Transmission Warranty Update and Question

[Fische]

I just took my 2005 Path 84,XXX miles in for a shimmy from 40 mph to 60 mph for fear of coolant-ATF comingling and found that to not be the case. I verified green coolant and good ATF but wanted to check with dealer. The tech verified coolant sample I brought in and said I do not have comingling.

The service tech, however; told me that he got an e-mail today from Nissan stating that the warranty for coolant-atf comingling just got extended.
<80,000 fully covered
80,000-90,000 maximum of $2500 paid by owner
90,000-100,000 maximum $3000 paid by owner
I hope this helps those out that have experience this issue and I understood him correctly. It is probably worth asking about.

Bigger question, for me, what could my problem be? Anyone experienced an issue of transmission failure without the comingling?

Thanks in advance.

[Fische]

Dropped the Path off at the dealer last night. They looked at the ATF and said it was dark but not contaminated, neither was the coolant. Great News! they said that the universals needed replaced and quoted me a price. For lack of time I am having them do the repair but do not have to replace the transmission. I'm just surprised that the shimmy was consistent with a set speed and gear change in the transmission.

Just wanted to follow up in case this thread is seen in the future.

[smj999smj]

That is good new for you! But, if I were you, I would seriously consider doing the "bypass" method or replacing the radiator. Either way it's cheap insurance! I guess compared to $5000-6000, that $3000 is a bargain, but it's still more than I could afford out of pocket if mine failed! I replaced mine with an aftermarket radiator earlier in the year.

[shanti.vt1]

That is good new for you! But, if I were you, I would seriously consider doing the "bypass" method or replacing the radiator. Either way it's cheap insurance! I guess compared to $5000-6000, that $3000 is a bargain, but it's still more than I could afford out of pocket if mine failed! I replaced mine with an aftermarket radiator earlier in the year.

Hello,

When you replaced your Rad did you still do the by pass ?

[dawgn86]

smj...in a way I agree with you, but $3000 is still a lot to pay when they know they are at fault.

Fishe...did the u joint replacement fix the shimmy? I dont have that many PF owners have..I just have a low rumble sound and feel when coming up to a stop. Tires have been rotated and balanced. I drove a Nissan Frontier this weekend with same engine..feels like it does the same with only 45k miles.

Can you let us know how it rides now?

[smj999smj]

"smj...in a way I agree with you, but $3000 is still a lot to pay when they know they are at fault. "

Absolutely! I wonder how the NHTSA is doing on their investigation?

[Fische]

$3000 is a lot but at least they furhter acknowledge the issue it should help the NHTSA investigation and the class action lawsuit for the failure.

The car is smoother then it has been since I bought it a year ago. I noticed a huge difference with shifting and idle even when removing the drain plug and replacing 4 quarts of transmission fluid.

Low rumble when stopping could be a warped rotor or other brake issue. I would not rule out a wheel bearing either. when braking weight is transferred to the front of the vehicle and the added stress on the bearing may show up. Normally wheel bearings will be identified other ways but I cannot rule it out completely. I would start with brakes.

For my path. I am looking at replacing the radiator then flushing the coolant system. I am also going to flush the transmission and have the filter changed in the transmission. Not planning on the bypass if I replace the radiator.

[smj999smj]

Nissan doesn't use a filter in their auto trannies. They just use a screen; it's not meant to be serviced.

[Fische]

Thanks SMJ. I was wondering. I haven't done much transmission work but want to keep it in good condition due to all teh other problems. Looking at a new radiator. Any suggestions for an aftermarket?

[dawgn86]

evening folks

just bought a Nissan Frontier 2008 with the 4.0 V6 engine..auto tran. Signing up for that Forum as well.

looks like the same set up as my 06 Path. It has 45k miles on it.

Do you think I should go ahead and do the bypass? it should still be under factory warranty until 60000 miles I believe.

Thoughts?

Thanks

[eieio]

Do you think I should go ahead and do the bypass? it should still be under factory warranty until 60000 miles I believe.

Thoughts?Thanks

more info here: http://www.nissanassist.com/web/Radiato ... hp?menu=20
i'd rather avoid the problem in the first place
'twere mine, i'd either by-pass it or replace the radiator, whichever feels more comfortable to do, mainly because i don't want a re-manufactured transmission, and i don't have any confidence that it would be replaced properly at a dealership

[disallow]

Yes bypass the Fronty.

[Clay350]

If I have an 08 do I need to do the bypass? Also if your tranny is replaced under warranty for this issue do they give you a new transmission? Or do they give you a used one with similar miles?

[smj999smj]

So far I've only heard of two '08 Pathfinders that have had the radiator cooler failure take out the trans and both were V6 models. Only time will tell how the '08 and later models fair in this regard. Transmissions covered under Nissan warranty are genuine Nissan remanufactured transmissions. Used parts and never installed under a manufacturer's warranty.

[NVSteve]

So far I've only heard of two '08 Pathfinders that have had the radiator cooler failure take out the trans and both were V6 models.

This could also just be the nature of the beast. I'm sure there are/have been far more V6 models sold than V8, although I couldn't even guess at a number or ratio.