The Nissan Path

I added the hitch when we bought it...have towed a smaller trailer long distance but not something this heavy. I think a trans cooler was standard on the Pathfinders from 2013 models but can’t confirm this. It does have AWD.
Thanks for your help.

I have heard the same also. Have you tried contacting a dealer service department to confirm?

Getting the transmission serviced this week....will know for sure about the trans cooler....will post the answer.

I understand from this forum that the CVT belt changed from rubber to steel in 14 models.

Getting the transmission serviced this week....will know for sure about the trans cooler....will post the answer.

I understand from this forum that the CVT belt changed from rubber to steel in 14 models.

Mbear12 wrote:Getting the transmission serviced this week....will know for sure about the trans cooler....will post the answer.

I understand from this forum that the CVT belt changed from rubber to steel in 14 models.

From a certain model year on all the V6s from Nissan had the steel belts in the CVT.

It may have been 14, yes.

On another Pathfinder forum, there was a discussion about this, and here is what was said about the CVT in Nissan's models:

The prior CVTs were belt driven, and they were known to be highly problematic in their earlier incarnations in both the Altima and the Murano. In fact, Nissan had to extend the powertrain warranty to 10 years / 100K to further instill consumer confidence. They were doing this all the way up into the 2010 model year. At some point, they discontinued the practice.

For the (R52) Pathfinder, Nissan redesigned the CVT to use a chain. The intent was to increase towing capacity to make it competitive in the class. The (Infiniti) JX35, though a platform-mate, continued to use the earlier belt-driven CVT up until 2014 when the name was changed to QX60. As soon as Nissan made that change, the QX60 started exhibiting similar symptoms. (the shudder)

My 2014 has cvt shudder at about 20mph when at low or very little throttle .
I towed my 1.8 ton Studebaker weasel on a 500kg trailer almost 3000 miles in 6 days last October, through the alps to Croatia and back, no overheating issues at all, but with the Tow mode engaged the mpg drops a lot 😄

All that Tow Mode does is increase the engine compression when descending hills so that you don't have to use the brakes that much. Other than that, it should not affect your mileage.

That’s strange as when driving if you push tow mode the revs increase as though it’s in a lower gear. Also the hand book says to use it at all times when towing so as not to damage the gearbox .

How does in increase compression? That’s interesting

Armourerdoug wrote:How does in increase compression? That’s interesting

I think he means using the engines compression for engine braking.
I do not own a R52 and Grumpah knows alot about them but my expectation would also be higher revs to reduce lugging for engine and tranny

Yep that makes sense, I’m new to CVT and know very little about it.
Thanks for your input guys

Yup! It's like downshifting a manual transmission to slow vehicle motion without using the brake in snowy conditions.

So it’s an automatic engine braking then? As hand book says to have the tow switch on all the time while towing

Yes, you should keep it on while towing. It doesn't make sense to keep switching it on and off because you don't know when it's going to be needed on the upcoming road and it won't affect anything when it's not engaged.

Note that it will need to be turned back on after the vehicle ignition has been shut off, such as when you stop for gas.