Nissan Altima Coolant Check (2013-2018): Level, Type and What Low Coolant Means
About this video
Temperature gauge creeping up, or the coolant reservoir looks low? An ASE certified mechanic shows how to check coolant level and condition correctly, why the reservoir alone does not tell you the whole story, and what a level that keeps dropping is really telling you.
SAFETY FIRST
Never open a radiator cap or pressurized cooling system cap on a hot engine. Hot coolant sprays under pressure and causes serious burns. Let the engine cool completely, keep hands and tools clear of the cooling fans, which can start on their own, and keep coolant away from pets, because it is toxic.
WHAT WE COVER
Where the coolant reservoir is and how to read the MIN and MAX marks correctly
Why a cold check and a hot check give different levels
When you also need to check the radiator itself, not just the reservoir
Coolant color and what clean coolant should look like versus rusty, oily, or sludgy
Which coolant type the vehicle takes and why mixing the wrong one causes gelling and corrosion
Concentrate versus premixed, and why distilled water matters if you mix your own
Topping off correctly without trapping air in the system
Where coolant usually disappears to: radiator, hoses, water pump, thermostat housing, heater core, and head gasket
Quick signs that point to a leak instead of normal consumption
SYMPTOMS YOU MAY NOTICE
Temperature gauge rising above normal or swinging up and down
Low coolant warning or a check engine light
Heater blowing cold at idle and warm only while driving
Sweet smell inside the car or a damp passenger floor from a heater core leak
White smoke or steam from the exhaust, or bubbles in the reservoir
Crust, dried residue, or green, orange, or blue stains under the car
Coolant level that keeps dropping with no visible puddle
Overflow tank boiling over after shutdown
RELATED FAULT CODES
Cooling system problems often show up as P0128 for coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature, P0116 through P0118 for coolant temperature sensor circuit faults, P0217 for engine over temperature, and cooling fan control codes. Some vehicles also display Engine Overheating or Service Engine Soon messages on the cluster.
DOES THIS APPLY TO MY CAR
Recorded on a 2018 Nissan Altima, fifth generation L33, sold 2013-2018 in the US with the 2016-2018 facelift in that range. It applies to 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Altima models with the 2.5L QR25DE four cylinder and the 3.5L VQ35DE V6. The QR25DE is also used in the Nissan Rogue, Sentra, X-Trail, and Frontier, and the VQ35DE is used in the Nissan Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, 350Z, and Infiniti G35, M35, and FX35, so the same coolant check applies there. The Altima is sold as the Nissan Teana overseas. The procedure itself is universal and applies to Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
Popular searches this video answers: how to check coolant level, coolant low warning, what color should coolant be, can I use water instead of coolant, coolant disappearing no leak, car overheating what to check, Nissan coolant type, coolant reservoir empty.
DISCLAIMER: This video and description are provided for educational purposes only. Vehicle repair carries risk of injury and property damage. You are responsible for your own safety and for any work performed on your vehicle.
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