Properly flushing and refilling the coolant in your water-cooled Nissan begins with gathering the right tools: the recommended coolant type, gloves, goggles, a large pan, and a shop manual. Locate and access the coolant drain plug beneath the radiator, ensuring a cool engine. Drain the old coolant entirely, observing its color for any irregularities. After draining, flush the system with distilled water, running the engine to ensure circulation before refilling with a half-and-half coolant mix, according to the manual. Securely close all plugs, bleed air from the system via the bleed valve, and check for leaks using a pressure tester. Accurate testing with a hydrometer validates system performance, highlighting key maintenance insights.
Gather Necessary Tools and Supplies
Gather the tools and supplies needed before starting the coolant change on your Nissan. This makes the task easier and helps avoid problems.
First, make sure you have the right type of coolant. Nissan usually suggests a mix of half ethylene glycol antifreeze and half water. This keeps the engine running well and prevents it from freezing or overheating.
Get a big pan to catch the old coolant so it doesn't harm the environment. Use a funnel to stop spills when you pour in the new coolant. Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from chemicals.
A hose or some distilled water will help clean out the system by clearing leftover dirt. You might need a socket set if there are parts blocking the cooling system. A torque wrench is useful for tightening bolts to the right level when you put things back together.
Lastly, have a shop manual for your Nissan model. It gives step-by-step instructions to help you follow the right process.
Locate the Coolant Drain Plug
To change the coolant in your Nissan, you need to find the coolant drain plug. This plug is usually at the bottom of the radiator, making it easy to drain all the coolant.
For most Nissan cars, you can reach the drain plug from below the car. You might have to take off a splash shield or panel to see it. Always check your car's manual for the exact spot because it can differ based on the model and year.
Make sure the engine is not hot to prevent burns or injuries.
Here's where to find the coolant drain plug on some Nissan models:
- Nissan Altima (2013-2020): Located at the center bottom of the radiator.
- Nissan Rogue (2014-2021): Underneath, near the radiator base.
- Nissan Sentra (2016-2022): On the passenger side, lower part of the radiator.
Finding the right drain plug is key to draining the coolant properly without harming other parts.
Use good lighting and tools like a flashlight to see better. This knowledge will help you replace the coolant and keep your car running well.
Drain the Old Coolant
Make sure the engine is cool to avoid burns.
Place a pan under the radiator's drain plug, which you'll find at the radiator's bottom. Use a wrench to open the plug gently, letting the coolant drain into the pan. Wait until it all drains out to prevent mixing with new coolant.
Check the drained coolant's color and quality. If it looks rusty or off-color, there might be corrosion or other issues.
Once drained, check the drain plug for damage, then tighten it to stop leaks.
Dispose of the old coolant properly, as it has harmful chemicals. Take it to a recycling center or hazardous waste site.
Following these steps helps your cooling system work well and keeps the engine at the right temperature.
Flush the Cooling System
After draining and disposing of the old coolant, it's time to clean out the cooling system. This step gets rid of any leftover dirt, rust, and old coolant, helping your engine run smoothly.
- Fill with Distilled Water: Pour distilled water into the system. Avoid tap water because it contains minerals and impurities.
- Warm Up the Engine: Start the engine and let it warm up. This lets the thermostat open, allowing the water to circulate fully.
- Drain and Repeat: Run the engine for 10-15 minutes. Then, turn it off and let it cool. Drain the water. Do this until the water you drain looks clear.
- Check the Manual: Look at your vehicle's manual for any specific instructions on flushing.
To make sure the system is clean:
- Use a Commercial Flush: These products can help remove tough dirt.
- Inspect Hoses and Connections: Check for any leaks or worn-out parts.
- Use Compressed Air: This can help blow out any trapped water in tight spots.
- Professional Help: If there are tough issues, a mechanic might help.
This process gets your system ready for new coolant.
Refill With Fresh Coolant
To keep your engine running well, you need to put new coolant in after flushing the system. First, check your Nissan's owner's manual to find the right type of coolant, which is usually a mix of half antifreeze and half distilled water.
Before pouring in the coolant, make sure all drain plugs are tightly shut to avoid leaks. Pour the coolant into the radiator slowly to prevent air bubbles. Here's a simple guide to help you:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Pick the Coolant | Use the type recommended in the manual |
| Mix the Coolant | Combine equal parts of antifreeze and water |
| Check Drain Plugs | Make sure they are closed tightly |
| Add Coolant | Pour slowly into the radiator |
| Watch Fill Level | Stop when coolant is at the radiator's top |
Fill the coolant reservoir to the "Full" line if your car has one. Don't overfill because too much coolant can cause pressure and damage. This process helps keep your Nissan engine cool and prevents overheating.
Bleed Air From the System
Once you fill the coolant, remove any trapped air to keep your engine running smoothly. Air pockets can cause overheating and poor coolant flow.
Follow these steps to get the air out of your Nissan's cooling system:
- Find the Bleed Valve: Look for the bleed valve on the engine. It is usually at a high spot in the cooling system to help air escape easily.
- Run the Engine: Take off the radiator cap and start the engine. Let it idle to help push out trapped air.
- Open the Bleed Valve: Slowly open the valve to let the air out. Watch the coolant level, and add more if needed to keep air from getting in.
- Check Temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature gauge and heater. If the heat is steady and the gauge reads right, the air is out.
Follow these steps to ensure your engine runs well without air in the system.
Check for Leaks and Test
Check your Nissan's cooling system after removing air. Look for leaks by examining hoses, connections, and the radiator. Use a pressure tester when the engine is cool. Attach it to the radiator cap and pump to about 15 psi. Watch the gauge. A steady reading means no leaks.
Test the coolant too. Use a hydrometer to check its strength. The coolant should keep from freezing below -34°F and boil above 265°F.
| Component | Range |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 13-16 psi |
| Freezing | Below -34°F |
| Boiling | Above 265°F |
If everything checks out, your Nissan's cooling system is set.
People Also Ask
How Often Should I Change the Coolant in My Nissan?
You should change the coolant in your Nissan every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. This helps keep the engine from getting too hot and running well. Check your car's manual to know the exact time for your model.
What Type of Coolant Is Recommended for My Nissan Model?
Check your Nissan's owner manual or ask a Nissan dealer to find the right coolant. Usually, Nissan cars need a special long-lasting coolant made with ethylene-glycol. This helps your car run well and keeps it safe.
Can I Use Tap Water to Mix With the Coolant?
No, you should not use tap water to mix with coolant. Tap water has minerals that can hurt your car's engine. It's better to use distilled or deionized water because they are cleaner and safer for your car's cooling system.
How Do I Safely Dispose of Old Coolant?
Take your old coolant to a special place called a hazardous waste facility or a recycling center. Don't pour it down the sink or on the ground because it can harm the environment and make water dirty.
What Are the Signs of a Coolant System Issue?
Look for signs like the engine getting too hot, puddles of coolant under your car, needing to add coolant often, coolant that looks dirty, and your car's heater not working well. Fixing these issues quickly can stop big engine problems.