Bwyan

I have heard on this forum that '95 pathfinder trannys have filters that clog easily and cause transmission to dry out and fail. Is this true and if so what can I do to prevent such an occurence. I have a brand new factory tranny and 90,000 mi on the motor. I really would like to get 100,000 out of this vehicle at least!

Fred Sanford

I've got a '91 Pathy and I have done a lot of research on the subject, and it's true that the early Pathfinders from '87 to '95 have transmission problems.
The quote below sums it all up:

"The 4EAT transmission installed in the Subaru SVX (also in the Legacy, Nissan Pathfinder, and Mazda MPV) suffers from one fatal problem: HEAT.

Radiator-based transmission cooler can't keep the transmission fluid cool enough

Transmission is poorly designed and does not allow the lubricant to flow through it to keep parts lubricated (thus friction causing heat)

Unusually high overdrive places additional side loads on bearings generating heat

AWD/4WD system puts strain on the transmission causing even more heat "

There are 2 schools of thought on how to protect your new transmission.

1) Bypass the stock tranny cooler in the radiator, and add a remote filter and a heavy duty transmission cooler which cools sufficiently.

2) Add a remote filter and auxiliary tranny cooler to run in series with the stock cooler to help reduce heat.

In my case, I chose option# 2 and used Perma Cool remote tranny filter and ultra cool auxiliary tranny cooler to run in series with the stock set up.
My transmission now shifts 100% better since I added these items to the mix.

WOLVERINE8

[quote=Fred Sanford]I've got a '91 Pathy and I have done a lot of research on the subject, and it's true that the early Pathfinders from '87 to '95 have transmission problems.
The quote below sums it all up:

"The 4EAT transmission installed in the Subaru SVX (also in the Legacy, Nissan Pathfinder, and Mazda MPV) suffers from one fatal problem: HEAT.

Radiator-based transmission cooler can't keep the transmission fluid cool enough

Transmission is poorly designed and does not allow the lubricant to flow through it to keep parts lubricated (thus friction causing heat)

Unusually high overdrive places additional side loads on bearings generating heat

AWD/4WD system puts strain on the transmission causing even more heat "

There are 2 schools of thought on how to protect your new transmission.

1) Bypass the stock tranny cooler in the radiator, and add a remote filter and a heavy duty transmission cooler which cools sufficiently.

2) Add a remote filter and auxiliary tranny cooler to run in series with the stock cooler to help reduce heat.

In my case, I chose option# 2 and used Perma Cool remote tranny filter and ultra cool auxiliary tranny cooler to run in series with the stock set up.
My transmission now shifts 100% better since I added these items to the mix.



I just purchased a 94 Nissan Pathfinder (Dealer) with the understanding of some issues that are inherient with these SUV's. Here's my question: It appears that either a Engine Oil Cooler or a Transmission Cooler has been added just in front of the Radiator. Does anyone know how to tell the difference? I'd like to add a Transmission Oil Cooler and filter, if not already installed.

Thanks