CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2005-2007 Pathfinder appears to have a widespread defect where coolant leaks into the transmission, causing transmission failure around 90,000 miles. Repair costs are typically upwards of $3,500.
According to the New York Times & a class action lawsuit, the defect actually extends through 2010 model year. More info here.
engine does not turn over or start u1000 code
This complaint is about the U1000 fault code locking out the starting of the vehicle.
A few months ago the transmission began to shudder when shifting into overdrive at about
50mph. I called a transmission shop and they suggested "shudder-stop" additive to the
transmission fluid. At this point the transmission fluid looked fine (nice red
color). I added the "shudder stop" and the problem went away for a few weeks. Then one
day the truck started driving like it was always in 3rd gear --really slow takeoff and
rpm really high. After I researched online and discovered a common problem with coolant
getting into the transmission due to a deffective nissan radiator, I checked the
transmission dipstick again and found it looked like chocolate milk. I did not want to spend
the money for a new transmission and radiator so hoping I had caught it before the damage was
too extensive, I choose to flush the transmission and radiator. First I pulled the
drain plug at the oil pan and drained about a gallon of very brown foamy contaminated fluid
from the transmission. Then I pulled transmission coolant hoses from the bottom of
the radiator and directed them straight to the external cooler in front of the radiator. I
pluged the lines coming from the radiator to prevent leaking coolant. I disconnected one of
the transmission coolant lines and started the pathfinder. While fluid pumped out this hose
into a drain bucket, I added fresh transmission fluid to the dipstick hole. I continued to do
this until my trany fluid looked clean coming out the hose than shut off the truck and
reconnected the hose to the external cooler. I then flushed the radiator. Afterwards I drove
the truck for a few days and it drove and shifted fine (just a little shudder once again
in overdrive). Then one day last week, the truck would not start. I checked the engine
codes with a scanner and found a U1000 fault code. This code is related to the ECM
communcation or grounding and will not let the truck start until it is corrected. I have
found other info online about coolant contamination at the transmission control
module TCM causing this issue. Do not know how to correct at this point.
- John A.,
Paragould, AR, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I'll never buy another Nissan. It won't start. I had to purchase a new radiator.
- Amber B., Gerber, CA, US