Used 13 gallons to flush. Replaced radiator. Electrical connection to solenoids was bad. Purchased a rebuilt valve body from Florida that was programmed for my car. 10,000 miles and no problem.
All good info. Did this on my xterra a few years ago. First symptom of water in the transmission was a chattery/buzz when 5th gear (torque converter lockup overdrive) was engaging and disengaging under light throttle at 38-42 mph. I caught it really early, tiny bits of water in the atf. Flushed it manually as shown here, then did a drain and fill and filter swap a while later. It's been 30-40k miles ago running like new still at 151k miles.
Sorry, my friend I would love to help, but I don’t have direct knowledge of replacing one of them transmissions that I can remember anyways I’ve been working on cars for a long time. I just don’t remember doing one of them so I wouldn’t be able to give you any good advice just do what you think is best. You really can’t break what’s already broken can you? You can break it a little bit worse, but that never hurts.
I'm considering buying a Pathfinder myself - just moved to BC, Canada from the UK and need a 4x4 that I can potentially sleep in. Whilst doing research I found out about the coolant in transmission problem. I've always been one for fixing things myself so this video could be a massive help in the future! Thanks Clay!
You’re very very welcome Ben I wish you the best in your travels if you do end up buying one. Right when you get it just put a transmission cooler in it and do away with the cooler on the side of the radiator and this may make it last for a long long while..
@@sharpcarco I just put a new CSF all-aluminum radiator on my 06 Pathfinder... when i pulled the old one, I DID notice the brownish transmission fluid. But i simply reconnected the hoses to lower tank on the new radiator. DO I NEED TO PULL THOSE HOSES OFF and connect them together like you did? I do have that smaller 'transmission cooler' on mine as well... not sure what to do!? My tranny still goes fine, (slight slipping in certain terrain/weather) ...will the nicer CSF radiator solve all my woes... Thoughts appreciated. 186k miles and still working #RepairDontReplace
Buying the facelift will avoid this problem. They are 2010 onward. Nissan fixed all the problems in facelift r51. They also removed DPF for diesel engines. That's it, so simple
Good luck but at this point really what do you have to lose maybe you’ll spend a couple hundred bucks on fluid and hopefully it fixes it I’ll put you in my prayers. 🙏
This was probably mentioned somewhere already, but isn’t it possible to install a new radiator in front of where the transmission fluid flows through the existing one, then redirect the transmission lines to the new one? Otherwise it seems I can’t find online if an aftermarket radiator for the Pathfinder, was designed to address the fluid mixing problem.
Just had one of these towed into my shop today. Scanned it and got a U1000 (no communication ). Checked fuse, had been replaced with a higher amp fuse. Took the radiator cap off and had about an inch of trans fluid floating on top. I will be doing the same repair tomorrow. Hopefully the higher amp fuse didn’t cook anything (they had a 20amp in place of the 10amp) I working on a 2012 or 13 Nissan Pathfinder if that helps anyone. Great video! Wasn’t long at all.
Hi Clay. Thanks for the video this is super informative. I’m curious if you’ve experienced the car not being able to start due to the same issue? I’m about to dive in and save myself a transmission replacement, however I’m curious if you think it’s worth it if the fuse is blown and the car won’t start. - Jeff.
You know what I’ve had a problem with on Nissan When you turn the key on, does the check engine light come on? It should And if it doesn’t, it’s the Ecm driver relay . Sorry I can’t be more specific because I know that’s not exactly what it’s called but there’s a relay on the fuse box. That’s bad underneath the hood. I’ve actually dealing with that same problem.. but there is several videos on it mines not identical to theirs, but I know from watching their videos that that’s a very common problem
Yes, I’m aware of that… however, which would you rather have a transmission that doesn’t have heated up transmission fluid very quickly or a bad transmission? Since I prefer to have a colder transmission fluid instead of a washed out complete garbage Transmission I’ll do away with my transmission cooler from the side of my radiator and put an external aftermarket cooler on it
I have a Ford focus training getting hot I changed fluid and don't lose fluids and car runs for a long time and don't. Get hot the motor stay half way on heat but I have not seen the fan I don't understand it but transmission gets hot
awesome! I am thinking about getting one of these. Just bypassing the radiator duct before it craps itself may be a good idea ;P did you plug the in / out of the fluid to avoid coolant loss? i was kind of expecting the coolant to leak hrom there along with the tranny fluid when you disconnected it. thanks for sharing all the info!
I’ve certainly had my moments in that direction……… but I’ve had far more in the opposite direction.. But thank you very much this put a huge smile on my face and I greatly appreciate it
Well, I appreciate the opportunity to try to help you, but I guarantee you there’s people that are a lot closer than me that would be willing to do that. Generally, I don’t run a retail repair facility. There are certain things that I would do for folks that are proprietary. To my channel like inventions that I made. This particular procedure could be hit or miss it may work, and it may not work The unfortunate part is no matter if it worked or it didn’t work. If I was to do it, I would still have to charge and that would be the issue. Even when I did run a retail repair facility, I did not charge people for things that we’re not fixed correctly . Because even back before I did You Tube, I would still try new things. That’s why I show fox how to do it in my videos. Sorry this is not one that I would be willing to do I greatly apologize. However, I will offer you at any advice that you seek for free as long as I know the answer so you’re more than welcome to message me anytime Clays ac, and Auto Repair on Facebook
Great Video Sir. I just wonder if the "Circuit Assembly" is available as a part. Plug and play so to speak. My daughter has a 2004 Xterra. They did not have this problem. However a woman banged into her and there is a possibility of it being totaled. So...she is looking and found 2005 with 152,000 miles on it. She researched and knows about these Transmission problems on 2nd generation. Bought it to my attention. If she pulls the trigger on it even tho it may not have any symptoms I will go ahead do the "preventive" protocols. However if symptoms show up I would rather just replace the "circuit solenoid board". These many years later I would assume some of those should be on a shelf somewhere.
I got a 2006 nissan Pathfinder too. One thing i found under the radiator cap is purple gue stuff. But my question is removing the inlet cooler line and return line from the radiator and putting them together wouldn't over heat your transmission?
No it shouldn’t overheat your transmission but you should put an aftermarket transmission cooler in it but you can definitely do that for the short period of time. The transmission fluid does need A certain amount of cooling. But just getting the fluid away from the transmission and all of the other heated components surrounding it will help
Hi Clay - working through this same issue, I also broke a solenoid during removal. How did you remove the broken piece from down inside the bore? I haven't been able to grab onto it with anything I have in the garage. Thanks!
@@sharpcarco Thats what I just did,I Had an 05 frontier and to fix the transmission cost me 4500 about 4 years ago. I just bought an 05 pathfinder and the 1st thing I did was have a put a new radiator in it.800 dollars. Better safe than sorry.
Clay, I was wondering how is your automatic shifting now. I'm glad I saw your video, I just finished changing my radiator. One more question how many miles is on the pathfinder at the time of your valve body clean and repair.
It’s seem to be fine every once in a while we would get a code for the transmission shift solenoid but no transmission problem...... This vehicle had 164,000 miles on it I sold a vehicle so I’m not quite certain how it’s doing now but I haven’t heard any complaints so that’s probably pretty good.....
@@sharpcarco that's wonderful. I have 126K miles but Scotty Kilmer repeats scare stories about changing neglected tranny oil because of lower viscosity and supposedly future slipping. Of course many times scotty is just simply wrong. By the way thank you so much for your reply.
The first...sorry for my english !!!! Great video !!! Here in Spain (and Europa) we have a 2.5 dci diesel system. The same problem. But different radiator...the engine is intercooler turbo and need 1 radiator for cooling engine, other for turbo and other for transmission.... One question...how many atf need for changing all circuit ? Thanks so much.
You said you were going to seal the whole thing, in the video it only shows you coated the connections. What about the traces? Did you seal the perimeter at all?
my pathfinder has the same problem, but i detected on time so my transs its Ok. but after bypass the hooses i need install an extra air cooler or change all the radiator?
Group, if you flush the coolant system, flush the transmission AND do the transmission cooler hose bypass and your coolant system begins to overheat, you may have swap installed the coolant reservoir and radiator caps. The coolant reservoir is the stepped cap and the radiator is the flat cap.
The information about adding an aftermarket cooler is really a good idea. Radiators are pretty much almost always made the same at least that’s been my experience. The cost versus the possible expense as well work the security and peace of mind
Obviously you know what to do you can’t afford to put $7800 into a 15 year old vehicle but it’s probably worth putting $2500 into. “If the transmission has stopped shifting completely” if it has not wait till it does……… Then take it to a small mom and pop transmission shop they will be the most affordable and will keep it on the road for a reasonable price or there’s some mechanic underneath the shade tree that can change the transmission for you….. For even less if you’re on a serious budget
More than likely not because the manual transmission does not pump fluid the same way as the automatic does....... unless there is some kind of fluid that pumps from the transmission to the radiator. Which I’m almost certain that there’s not.
Used 13 gallons to flush. Replaced radiator. Electrical connection to solenoids was bad. Purchased a rebuilt valve body from Florida that was programmed for my car. 10,000 miles and no problem.
All good info. Did this on my xterra a few years ago.
First symptom of water in the transmission was a chattery/buzz when 5th gear (torque converter lockup overdrive) was engaging and disengaging under light throttle at 38-42 mph. I caught it really early, tiny bits of water in the atf. Flushed it manually as shown here, then did a drain and fill and filter swap a while later. It's been 30-40k miles ago running like new still at 151k miles.
Any updates on the status of ur car?
I changed the fluid it works great until it gets hot and it will guit pulling shut it off for just a little bit and it runs great again
You can not change the filter it in the transmission it's all one piece
It's a Ford focus how offen the electric fan come on I have not seen the fan come on and it's runs for every and stay half way and motor don't get hot
Can you give me any answer
I’m about to look at replacing our transmission here in Auz. Anything I need to be mindful of apart from the weight. Remove crossmember last…..etc
Sorry, my friend I would love to help, but I don’t have direct knowledge of replacing one of them transmissions that I can remember anyways I’ve been working on cars for a long time. I just don’t remember doing one of them so I wouldn’t be able to give you any good advice just do what you think is best.
You really can’t break what’s already broken can you? You can break it a little bit worse, but that never hurts.
This the best video on how to do the bypass thanks
I'm considering buying a Pathfinder myself - just moved to BC, Canada from the UK and need a 4x4 that I can potentially sleep in. Whilst doing research I found out about the coolant in transmission problem. I've always been one for fixing things myself so this video could be a massive help in the future! Thanks Clay!
You’re very very welcome Ben I wish you the best in your travels if you do end up buying one.
Right when you get it just put a transmission cooler in it and do away with the cooler on the side of the radiator and this may make it last for a long long while..
@@sharpcarco I just put a new CSF all-aluminum radiator on my 06 Pathfinder... when i pulled the old one, I DID notice the brownish transmission fluid. But i simply reconnected the hoses to lower tank on the new radiator. DO I NEED TO PULL THOSE HOSES OFF and connect them together like you did? I do have that smaller 'transmission cooler' on mine as well... not sure what to do!? My tranny still goes fine, (slight slipping in certain terrain/weather)
...will the nicer CSF radiator solve all my woes...
Thoughts appreciated.
186k miles and still working
#RepairDontReplace
Buying the facelift will avoid this problem. They are 2010 onward. Nissan fixed all the problems in facelift r51. They also removed DPF for diesel engines. That's it, so simple
@@johnnguyen2484 Are you sure a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder LE will NOT experience these issues?
I mean, there's no harm in purchasing and installing a new CSF all-aluminum radiator for the 2011 anyways
Very helpful indeed . I am mechanically minded and have worked on vehicles for 45 years but am a newbie to automatic transmissions
Thanks for the information this is what that help me just yesterday when my pathfinder has this same problem
Got my 2010 with 90,000 mi. Had a coolest over ride to a aux cooler. Preventative.
Clay thank u for the video. I have one of these with the issue. I may join your chat for information as I go through these steps.
Bought a used Xterra drove it for a day. No crank no start. Coolant mixing with transmission. This is awesome #Sarcasm
Sorry to hear about that. How much did you pay for it?
@@sharpcarco I didn’t I left the truck at Nissan. Sounds like a money pit if you ask me :)
So the problem is the factory radiator?
Nice job. Not long at all if your looking for details. Thanks for sharing.
My Turn to give this a whirl !!! Thanks man
Good luck but at this point really what do you have to lose maybe you’ll spend a couple hundred bucks on fluid and hopefully it fixes it I’ll put you in my prayers. 🙏
This was probably mentioned somewhere already, but isn’t it possible to install a new radiator in front of where the transmission fluid flows through the existing one, then redirect the transmission lines to the new one? Otherwise it seems I can’t find online if an aftermarket radiator for the Pathfinder, was designed to address the fluid mixing problem.
Thx for sharing your experience, very good video
Excellent information bud.
Good stuff!
