Transmission Assembly for 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Product Notes Read before buying
This transmission is for 4WD models equipped with the 4.0L V6 engine. It is critical to verify that your vehicle's transfer case switch has the 'AUTO' setting, as this part will not fit models without it.
Voice or type your vehicle details and Wrenchy will confirm fitment in seconds.
Vehicle Fitment Guide
This part fits the following vehicles:
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE | SUV | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
| S | SUV | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
| Silver Edition | SUV | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
| SV | SUV | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
Know This Transmission Before You Buy
The research behind our purchase interview — recalls, bulletins and real install economics for this transmission family:
A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:
- Confirm the 4WD selector knob on the dashboard has an 'AUTO' position.
- Verify the engine is a 4.0L V6 (8th digit of VIN is 'A').
- Verify the vehicle is a 2012 model year (10th digit of VIN is 'C').
- Locate and match the transmission ID tag on the right rear side of the transmission case.
What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:
Special tools this job needs:
- Heavy-duty transmission jack
- Tall jack stands
- Torque converter clutch alignment tool
- Professional OBD-II scan tool with Nissan-specific software (e.g., Nissan CONSULT-III Plus)
Budget for these consumables at install:
- Genuine Nissan Matic S ATF (or high-quality synthetic equivalent meeting Nissan Matic S specifications; Matic J is an acceptable alternative if Matic S is unavailable)
- Transmission filter and pan gasket kit (OEM filter part number 31728-97X00)
- Torque converter front pump seal
- Professional-grade transmission cooler flush (e.g., Lubegard Kooler Kleen)
What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:
What’s involved: TCM Adaptive Relearn and potential VIN-specific ECU matching
TCM integration varies by build — confirm with us before install. While some configurations allow a used TCM to run plug-and-play, performing an adaptive learning reset is highly recommended to prevent harsh shifting, slipping, or immediate limp mode.
Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:
- Torque Converter Seating: Ensure the torque converter is fully seated into the transmission front pump (three distinct clicks/drops) before bolting to the engine to prevent cracking the front pump gear.
- Cooler Line Flushing: You must aggressively flush the cooler lines and radiator cooler (or replace/bypass the radiator) to prevent debris or residual coolant from destroying the replacement unit.
- Bellhousing Dowel Alignment: Ensure alignment dowel pins on the engine block are clean and properly aligned. Do not use bolts to force the transmission and engine together.
- Fluid Level Check Procedure: Check the fluid level using the dipstick while the engine is idling at normal operating temperature (122°F to 176°F) on level ground.
Easy to get right once you know them:
- Reusing a contaminated radiator after a previous SMOD failure.
- Ordering the wrong 4WD variant (confusing models with the 'AUTO' transfer case switch with those that do not have it).
- Failing to perform the adaptive learning reset before driving.
- Under-filling the transmission by only adding standard service refill amounts instead of the full dry capacity.
- Reusing torque-to-yield torque converter bolts.
Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer:
🔎 Recommended at install: Replace the radiator and aggressively flush or bypass the transmission cooler lines before installing the replacement unit.
🔎 Recommended at install: Inspect TCM connector pins, replace control valve assembly (valve body/TCM) if electrical faults persist.
🔎 Recommended at install: Reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) per TSB NTB12-051j.
Researched from factory recalls, TSBs and OEM service data (reference unit 400-62110-4001048). Unit-specific details — mileage, condition, warranty, freight — are covered in the checkout interview.
Policies, in plain English.
Shipping & Handling
- Ships by LTL freight on a pallet — a real freight truck, not a parcel van
- Your checkout freight quote covers delivery to your door (liftgate service included for residential addresses)
- The carrier calls ahead to schedule a delivery window — someone must be present to receive it
- Typically palletized and picked up within 2–3 business days; transit time depends on distance
120-Day Warranty
This part includes a 120-day warranty.
- If the part fails within the warranty window, we'll replace it or refund per the coverage terms
- Coverage is parts-only — installation labor is not included
- Warranty covers defects — not installation errors, misuse, or damage after installation
Your pre-purchase interview reviews these exact terms with you before anything is charged.
Returns (30 Days)
We accept returns of uninstalled parts within 30 days of delivery for this part.
- Defective parts: We will replace the part or issue a refund at our discretion
- Programming: "Needs to be programmed to my vehicle" is not a valid return reason. Many modules require dealer programming — we're happy to help connect you with resources if your dealer says it's not programmable
- Return shipping: This part ships by freight (LTL) — the part price is refundable per the terms above, but shipping costs are non-refundable and return freight follows the seller's return terms. Your pre-purchase interview walks through the exact numbers before you buy
- Parts must be returned in original packaging and unmodified condition
- Poorly packaged returns that arrive damaged will not be credited
Damaged in Shipping?
Freight damage is rare — and you're fully protected when you do two things at delivery:
- Inspect before you sign — you're allowed time to look the pallet over while the driver waits
- Write any damage on the delivery receipt before signing — that one line is what makes a freight claim succeed
- Severe damage? Refuse the delivery — it goes back at no cost to you and we make it right
- Photograph the pallet before unwrapping; report concealed damage within 24 hours of delivery
We handle the carrier claim — you just help document it. Your pre-purchase interview walks through this checklist too.
Order Cancellation
Cancel before shipment for a full refund. Once the pallet has been built, a preparation charge may apply — and once the freight carrier picks it up, shipping costs are non-refundable and standard return terms apply. Your pre-purchase interview shows the exact numbers before you pay.
Expert Guides
2012 Nissan Pathfinder 4.0L RE5R05A Transmission: Problems, Identification, and Used Replacement
Learn how to identify the correct Jatco RE5R05A variant for your 4x4, spot the signs of SMOD or solenoid failure, and know when a used OEM replacement is your smartest move.
Read Full Guide →Related Trouble Codes (OBD-II)
2 matching guidesIf your scan tool is showing one of these trouble codes, this part is a common fix. Each guide explains the code, how to diagnose it, and exactly what to replace.
Miscellaneous Information
OEM Part Numbers:
Nissan: 31020-9CA4C, 310209CA4C, 310C0-9CA4C, 310C09CA4C, 9CA4C
Fits Years: 2012
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This unit ships with the selling yard's 120-day warranty. Longer plans can be requested during checkout.
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