Draining Engine Coolant

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Nissan Quest. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove engine undercover.
Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of radiator and remove the radiator filler cap. This is the only step required for a partial cooling system drain.

Fig 1: Loosening Radiator Drain Plug
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
For a complete cooling system drain, remove the reservoir tank and drain the coolant, and then clean the reservoir tank before installation.
- Do not allow coolant to spill on the drive belts.
When performing a complete cooling system drain (to remove the engine or for engine repair), remove the cylinder block front drain plug and the cylinder block RH and LH drain plugs.

Fig 2: Removing Cylinder Block Front Drain Plug
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

CAUTION: If the vehicle is equipped with an engine block heater in place of the cylinder block LH drain plug, do not remove the engine block heater.

Fig 3: Loosening Drain Plug
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Check the drained coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion or discoloration.
- If contaminated, flush the engine cooling system. Refer to "FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM ".