissan Pathfinder as a complete replacement for transmission cooling. The original radiator has a known issue where it will crack and mix radiator and transmission fluid together. I would like to remove the cooling for the transmission from the radiator cap the ports in the radiator and use the D13950 as a seperate transmission cooler. Will it fit and is it big enough? Thank You,

asked by: Nicholas

Expert Reply:

Basically, an aftermarket transmission cooler is used as a supplemental system and not a primary unit. But, when a leak like what you are describing does happen, the options are to bypass the factory cooler and plug the radiator so it does not continue to leak, or replace the radiator.

You could use the Derale Remote Cooler, # D13950, that you have selected. You would need to plug the transmission line inlet and outlet, so the OEM trans cooler could fill with fluid without leaking out. Draining and possibly flushing the OEM cooler with water would be a good idea to keep trans fluid out of the radiator.

expert reply by: Michael H