SMOD - How to diagnose and parts and labor costs to bypass on 2007 Pathy?...

[Dawg82]

Hoping to get back into Pathfinder game - owned 2001 SE I bought new and sold in late 2019. Hearing lots of horror stories about coolant and ATF mixing in radiators of 2005-10 Pathys. Looking at a low mileage 2007. Carfax shows several radiator flushes and ATF changes, but no replacement radiator. Since I plan to tow a boat with this 2007 4x2, couple of questions...

1) What do I look for to see if fluids have mixed and transmission likely needs replacing?

2) If it hasn't mixed, what is the parts and labor cost to replace radiator, bypass ATF going into radiator and adding aftermarket transmission cooler?

Thanks in advance

[VStar650CL]

Dunno about the cost, but you're looking for milky transmission fluid. The trans cooler lines only operate at around 10~15 psi, so when the cooling system is pressurized there's always transfer into the transmission if the exchanger is leaking. Translucent fluid usually means the transmission can be saved with several quick fluid changes to void the old fluid. Once it becomes opaque there's no hope.

[Dawg82]

Thanks again for quick response

[PalmerWMD]

Also a through testdrive.
SMOD damage usually shows up quick.

So if its there you can usually notice it in a thorough test drive.
However if the radiator is the original part I would make its replacement part of the deal with the dealership.
but it is suspicious that there are several flushes on the record yet an original radiator.

Did you look underneath the vehicle?
maybe there is a transmission bypass now for the ATF fluid?