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Possible new 2009 owner
Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2015 11:50 am
by suzook
Possibly buying a 2009 pathfinder with 130k miles. 2ND owner. He purchased it 2 years old with 20k miles. I am not concerned about motor, but the Trans. It has original Radiator. I will check trans fluid for any signs of coolant. If its free of coolant, and drives and shifts as it should, I will probably purchase it. I am wondering if I should just bite the bullit, and install a brand new Radiator to avoid the old one failing? Thoughts? Suggestions??
Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2015 2:08 pm
by skinny2
If there's any sign the radiator has failed, I would pass. If you fix this BEFORE the radiator fails there's no harm and it's not a big deal at all. However, if the fluid has ever mixed then it's not worth the gamble.
I would at the very least by-pass the radiator (search for this simple procedure). I replaced my radiator as a precaution around 80k miles and felt that it was worth the money. With 130k miles might consider just by-passing but that would depend on how long you plan to keep the vehicle.
Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2015 2:15 pm
by dawgn86
anyway you can look and see if the bypass has been done?
If not, be sure to give it a good test drive, shifts smoothly and recheck for contaimination
Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2015 2:27 pm
by suzook
I plan on checking the fluid, along with how transmission shifts. From what I have read, once the fluid is contaminated, the tranny goes very quick. Any other things I should check? This truck will basically be my snow vehicle, along with using it when needing a truck. Probably 1 or 2 thousand miles a year.
Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2015 5:33 pm
by smj999smj
Listen for the timing chain "whine." 2005-2010 were not only subject to the potential radiator cooler failure, but also the upper timing chains wearing through the tensioner "faces." It doesn't occur on every one, but it does occur.
Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2015 6:21 pm
by suzook
smj999smj wrote:Listen for the timing chain "whine." 2005-2010 were not only subject to the potential radiator cooler failure, but also the upper timing chains wearing through the tensioner "faces." It doesn't occur on every one, but it does occur.
OK, Thanks. Is this more of an annoyance? Or does it lead to failure?
Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2015 10:00 pm
by disallow
It will lead to a failed chain eventually.
Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 7:26 am
by suzook
disallow wrote:It will lead to a failed chain eventually.
Are these interference engines??
Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 1:16 pm
by smj999smj
Yes, they are.