Nissan RE5R05A Transmission Rebuild & Repair in Glendale, AZ (Nissan Infiniti)

Sun West Transmissions — Glendale, AZ. Free estimates, honest diagnosis and a 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty on qualifying rebuilds and replacements.

The RE5R05A is the five-speed rear-wheel-drive automatic that Nissan and Infiniti used for well over a decade in their trucks, body-on-frame SUVs and several performance sedans. Built by JATCO, it is a stout unit when it is kept cool and clean, but it has a few well-known weak spots. At Sun West Transmissions in Glendale we rebuild and repair the RE5R05A for West Valley drivers who want their Nissan or Infiniti back on the road without guessing at the problem.

Where You Will Find the RE5R05A

This transmission shows up across a wide range of Nissan and Infiniti models, mainly from the mid-2000s into the 2010s. Exact applications vary by year, engine and drivetrain, so we always confirm the unit by its tag and VIN before quoting. Common vehicles include:

• Nissan Frontier and Xterra with the V6, in two- and four-wheel drive
• Nissan Pathfinder (body-on-frame generation) and Titan full-size pickups
• Nissan Armada and the NV commercial vans
• Infiniti QX56, FX series, M series and some G series rear-drive models

Because the same basic gear train is used in very different vehicles, the valve body calibration, case and converter can differ from one model to the next. That is why a rebuild has to be matched to your exact vehicle rather than treated as a generic part.

Common RE5R05A Problems

Coolant contamination from the radiator cooler

The best-known issue on some Frontier, Xterra and Pathfinder models from the second half of the 2000s is an internal leak in the transmission cooler built into the radiator. When it fails, engine coolant mixes with the transmission fluid and turns it pink and milky. Coolant attacks clutch friction material and bonding, so slipping, shudder and harsh shifts often follow. If you own one of these trucks and still have the original radiator, it is worth having it checked. Read more about radiator replacement and our auxiliary cooling options.

Solenoid and valve body issues

Shift solenoids and the valve body can wear or stick, producing harsh 1-2 or 2-3 shifts, flare between gears, or a check engine light with shift-related codes. Sometimes a solenoid or valve body repair is enough; other times the clutch packs have already been damaged by the bad shifts.

Speed sensor and wiring faults

Input and output speed sensor codes can cause erratic shifting or a fail-safe mode. A sensor, connector or harness problem is a much smaller job than a rebuild, which is exactly why proper testing comes first.

Heat and towing wear

Titans, Armadas and Frontiers often tow boats and trailers in Arizona heat. Sustained high fluid temperatures break down fluid and wear clutches and the torque converter clutch over time. Our article on how Arizona heat affects your transmission explains why.

Symptoms That Bring RE5R05A Owners In

• Slipping or engine flare during shifts, especially when warm
• Delayed or harsh engagement into Drive or Reverse
• Shudder at steady highway speeds (often torque converter related)
• Pink, milky or burnt-smelling fluid
• Check engine light with transmission codes, or the truck stuck in one gear

If you notice milky fluid or the transmission is slipping badly, stop driving and have it inspected. Continuing to drive can turn a repairable problem into a full rebuild. See our guide on whether it is safe to drive with a bad transmission.

How We Diagnose and Rebuild the RE5R05A

Every job starts with a road test, a scan for stored and pending codes, a fluid inspection and a check of the cooling system. If the cooler has leaked, we address that before anything else, because a new transmission will not survive contaminated fluid. You get a clear explanation of what we found and a free estimate before any repair begins.

When a rebuild is needed, we remove the transmission, fully disassemble it and inspect every component. A typical RE5R05A rebuild includes:

1. New friction clutches, steels, seals, gaskets and filter
2. Inspection and replacement of worn bushings, thrust washers and bearings
3. Valve body cleaning, inspection and solenoid testing or replacement
4. Torque converter service or replacement, matched to your application
5. Cooler and line flushing, or cooler replacement when contamination occurred
6. Correct fluid fill, adaptive relearn where required and a final road test

Learn more about our general transmission rebuilding process and when rebuilding versus replacing makes more sense.

What Does an RE5R05A Rebuild Cost?

Cost depends on the vehicle, drivetrain and what we find inside. A unit that failed from coolant contamination usually needs more parts than one with ordinary wear, and a damaged torque converter or radiator adds to the job. Some customers also weigh a used transmission option. We will walk you through each choice and give you a free, written quote. Call (623) 473-9800, and ask about financing if you need it.

Why West Valley Drivers Choose Sun West

We are a dedicated transmission shop on West Northern Avenue in Glendale, handling automatics, manuals, transfer cases, differentials and diesel drivetrains. Qualifying transmission rebuilds and replacements carry our 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty with no deductible on covered repairs. Get started on our transmission repair page or contact us for an appointment.

Nissan RE5R05A Rebuild FAQ

Can I just change the fluid if my RE5R05A is slipping?

A fluid change will not repair worn clutches, and if coolant got into the fluid, damage has usually already started. It is better to have the transmission diagnosed first so you know what you are dealing with.

Should I replace the radiator during the rebuild?

If the original radiator cooler leaked, or the radiator is aging, replacing it or adding a separate cooler is strongly recommended. Otherwise the new rebuild could be exposed to the same failure.

Do you work on Infiniti models with this transmission?

Yes. We service the RE5R05A in both Nissan and Infiniti vehicles, matching parts and converter to the specific application.