How to Check for Cooling System Leaks in a Nissan Maxima

To keep your Nissan Maxima's cooling system in the best working condition, checking for cooling system leaks is a necessity. A simple method to discover early signs of a leak is to monitor the area where you park for radiator coolant. If you notice coolant on the ground, then chances are you have a problem. While this is a good start, there are other, more effective ways to check for leaks.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Nissan Maxima to inspect the hoses of the cooling system. Look for any hoses with bulges, splits or cracks. Examine these potential trouble spots for fresh leaks, corrosion or discoloration. Thoroughly check the spots where the hoses actually connect to the cooling system for leaks, as these connections can come loose due to engine vibration.

2

Check the water pump that is behind the engine fan and the gasket seal that secures the connection between the water pump and the engine block. Look for any corrosive discharge or discoloration and stains near the water pump and gasket seal.

3

Use a flashlight to inspect the radiator for signs of leakage. Examine all visible areas for fresh leaks, discoloration and corrosion, which are telltale signs of a cooling system leak. Check underneath the radiator for signs of leaking, as it can suffer damage due to rocks and road debris making contact during the normal course of operation.

4

Verify the radiator is cool to the touch before attempting to open the cap. Twist the radiator cap one full revolution to release most of the internal pressure, step back, wait a minute or two and then remove the radiator cap completely. Whenever you work on a radiator, wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin.

5

Turn on the ignition of the Nissan Maxima. Let it run with the heater set to high for about 15 minutes. Switch the ignition off and check the hoses, water pump, gasket seal and radiator one more time for leaks. If you still can't locate the leak, then it's probably internal and you should take the car to a cooling system specialist for further diagnostics.