Transmission Cooler for 2015 Q70

[AlabamaDan]

So I've got a 2015 Q70 - base model I suppose. 2WD with Auto. Do they come with a transmission fluid cooler? If not should they?

[walt1227]

I don't think they do. Even my 11' M56S needs one because it does not shift well once it gets hot. These cars need better transmissions and they would be even better.

[Malbec 56 Beast]

Your transmission fluid has everything to do with that.

I only use Amsoil, I'm not a dealer or have any profit motive. I like to let people know what I use and it works great. It's a drain and fill drain on these cars so it doesn't get it all out so I'm doing it again at 30kmi. I think Nissan uses crap fluids.

Give it a try you won't be disappointed.

Andy

[AlabamaDan]

Hmmmm...

[walt1227]

I am due for a drain and refill cause I get what seems like some slips once the transmission gets hot. When it is cold it is great but one that heat builds up it sucks.

[AlabamaDan]

Seems like a transmission cooler is one of those things that is never a bad idea, right? It adds additional capacity and is a cooler. Question is where to install it?

[walt1227]

I would ask Level 10 if they have one or can make one for it. Not sure where it would go.

[EdBwoy]

The car has an OEM transmission cooler. It is on the left side of the radiator, where the 2 transmission cooling lines feed into.
This is unique to me. In Nissans, I am used to seeing the cooler at the bottom of the radiator and the nipples and hoses pretty evident when you look up or down into the engine bay.

On placement, the simplest spot would be behind the bumper, in front of the condenser like the power steering cooler. Give it airflow while limiting exposure to rocks and bugs.
Some people bypass the radiator, while some plumb it in series with the factory one.


I don't think it's a bad idea to install an additional/external cooler when you need to cool the fluid. However, when doing so and deciding how to connect it, consider that just like engine oil, it needs to be warmed up first... then kept from overheating.
I don't have the specifics of what temperature range is the sweet spot for the hydraulic fluid for our particular application. I think an aftermarket outfit like Level 10 might have more certain answers on that based on their experience or research.

[AlabamaDan]

I hear some QX4/Pathfinder guys really complaining about the Nissan in radiator transmission cooler. They say it kills the transmission in those vehicles.

[EdBwoy]

The R51 pathfinder platform.
Internal radiator failures would make the coolant mix with transmission fluid. Coolant/water doesn't make a good gear lubricant or hydraulic fluid. That's what killed those transmissions.

I know Nissan offered some relief by way of an extended warranty. 100k miles IIRC. If you are as lucky as I am, I am always out of mileage or the given time window.
For those guys, especially being a little gun shy about the quality of yet another Nissan radiator, an aftermarket system that completely bypasses the radiator would be the best bet.