Last Updated: 12/29/2017 @ 09:48 pm
Member Credit: Brandan Nankoo,
Mishimoto Photo Credits: Sunday Ortiz and Gerson Flores
No one ever wants to experience the feeling of having to replace a CVT Transmission. Under warranty, it’s not so bad. But out of warranty, it will be a very expensive job. To prolong the life of the CVT, many members have been installing external transmission coolers.
You have various options when it comes to selecting a Transmission Cooler for your 2009-2015 7thgen Maxima. Two of the most popular ones are the Hayden coolers which are universal and applicable to all vehicles and then the Mishimoto coolers.
Please note that you will need an extra quart of Nissan NS-2 or equivalent.
Hayden Automotive Rapid-cool Cooler #677 ($35.00-40.00)
These are very inexpensive and work very well. All rapid coolers include the patented “Flow path design” which increases heat transfer while minimizing pressure drop.
Mishimoto WRX CVT Transmission Cooler 2015+
These are much more expensive and also work well. The best way to purchase these is via a vendor who can get you a great discount.
Tools Needed
Prep for Installation
1. Jack up the front end
2. Follow Markos video on how to remove the bumper (video below)
3. Blow out Trans cooler to make sure there is no debris inside of it.
Installation (The instruction use the Hayden Cooler for reference)
1. Drill hole in plastic like in the picture below
2. Route hose through top of the crash bar in between headlight and radiator
3. Pull hose through bottom hole beside the wire that leads to crash sensor
4. Apply a bit of CVT fluid to the inlets of the cooler (this helps the hose slide on better
5. Put the clamps on the hose and attach to the cooler (tighten clamps)
6. Place the foam pads on the back of the 4 corners of the cooler (supplied with cooler)
7. Attach the bottom of the cooler with the supplied zip ties
8. Zip tie each hose with the long zip ties. Top one is tied together with the cylinder beside the ac condenser and the bottom to the wire beside it (reference pics above)
9. Cut hose in half using knife
10. Place pan under car
11. Disconnect factory cooler line from radiator which is located on the bottom just above radiator hose (factory clip needs to be squeezed with a pair of pliers)
12. Connect the line from the top of the top of the cooler to the bottom of the radiator with the new clamp
13. Disconnect the other end of the factory line (has the same style clip as the other factory one)
14. Route the other hose coming from the cooler to the end of the factory line and tighten the clamp (make sure there is no kinks in the line)
15. Double check all connections
16. Lower the car but don’t put the bumper on yet
17. Measure how much fluid came out when disconnecting the line
18. Remove CVT dipstick and add the same amount of new fluid that you measured of the old plus add approximately 150ml extra to accommodate the cooler
19. Start the car and warm up to operating temperature
20. With foot firmly on brake run through all the gears
21. Turn the car off and double check the level is in the proper range and add if needed
22. Check for leaks
23. Put bumper back on
24. Recheck all connections after 100 miles
25. Enjoy your new trans-cooler!
Additional Photos (Installation and Position of Mishimoto Cooler):
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