Nissan Repair: Nissan Altima, 2005 nissan altima, nissan altima

Question
I would like to know procedure for Antifreeze drain and fill for 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE.  Is it enough to drain from radiator drain plug and fill from top. How do you drain reservoir on the side.

Answer
Hi Raj -

The radiator only contains 1/2 of what the engine coolant capacity is. The rest is in the engine, and can only be replaced by flushing it out. Any repair shop can do this, but if you are doing this yourself, then follow this procedure:

Engine has to be cold before starting this -

Remove the thermostat and replace the housing
Remove the top radiator hose and place your garden water hose into the radiator hose.
Open the bottom petcock of the radiator, draining it.
Turn the water on to match the flow coming out of the bottom
Start the engine and run for about 20 minutes
Turn the engine off, let it drain, replace the top hose, and replace thermostat with a new one.
Refill with 50/50 mixture coolant and water

Reservoir is usually attached with a 10mm bolt attached to the fender. There are many versions of the coolant reservoir and how it is mounted. Some models you will have to remove components before getting to the unit. If you send me a picture, I can help you more -

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin