[sheamus]

I had a trailer hitch (class IV) and wiring installed my on 2015 p4x (auto) when I bought it. My popup-tent trailer is about 1200lbs, and pulls really easy. I pulled it was a manul transmission before, and this P4X is my first ever Auto, so a few questions:

1. Do I need a transmission cooler? Or do I already have one? Is that little rad top-left, in front of the main rad a transmission cooler?
2. When pulling, on gravel roads and in city, I use o/d off. I have a trip of about 300 km of _flat_ dual lane pavement. Would it be ok, to use o/d? Or should I keep it off?
3. Is there anyway to monitor transmission oil temp? If not monitor, atleast a way to tell if things are too hot?

Thank,s
~Shea M

 

[Skibane]

1. Do I need a transmission cooler? Or do I already have one? Is that little rad top-left, in front of the main rad a transmission cooler?

Your Frontier is already factory-equipped with 2 of them - One inside the radiator, and another mounted in front of the radiator. You don't need another one.

2. When pulling, on gravel roads and in city, I use o/d off. I have a trip of about 300 km of _flat_ dual lane pavement. Would it be ok, to use o/d? Or should I keep it off?

On flat terrain, you shouldn't have any trouble towing a mere 1200 lbs in overdrive.

To put things in perspective, if you had four 250 pound passengers in the cab, that would be 1,000 pounds - which isn't much less weight than your trailer.

3. Is there anyway to monitor transmission oil temp? If not monitor, at least a way to tell if things are too hot?

Most of the monitors that plug into the OBDM2 port (i.e., Torque, Scangauge, etc.) aren't capable of measuring ATF temperature on the Frontier - However, some Bullydog tuners do.

The only other option would be to install a dedicated ATF temperature gauge (i.e., from B&M, Perma-Kool, etc.). Most of these gauges use a temperature sensor mounted in the ATF cooler line, or in the bottom of the transmission pan.

It really doesn't sound like you're likely to encounter any particularly high ATF temperatures with your small trailer - so it probably isn't worth the trouble to install a dedicated temperature gauge.

 

[BCBrian]

As far as AT Fluid temps go, your PRO4X is equipped with a warning light or idiot light embedded in the temp gauge. If you look at the gauge you will see that it says 'AT oil temp'. It will only come on once the fluid is hot so it is not as useful as a dedicated gauge to monitor temps. If it does come on, it is time to stop and let the temp go back down.

As previously stated, a Bullydog tuner allows you to monitor temps much more accurately.

 

[R00]

As far as AT Fluid temps go, your PRO4X is equipped with a warning light or idiot light embedded in the temp gauge. If you look at the gauge you will see that it says 'AT oil temp'. It will only come on once the fluid is hot so it is not as useful as a dedicated gauge to monitor temps. If it does come on, it is time to stop and let the temp go back down.

As previously stated, a Bullydog tuner allows you to monitor temps much more accurately.

It truly is a mystery. I told BCBrian that I once had it illuminate on me, but I am second guessing myself, I don't think it was in this truck. There is no bulb in that area that indicates any warning lamp during the vehicles test sequence on startup. This has been mulled about before, and no one truly seems to know the answer. I highly doubt the needle gauge is there to indicate AT fluid temp, the symbol is the universal one for coolant temp. Also, the needles reaches "normal" range when my engine is at operating temp, and before the trans hits full operating temp.

The lack of a self-test lamp of any kind leads me to believe this lettering is just a throwback to another vehicles model line gauge setup, and the Frontier gets the shaft again.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[The other Sean]

Also, since it is a pop up and has a lower profile (mine is no higher than the truck bed) you are pushing less air, so, less strain on things as compared to a full height trailer of the same weight.

 

[sheamus]

Thanks for all the replies. I just assumed that AT OIL TEMP meant that the coolant was at the same temperature as the motor oil.

Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

 

[R00]

Thanks for all the replies. I just assumed that AT OIL TEMP meant that the coolant was at the same temperature as the motor oil.

Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

No.

By the way, I tow a 2k+ popup with my Frontier all through the mountains of CA, never seen greater than 205° trans temp on my Bullydog. Keep your trailer brakes in good shape, don't overload the bed, and tow on, you should be all good.

Optional: yearly trans flush, if you pull every weekend like I do.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[BCBrian]

It truly is a mystery. I told BCBrian that I once had it illuminate on me, but I am second guessing myself, I don't think it was in this truck. There is no bulb in that area that indicates any warning lamp during the vehicles test sequence on startup. This has been mulled about before, and no one truly seems to know the answer. I highly doubt the needle gauge is there to indicate AT fluid temp, the symbol is the universal one for coolant temp. Also, the needles reaches "normal" range when my engine is at operating temp, and before the trans hits full operating temp.

The lack of a self-test lamp of any kind leads me to believe this lettering is just a throwback to another vehicles model line gauge setup, and the Frontier gets the shaft again.

Per the owners manual -
"AT OIL TEMP - Automatic transmission oil temperature warning light (if so equipped) This light comes on when the automatic transmission oil temperature is too high. If the light comes on while driving, reduce the vehicle speed as as safely possible until the light turns off."

As I previously stated, the light is embedded in the gauge. No, you cannot see it unless it is lit but it is there. You are not mistaken R00. Per the manual the needle gauge is to indicate coolant temperature.