Do you have a follow up video of was it worth while to flush and repair
Just had one of these towed into my shop today. Scanned it and got a U1000 (no communication ). Checked fuse, had been replaced with a higher amp fuse. Took the radiator cap off and had about an inch of trans fluid floating on top. I will be doing the same repair tomorrow. Hopefully the higher amp fuse didn’t cook anything (they had a 20amp in place of the 10amp) I working on a 2012 or 13 Nissan Pathfinder if that helps anyone. Great video! Wasn’t long at all.
Thank you for sharing that information with us let us know how it goes
By the way I appreciate the nice comments very much
What happened with fuse cause thats where I'm at?
Jero jero... is there an update on the work you did on the 2012 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?
Hi Clay. Thanks for the video this is super informative.
I’m curious if you’ve experienced the car not being able to start due to the same issue?
I’m about to dive in and save myself a transmission replacement, however I’m curious if you think it’s worth it if the fuse is blown and the car won’t start.
- Jeff.
You know what I’ve had a problem with on Nissan
When you turn the key on, does the check engine light come on?
It should
And if it doesn’t, it’s the Ecm driver relay . Sorry I can’t be more specific because I know that’s not exactly what it’s called but there’s a relay on the fuse box. That’s bad underneath the hood. I’ve actually dealing with that same problem.. but there is several videos on it mines not identical to theirs, but I know from watching their videos that that’s a very common problem
@@sharpcarco no problem. I appreciate the insight I will do a bit more digging and report back.
The reason why they put that in through the radiator is for wintertime when it’s really cold you gotta warm the transmission up
Yes, I’m aware of that… however, which would you rather have a transmission that doesn’t have heated up transmission fluid very quickly or a bad transmission?
Since I prefer to have a colder transmission fluid instead of a washed out complete garbage Transmission I’ll do away with my transmission cooler from the side of my radiator and put an external aftermarket cooler on it
I have a Ford focus training getting hot I changed fluid and don't lose fluids and car runs for a long time and don't. Get hot the motor stay half way on heat but I have not seen the fan I don't understand it but transmission gets hot
awesome! I am thinking about getting one of these. Just bypassing the radiator duct before it craps itself may be a good idea ;P did you plug the in / out of the fluid to avoid coolant loss? i was kind of expecting the coolant to leak hrom there along with the tranny fluid when you disconnected it. thanks for sharing all the info!
Dude wow you are a legend.
I’ve certainly had my moments in that direction……… but I’ve had far more in the opposite direction..
But thank you very much this put a huge smile on my face and I greatly appreciate it
How much would you charge for this? I'm in NE Ohio and see you're MI
Well, I appreciate the opportunity to try to help you, but I guarantee you there’s people that are a lot closer than me that would be willing to do that. Generally, I don’t run a retail repair facility. There are certain things that I would do for folks that are proprietary. To my channel like inventions that I made.
This particular procedure could be hit or miss it may work, and it may not work The unfortunate part is no matter if it worked or it didn’t work. If I was to do it, I would still have to charge and that would be the issue.
Even when I did run a retail repair facility, I did not charge people for things that we’re not fixed correctly . Because even back before I did You Tube, I would still try new things.
That’s why I show fox how to do it in my videos. Sorry this is not one that I would be willing to do I greatly apologize. However, I will offer you at any advice that you seek for free as long as I know the answer so you’re more than welcome to message me anytime
Clays ac, and Auto Repair on Facebook
Great Video Sir. I just wonder if the "Circuit Assembly" is available as a part. Plug and play so to speak. My daughter has a 2004 Xterra. They did not have this problem. However a woman banged into her and there is a possibility of it being totaled. So...she is looking and found 2005 with 152,000 miles on it. She researched and knows about these Transmission problems on 2nd generation. Bought it to my attention. If she pulls the trigger on it even tho it may not have any symptoms I will go ahead do the "preventive" protocols. However if symptoms show up I would rather just replace the "circuit solenoid board". These many years later I would assume some of those should be on a shelf somewhere.
I got a 2006 nissan Pathfinder too.
One thing i found under the radiator cap is purple gue stuff.
But my question is removing the inlet cooler line and return line from the radiator and putting them together wouldn't over heat your transmission?
No it shouldn’t overheat your transmission but you should put an aftermarket transmission cooler in it but you can definitely do that for the short period of time.
The transmission fluid does need A certain amount of cooling. But just getting the fluid away from the transmission and all of the other heated components surrounding it will help
Hi Clay - working through this same issue, I also broke a solenoid during removal. How did you remove the broken piece from down inside the bore? I haven't been able to grab onto it with anything I have in the garage. Thanks!
