Cooling System Bleeding
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Nissan Maxima, 2003 Nissan Maxima, and 2002 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
To avoid the danger of being scalded, never change the coolant when the engine is hot.
- Set air conditioning system as follows to prevent coolant from remaining in the system. Turn ignition switch ON and set temperature controller to maximum hot position. Wait 10 seconds before turning ignition switch OFF.
- Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of radiator, and remove radiator cap. See Fig 1 . Be careful not to allow coolant to contact drive belts. When draining all the coolant in the system, remove drain plugs on both sides of cylinder block. See Fig 2 . Check drained coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion or discoloration. If contaminated flush engine cooling system.
- Install reservoir tank if removed, and radiator drain plug. Using Genuine Thread Sealant or equivalent, apply sealant to the thread of cylinder block drain plugs. Install cylinder block drain plugs and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Using genuine Nissan anti-freeze coolant or equivalent mixed with water (distilled or demineralized), fill radiator and reservoir tank to specified level. Pour coolant through coolant filler neck slowly to allow air in system to escape.
- Warm up engine to normal operating temperature with radiator cap installed. Run engine at 2,500 RPM for 10 seconds and return to idle speed. Repeat this procedure 2 or 3 times. Watch coolant temperature gauge so as not to overheat the engine. Stop engine and cool it down using a fan to reduce the time. If necessary, refill radiator up to filler neck with coolant. Refill reservoir tank to MAX level line with coolant.
- Repeat step 5 two or more times with radiator cap installed until coolant level no longer drops. Check cooling system for leaks with engine running.
- Warm up engine, and check for sound of coolant flow while running engine from idle up to 3,000 RPM with heater temperature controller set at several positions between COOL and WARM. Sound may be noticeable at heater water cock.
- If sound is heard, bleed air from cooling system by repeating steps 5 - 7 until coolant level no longer drops. Clean excess coolant from engine.