Transmission not shifting properly and engine is overheating

Tiny
DJANGELL1973
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
A couple weeks ago truck was put into reverse and when shifted into drive it would stay in reverse. The shifter transmission cable came off. It was put back on with zip tie and was fine. Two weeks later we could not start truck without a jump we were driving and the truck would not go more than 20 mph and shifter would slide up and down fast. Cable came off again. We put back on and seemed okay for about five minutes then it down shifted to 20 mph overheated steam from hood and cable off. Put it back on and it shifts into gear but goes forward about three feet and stops moving forward engine stays on still. We have to keep adding water to radiator every few days or it will not start. There is a squealing sound like a belt under hood that lasts few seconds. The transmission cable is on and shifts into gear for shifter and underneath it just will not drive forward or reverse. Stuck four hours away and have no money so I am sleeping in car.
Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 3:24 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

It sounds like the transmission has given out. Make sure you check the fluid level to be sure there is enough fluid in the pan. low fluid level will cause this issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

The cable needs to be replaced to keep the shifting working. zip ties are very temporary repairs.

did you see where the coolant is leaking?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Roy
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Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 4:10 AM
Tiny
DJANGELL1973
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Coolant seems to be around radiator cap and radiator looks like its determination some and it has thick oily pinkish goopy stuff in it. Did radiator flush with hose but still there. I came across this article about possible recall for transmission failure due to radiator cracks in hose or something like that? What do you think?

https://www.ncconsumer.org/news-articles/recall-for-nissan-transmission-failure-nccc-petitions-for-radiator-defect-investigation.html
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Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 4:27 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
It sounds like the transmission cooler has failed inside the radiator and you have transmission fluid in the radiator. That means your fluid is leaving the transmission and going into the coolant.

Did you check the transmission fluid level?

Yep, that is the issue but you are way beyond the extended warranty program.

Roy
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Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 4:36 AM
Tiny
DJANGELL1973
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Any advise on Nissan footing the bill?
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Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 4:54 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Nope. Too old for them to warranty it.

This will be all on you.

Roy
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Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 5:07 AM
Tiny
DJANGELL1973
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Do you think adding a head gasket radiator repair and sealant would actually help?
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Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 2:34 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
No, that stuff never works. The only way to correct it is to replace the head gaskets.

That sealer will clog the radiator and the heater core.

Roy
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Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 2:37 PM

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