Just a Hunter
Bought an X
- Location
- Georgia
I'm not sure if this posting is best served in "general maintenance" or in "drivetrain"
Regardless, it's of enough importance that I wished to share it with our community.
..........
The Nissan Xterrra is a rather reliable vehicle but, there is one HUGE issue to become aware of, which is SMOD.
Basically, from 2005 until apx 2009 there were known issues with the radiators of Nissan Xterras with automatic transmissions. Generally speaking, there are transmission lines which run through our radiator. A flaw in the production of the Calsonic radiators which Nissan used in our vehicles could allow antifreeze and ATF to mix and enter into our transmission. Ultimately, this would destroy our transmission.
The term SMOD comes from the appearance of the fluid in your overflow tank, radiator and transmission fluid. Basically, SMOD will present as a nice frothy strawberry milkshake.
Typically, an Xterra owner will first notice SMOD by general transmission problems which may include hard shifting, slipping, failure to shift or a rumbling sensation while driving.
What can you do to prevent SMOD?
Check the Nissan part number on top of your radiator to confirm if its known to be affected with SMOD.
21410-EA200 (early 2005’s.) Associated with SMOD
21410-EA205 (2005 – 2009). Associated with SMOD
21460-EA215 (2005 - 2009) Associated with SMOD
21460-EA265 Associated with SMOD
21460-ZL11A (2009-2010) isolated reports of SMOD found on the net
21460-ZL31A no cases of SMOD found by searching the net
21460-9CAOE (2011 – 2015 ) No known cases reported on SMOD.
If you have a 2005-2010 Xterra, check your vehicle for any signs of SMOD.
With a cold engine and no pressure on your hoses, check your overflow tank, radiator and transmission fluid for any signs of contamination.
If signs of smod are found, stop driving your Xterra until you can address this problem immediately.
In this case your best hope is to replace your radiator followed by a full flush of your radiator fluid. Note that a drain and fill of your pan only replaces a few quarts of fluid and you need to replace all your atf or risk recontaminating the new fluid your installing. The net can provide instructions on how to flush our transmission fluid.
If you dont notice signs of SMOD and yet your part number reflects a radiator associated with SMOD , you have two options.
You can swap your radiator (best option)
Or you can re-route the lines entering your radiator to prevent atf fluid from circulating through the radiator. There are mixed opinions on this matter and I would suggest this option as a preventive measure until a new radiator can be installed. Obviously, doing a by-pass of the radiator can effect the cooling of the fluid in your transmission. This can be an increased issue for those which tow or live in hotter regions of our country.
(Disclaimer: Note, all the information shared on this post should be considered as "entertainment" and needs to be referenced and confirmed on your own. Please become educated in regards to what has been shared and contact a certified mechanic prior to making any changes to your own vehicle.)
To be clear, I should be considered a highly trained unproffessional
Regardless, it's of enough importance that I wished to share it with our community.
..........
The Nissan Xterrra is a rather reliable vehicle but, there is one HUGE issue to become aware of, which is SMOD.
Basically, from 2005 until apx 2009 there were known issues with the radiators of Nissan Xterras with automatic transmissions. Generally speaking, there are transmission lines which run through our radiator. A flaw in the production of the Calsonic radiators which Nissan used in our vehicles could allow antifreeze and ATF to mix and enter into our transmission. Ultimately, this would destroy our transmission.
The term SMOD comes from the appearance of the fluid in your overflow tank, radiator and transmission fluid. Basically, SMOD will present as a nice frothy strawberry milkshake.
Typically, an Xterra owner will first notice SMOD by general transmission problems which may include hard shifting, slipping, failure to shift or a rumbling sensation while driving.
What can you do to prevent SMOD?
Check the Nissan part number on top of your radiator to confirm if its known to be affected with SMOD.
21410-EA200 (early 2005’s.) Associated with SMOD
21410-EA205 (2005 – 2009). Associated with SMOD
21460-EA215 (2005 - 2009) Associated with SMOD
21460-EA265 Associated with SMOD
21460-ZL11A (2009-2010) isolated reports of SMOD found on the net
21460-ZL31A no cases of SMOD found by searching the net
21460-9CAOE (2011 – 2015 ) No known cases reported on SMOD.
If you have a 2005-2010 Xterra, check your vehicle for any signs of SMOD.
With a cold engine and no pressure on your hoses, check your overflow tank, radiator and transmission fluid for any signs of contamination.
If signs of smod are found, stop driving your Xterra until you can address this problem immediately.
In this case your best hope is to replace your radiator followed by a full flush of your radiator fluid. Note that a drain and fill of your pan only replaces a few quarts of fluid and you need to replace all your atf or risk recontaminating the new fluid your installing. The net can provide instructions on how to flush our transmission fluid.
If you dont notice signs of SMOD and yet your part number reflects a radiator associated with SMOD , you have two options.
You can swap your radiator (best option)
Or you can re-route the lines entering your radiator to prevent atf fluid from circulating through the radiator. There are mixed opinions on this matter and I would suggest this option as a preventive measure until a new radiator can be installed. Obviously, doing a by-pass of the radiator can effect the cooling of the fluid in your transmission. This can be an increased issue for those which tow or live in hotter regions of our country.
(Disclaimer: Note, all the information shared on this post should be considered as "entertainment" and needs to be referenced and confirmed on your own. Please become educated in regards to what has been shared and contact a certified mechanic prior to making any changes to your own vehicle.)
To be clear, I should be considered a highly trained unproffessional
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