Bypassing Factory Transmission Cooler to Prevent Radiator Problems on 2012 Nissan Frontier

Updated 11/03/2020 | Published 10/31/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

(886)

$104.38

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler w/Barb Inlets - Class IV

(2)

$109.86

Question:

I have a 2012 nissan frontier, I've read the horror stories on line about house the antifreeze leaks into the trans fluid. I have a oil cooler also in front of my radiator. Is it possible to block off the oil fluid from going thru the part of the radiator where the trans oil flows to prevent this problem. And only use the oil cooler that's in front of the radiator?

asked by: Patricia M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, you can bypass your vehicle's factory transmission cooler so that your transmission runs from your transmission directly to an aftermarket cooler such as the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Class III Transmission Cooler # D13502 you were looking at. To do this, all you need to do is reroute the fluid lines, so you need to locate the hot line that runs to the radiator and route it to the inlet of the cooler and locate the cold line that runs back to the transmission an connect it to the outlet of the cooler.

If you go this route, I recommend using Class IV transmission cooler such as the Derale # D33504. This will provide more efficient cooling to your transmission fluid, which is critical if you are using it as your only cooling system. This unit measures 11" wide x 12" tall x 7/8" deep.

Check out the videos linked below for more details on each of these products.

expert reply by: John R