Will Aftermarket Radiator Solve Leaking Transmission Cooler Problems in 2006 Nissan Xterra

Question:

Will a aftermarket radiator eliminate problems with coolant mixing with transmission fluid

asked by: Rick W

Helpful Expert Reply:

From what I can recall, the problem with the mid 2000's Nissan truck radiators was that the combined transmission cooler/radiator would develop a leak that allowed coolant to mix with the transmission fluid, which damaged the transmission.

Installing an 'OEM quality' aftermarket radiator with the integrated transmission cooler is the recommended repair, which will solve the leakage problem.

Over the years, we've gotten numerous questions about this from folks who just want to cap off the transmission cooler portion of the radiator and install an aftermarket transmission cooler. The problem is that the transmission coolers we sell are meant to supplement, not replace the OEM transmission cooler. A supplemental cooler likely wouldn't provide enough cooling, and might lead to transmission damage.

Once you get the aftermarket radiator installed, you can then install a supplemental cooler like D13502 for extra protection.

expert reply by: Mike L