Can you Bypass/Replace the Factory Transmission Cooler on a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder

Question:

Thank you for you very knowledgeable responses to previous questions. You however keep referring to bypassing the factory transmission cooler as not the manufacturers recommended method. What then would be the manufacturers recommended method? Thanks,

asked by: Julain T

Expert Reply:

All of our transmission cooler manufacturers (Derale/Flex-a-lite) recommend installing their transmission coolers in conjunction with a factory transmission cooler. In other words, the recommended placement for a transmission cooler is after the factory transmission cooler and before the fluids running back to the transmission. On most cars today, the vehicle is equipped with one or two methods to cool the transmission fluid.

The first method automobile manufactures use to cool the transmission fluid is through the radiator. The transmission fluid cycled through the transmission will then be rerouted into the radiator for cooling and then back out. Depending on the vehicle, the outlet on the radiator will then run to an additional auxiliary cooler which is generally located in front of the radiator and behind the grill then back to the transmission. These coolers are typically smaller in size if even equipped.

If you will be towing or hauling a heavy load with your vehicle than it is recommended to install an additional transmission cooler. Depending on the size of the cooler you install, you can either replace the auxiliary cooler or reroute the new cooler from the auxiliary cooler. However, I do not recommend bypassing the lines from the radiator as this is the vehicle's main source for cooling the transmission fluid unless using a remote mount cooler like the Derale 8-Pass Electra-Cool Remote Cooler Assembly w/ Fan part # D13720.

For your 2006 Nissan Pathfinder, I recommend installing the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets part # D13503. If your vehicle has an auxiliary cooler than you can either use this to replace that cooler or install this cooler after the auxiliary cooler. The only reason I would replace the factory auxiliary cooler is if space was reduced. It is always recommended for fix mount coolers to be installed in front of the radiator behind your grill.

expert reply by: Conner L