The 2010 Nissan Frontier uses a pressurized cooling system. Pressurized systems work better because they allow the coolant to reach a hotter temperature without boiling. The unfortunate part is that a special tool is required while filling and flushing the radiator. You might be able to rent the tool from an auto parts store, or you may need to purchase it from Nissan.
Instructions
1. Start the vehicle. Set the air-conditioning temperature setting to hot and turn the fan on High. Let the car run for about 10 seconds to clear all of the coolant from the system.
2. Open the hood and remove the radiator cap. Place a drain pain under the radiator drain plug, located on the bottom right side of the radiator. Open the plug and let the radiator drain. Once fully drained, tighten the drain plug.
3. Remove the reservoir tank and pour out any remaining coolant. The tank attaches with a single bolt and a plastic clip. Clean the tank with water. Reattach the reservoir.
4. Remove the engine-block drain plug. The plug is located on the passenger side of the engine block, near the front of the vehicle. Open the drain plug by turning it counterclockwise. Make sure you place a drain pan under the plug before you remove it. Replace the plug when all fluid has drained.
5. Fill the radiator with water. Start the engine and let it warm up. Rev the motor several times for a few seconds each. Turn off the engine and drain the radiator. Refill the radiator with clean water and repeat the process. Continue to fill and drain the radiator until the water running out of the radiator is clean.
6. Attach the coolant-system tool to the radiator, using the radiator-cap adapter. Place the plastic tube into the antifreeze bottle on the ground. Ensure the ball valve on the tool is closed. Attach a pressurized air hose to the tool. The pressure generated should be between 80 and 119 psi.
7. Watch the pressure on the gauge begin to rise. Slightly open the ball valve and allow coolant to enter the tube. Once the hose is full, close the ball valve.
8. Continue to run the vacuum until the gauge reaches 28 inches. Disconnect the air hose and watch the gauge for a few minutes to see that it doesn't lose any pressure. A drop in pressure indicates a hole in the radiator.
9. Place the coolant container on top of the radiator and open the ball valve. The radiator will begin to fill due to the vacuum in the radiator. When the gauge reaches zero, the system is full. Do not let the coolant container run dry when you are filling the radiator, or air will enter the system.
10. Remove the tool from the radiator opening and replace the cap. Fill the reservoir to the proper level.
11. Start the vehicle and allow it to reach operating temperature. When it cools down, recheck the coolant level and add coolant if necessary. You might need to repeat this step two or three times in order to fully fill the system.
Tips Warnings
The radiator holds 8.5 qts. of coolant.
If you mix the coolant yourself, use demineralized water to avoid corrosion. The easiest method is to buy premixed coolant.
Never leave antifreeze unattended where children or pets can access it.
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