[nmum]

Hi all,

I've noticed in the last week or so that there are times where it feels like I'm driving over rumble strips on my commute at what was previously pretty smooth roads.

At first I thought that maybe I was driving closer to the center line than I realized or that maybe the roads were getting rough due to the changing weather.

But in looking into it now, see that it might be a sign of the transmission/coolant mix.

I never did the bypass, never really understood it until recently and after I had just drained and refilled the coolant. At the time, the coolant seemed fine. And as I'm coming up to 105000 miles was planning to get the radiator replaced as a preventive measure either way.

My question is, if it is the transmission, does that mean it's already gone. Or if the fluids and radiator are replaced sooner, can I expect the transmission to last me some time?

It looks like there are some other possibilities such as a u joint, spark plugs (which are due to be replaced in the next service), suspension, etc.

But given the known issues with the early models of the second gen, kind of has me thinking worst case scenario.

The truck is due for spark plugs, probably brakes, maybe rotors, and tires in the next month or two. But if it is a transmission issue might have to reconsider putting money into it.

Planning to check the coolant cap again tonight or tomorrow morning.

Thanks!

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One other thing I noticed that had me thinking that I was starting to have transmission issues, is that I noticed that sometimes when I shifted from drive to reverse, the truck felt like it was stuttering or vibrating.

Originally I was worried that it was a sign that the transmission was going but looking into it, found things that mentioned things like the motor mount and didn't mention anything about the transmission. But is that another sign of the transmission?

Thanks!

-------
just realized that some the above is already covered in the sticky:
http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/...mination-05-10-models-means-bypass-now-57547/

In the first couple of posts, it looks like the OP didn't have to replace the transmission? Will have to keep reading!

 

[shift_RUSH]

How does coolant look when truck is cold?

 

[AndysLog]

i feel like as it is its kinda a crap shoot. i will have to check with my buddy to see how many miles he got out of his.
i think it was somewhere around 6k miles after the initial issue.

he recently had the truck hit high rpms and it was struggling to keep speed.


i honestly used to think you could just do a ton of drain and fills and ride it out, and you really can do that.
but if you are worried about ever being stranded anywhere for a period of time i wouldnt recommend it.


me personally since i have multiple vehicles. shiiiiiiiit lol, i would drive that trans until i literally wouldnt take me anywhere.
its still good as a core, and its not hurting anything if you replaced all parts needed and or bypassed and replaced the fluid.

 

[bosfordjd]

There's another issue where the programming is just stupid, and it tries to go into overdrive when the engine rpm is too low, it has the same rumble strip feel. Usually happens between 45-50, but has to be just the right engine load, rpm, and throttle to happen.

 

[frontx]

Regardless, take care of your stuff, man. Your list of things to do is getting long and to the point where you should ask yourself if it's worth it. Good Lord! I drive a 2009 with 85k and you know what needs to be done? Nothing. That's because I take care of my stuff. Don't bypass. Buy an AL radiator. And for the love of God, fix your breaks and suspension. Do you drive loved ones around in that thing?

 

[Clint]

If you're feeling that vibration the clutch packs are contaminated already.

Clint

 

[Zedbra]

Keep personal comments towards one another in PMs, please.

 

[nmum]

Hi all,

Thanks for the input.

Just checked the coolant. Nothing on the radiator cap. And sticking a screw driver in the overflow reservoir came out clean.

I just found details where the transmission dipstick is. So am going to go out and check that once I get a chance.

The transmission cross contamination issue is probably one of the biggest things that I'm paranoid about the Frontier. So is probably why I was freaking out a bit on Friday.

There was a period where I kept on trying to listen to the timing chain whine and wondering if I was hearing it or not. One of the issues of frequenting this forum and knowing all of the possibilities I guess. lol.

I can't pinpoint when the rumbling strip feeling happens. It didn't happen again this weekend. I want to say it happens around the 40 mph to 50 mph range. So will try to pay more attention.

Yeah the list of things that needs to be done with the Frontier is kind of long. But other than replacing the radiator, which is more of a peace of mind thing, the rest of the items are just normal wear and tear things. Sometimes I wonder if it makes sense to replace something that seems to be fine so far. But would probably feel better if it's replaced. Spark plugs are at 105k according the manual. And I guess it's just a coincidence that the brakes and tires are due for replacement around the same time. So the spark plugs, tires and brakes aren't a big deal and routine to me.

I probably should check the suspension and under the Frontier more. But I don't really know my way under it and probably wouldn't know what to look for or do. Plus it's been freezing, icy and wet recently. So doubt that I'd be able to either way. So will have to trust the shop for that.

Thanks again all!