The Nissan Path

So we've established that the 2008+ radiator is different and requires a little more work to bypass the internal cooler. Can anyone post a complete list of parts/instructions on what you did?

I'm looking to do this but based on a couple posts I've seen it looks like it needs a longer hose which I assume everyone has used rubber (which I'm not a fan). Trying to decide if I want to do it this way or just replace the radiator with an updated part. I really don't like to chance a transmission with a bad connection or bad rubber hose.

Not the response I hoped for. I may just buy a new radiator as a preventive measure. Looks like about $500 at courtesy parts...not much more than the tax on a transmission! How hard is it to swap out radiators?

Skinny

I just bought an 08 Frontier with the 4.0 engine. Only has 45k miles on it now.

when looking at the rad set up, it appears to be same as my 06 Pathfinder, which I bypassed awhile back.

what exactly is different on the 08 ?

I'll look at it more closely when I get to 80K miles, before then I would not recommend doing the bypass...

(ha, that sounded dumb. Edit: I would not recommend anyone doing the bypass before you're out of warranty, not that you shouldn't do it before *I* am out of warranty )

I did it prior to 80k because I dont like refurbished trannies or mediocre dealer installs.

slavabon wrote:I did it prior to 80k because I dont like refurbished trannies or mediocre dealer installs.

i'm with you 150%

I'm at 85k miles....so out of warranty as far as I'm concerned.

There were several changes starting in 2008 for the PF (and not the Frontier) because of the V8 option. The radiator is the same between V6 and V8 models...but the connection spots for the tranny/cooler are opposite sides I believe which requires a longer connection in order to bypass. I crawled under there awhile back and compared to the process others have posted and it's not as easy as the '05-'07. I'm not crazy about using a rubber connector.

R&R on the radiator is a pain in the tail, mostly due to the bolt-on side bracket mounts and trying to clear the AC condensor lines as your remove/install the radiator. Also, the condensor used the same mount as the radiator, so it has to be lifted out of the mount and supported. The labor guide calls for around 3 hours, IIRC. I did mine while working on the timing chain. $500 is way to much to spend for a replacement radiator. I got mine from Parts Express on Ebay for $92/lifetime warranty/free shipping. It was made in China, but appeared to be well-constructed. If you want something made in North America, go with Spectra Premium radiators, which are made in Canada.

Spectra and a couple other brands I looked up have the same part # for 2006 and 2008...which means I probably won't get the right part. Seems to be a common theme with the '08+ Pathfinder....nobody seems to recognize the changes in 2008.

Does the bypass need to be done on the 2012's? I am going to be buying a new Pathfinder S soon and I was wondering if Nissan has done anything to change or fix the problem? Thanks.

J

Jegan wrote:Does the bypass need to be done on the 2012's? I am going to be buying a new Pathfinder S soon and I was wondering if Nissan has done anything to change or fix the problem? Thanks.

J

'11+ models are supposed to have the "improved" radiator. Time will tell I suppose...but I'd never do the by-pass during warranty. Some sort of freak problem and you might just give them an excuse to void the warranty. I don't believe I've ever seen a radiator fail before the 60k miles powertrain is up so you should be safe for quite awhile. Mine is still fine at 85k and I"ve not bypassed...but I'm replacing the radiator as soon as I get some time.

Actually most of you are mis-informed...

My 08 SE will be getting a new radiator/trans soon..
My trans will be a BRAND NEW transmission because there are no remans available for mine right now.

Some of you dealer haters need to pull your head out of your ass

tlee_20 wrote:Actually most of you are mis-informed...

My 08 SE will be getting a new radiator/trans soon..
My trans will be a BRAND NEW transmission because there are no remans available for mine right now.

Some of you dealer haters need to pull your head out of your ass

The average Joe is not going to get a new free radiator/transmission unless this happens to take place during the powertrain warranty. I've not seen many posts where that's the case and the pathetic extended warranty Nissan has offered isn't worth beans in my book.

Tell us more about your radiator/transmission problem. Very few have posted with '08+ models with problems. How many miles? Symptoms? I'm trying to keep an eye on mine until I can get the radiator swapped. Mainly watching the radiator fluid at the cap, but any other hints would be helpful.

74,XXX miles and it let go. Started noticing a shudder when the converter locks up. Then a no start condition. TCM would not communicate.

skinny2 wrote: The average Joe is not going to get a new free radiator/transmission unless this happens to take place during the powertrain warranty

By the way, you will get a free radiator/transmission if this happens under 80k miles. Not just within the 5yr/60k miles, it's free 8/80