You take a pic tool and clean the plastic out
So how much damage is too much? I am broke and can’t replace my radiator and I’m upside down in my loan and have no way to get another anything.
Well, it’s one of them things that you have to try to do. I can’t guarantee it. It would work but. It’s not gonna make it worse.
im looking at an 09. how will i tell if it has the original or after market radiator? any serial numbers anywhere on them?
I have no idea. Sorry wish I could be of some help I would recommend just pony up the hundred dollars and replace it
@@sharpcarco Thats what I just did,I Had an 05 frontier and to fix the transmission cost me 4500 about 4 years ago. I just bought an 05 pathfinder and the 1st thing I did was have a put a new radiator in it.800 dollars. Better safe than sorry.
So could I just get a transmission change and filter change at your local shop with that help to
Did u guys hav the car in gear or in neutral?
Sorry Nick probably a little bit late for the answer but you would look on the dipstick it will tell you what to do.
Great video
Clay, I was wondering how is your automatic shifting now. I'm glad I saw your video, I just finished changing my radiator. One more question how many miles is on the pathfinder at the time of your valve body clean and repair.
It’s seem to be fine every once in a while we would get a code for the transmission shift solenoid but no transmission problem......
This vehicle had 164,000 miles on it I sold a vehicle so I’m not quite certain how it’s doing now but I haven’t heard any complaints so that’s probably pretty good.....
@@sharpcarco that's wonderful. I have 126K miles but Scotty Kilmer repeats scare stories about changing neglected tranny oil because of lower viscosity and supposedly future slipping. Of course many times scotty is just simply wrong. By the way thank you so much for your reply.
I have a 2007 nissan pathfinder and it wont shift once it gets up to 60 mph revving the rpms HELP
Where you ever able to fix it?
The first...sorry for my english !!!!
Great video !!!
Here in Spain (and Europa) we have a 2.5 dci diesel system.
The same problem.
But different radiator...the engine is intercooler turbo and need 1 radiator for cooling engine, other for turbo and other for transmission....
One question...how many atf need for changing all circuit ?
Thanks so much.
You said you were going to seal the whole thing, in the video it only shows you coated the connections. What about the traces? Did you seal the perimeter at all?
Great video dude
Definitely one of my favorite videos
my pathfinder has the same problem, but i detected on time so my transs its Ok. but after bypass the hooses i need install an extra air cooler or change all the radiator?
Either replace radiator or disconnect radiator cooler and just run aftermarket cooler
So this is a temporary fix???
No. Solved my problems
Do you have a separate transmission cooler as well or no?
Group, if you flush the coolant system, flush the transmission AND do the transmission cooler hose bypass and your coolant system begins to overheat, you may have swap installed the coolant reservoir and radiator caps. The coolant reservoir is the stepped cap and the radiator is the flat cap.
What is the part number on your radiator
Hey Karim I’m very sorry I do not know that information off the top of my head
Can you please put Model year in your tittle?
I am about to do it
Well I hope it all works out for you and I wish you the best
You basically rebuilt it?
Basically I rebuilt the transmission control module on top of the valve body.
@@sharpcarco this is only on the 2005 to 2010 pathfinders right so the 2011 pathfinder is good RIGHT? No other reliability problems RIGHT!?
Ethan King I honestly do not know how reliable the newer ones are this was actually on a 2005 if I remember right
The information about adding an aftermarket cooler is really a good idea. Radiators are pretty much almost always made the same at least that’s been my experience. The cost versus the possible expense as well work the security and peace of mind
My 06 Pathfinder started to occasionally hard shift. Nissan will not fix, only replace…$7800.
Obviously you know what to do you can’t afford to put $7800 into a 15 year old vehicle but it’s probably worth putting $2500 into. “If the transmission has stopped shifting completely” if it has not wait till it does………
Then take it to a small mom and pop transmission shop they will be the most affordable and will keep it on the road for a reasonable price or there’s some mechanic underneath the shade tree that can change the transmission for you….. For even less if you’re on a serious budget
Hi all,
Can somebody tell me whether the manual transmission R51's also have the same issues with the coolant leaking?
More than likely not because the manual transmission does not pump fluid the same way as the automatic does....... unless there is some kind of fluid that pumps from the transmission to the radiator. Which I’m almost certain that there’s not.
Oh And you didnt tell us if the transmission was fully operational after your comprehensive repair.
Oh you are wrong I most certainly did.....
@@sharpcarco Oh .... is there a link you could send me please.
It’s in the video you watched at the end