New kid from NYC

[shaggyT]

My dad just gave me his 05 SE Pathy with 78k on the clock as my first car, loving it so far.
Haven't done much to it yet. But I'm worried the radiator coolant maybe leaking into the tranny

[PokeyPrasch]

That's a nice hand-me-down. Did you Plastidip all the chrome or just the rear? I'm contemplating doing this but I've only made my mind up to do the stock wheels.

You have a few options with the tranny cooler/rad issue.

Trans Cooler Bypass (Free if you can turn a wrench)
Bypass + Additional cooler (Price of the cooler)
New Radiator ($100-200)

It would seem that there are pros and cons of each but you can find all that by searching around in the Transmission Failure sub-forum.

I'm also pretty new here but welcome & good luck!

[shaggyT]

I know, I LOVE the Pathy. Had half of a can lying around from my bike, so i decided to do the chrome on the back to see if I like it. And I think it looks awesome especially on the black paint. But I've been too busy to get to the rest. I'm going to do the rims and front grill as soon as I get some time. You should definitely do it. And I think it might be too late for the prevention methods, after driving home from school today I noticed some really hard shifts, rumbles and I'm not sure if i heard grinding. Tomorrow i'm going to check the ATF and radiator coolant. I don't think i can afford to replace the tranny and might have to get rid of it.

[RCAPathfinder]

the Kathy should be under warranty until 80k miles so get it checked asap. where in NYC are you. I'm from Brooklyn but live in jersey now. check out Statenisland4wdclub on Facebook and YouTube. we are heading down to the pine barrens this Saturday for some wheelin

[shaggyT]

I have the 05 and it's still 2013 for another month, you think they'd cover it?
I'm in Jamaica, Queens. I'd be completely down to go wheelin' but I'm not sure about the laws in Jersey, I'm still on my juniors. You guys have other r51's?

[RCAPathfinder]

you should still be under warranty. I will have to look at my paperwork to know for sure. Wharton state Forrest is legal to wheel and as long as you have a license and not permit you are OK. but you should make sure you don't have the tranny issue before you drive it. I am the only member in the club with a R51. everyone else has a jeep but the Kathy is a very capable rig stock. I have a few mods that make it really capable .

[shaggyT]

Nah I'm worried about getting stopped on 95 heading to the pine barrens. I'm gonna check the fluids tomorrow and schedule an appointment at the stealership. Do you think the Pathfinders ready for the trails stock?

[RCAPathfinder]

I have been there two times totally stock with tires that had 60k mikes on them.

[JAHBLESSINGS]

welcome

[shaggyT]

Hey, I just checked the coolant and ATF. Looks ok to me. I'm now contemplating whether I should do the bypass or just swap my radiator. Would I have to remove my bull bar to get access to the hoses?

[RCAPathfinder]

probably not..,. hut yih will definitely have to remove the skid plate which is very easy.

[RCAPathfinder]

hey if you want to go Saturday.... we are meeting at the atsion recreation area at around 10am. you might be able to meet the Staten island boy's on the island if you want

[shaggyT]

Unfortunately, I wont be able to make it this Saturday. How often do you guys go wheelin? And how do i get the skid plate off? Is there a detailed write-up on here?

[RCAPathfinder]

no problem. we go every month or so but it changes from Saturday to Sunday and back. there should be 7-8 screws or so. its really easy. take a look underneath and you will see.

[shaggyT]

Will do, and lemme know the next time you guys go on Saturday.