Keeping your Nissan Pathfinder in the best possible working condition requires periodic maintenance checks. Inspecting the cooling system for leaks is one of these checks. An easy way to check is to look on the area underneath your normal parking place. This is by no means the only way to check for cooling system leaks, but it's a good start and good habit to develop.
Instructions
- 1
Open the Nissan Pathfinder's hood and check the hoses and clamps that connect them to the radiator, engine block and heater core. The heater core is behind the engine and close to the windshield. Look for any bulging, cracking or splitting that are signs of possible leaks. Look for any fresh leaks, discoloration or corrosion.
2Inspect the water pump and the gasket seal for possible leaks. The water pump is behind the engine fan. The gasket seal secures the connection between the water pump and the engine block. If there are leaks here, you should see corrosion or discoloration on the water pump or gasket seal.
3Use a flashlight to examine all visible areas of the radiator. Due to its somewhat delicate construction, a radiator can sustain damage from rocks and road debris during the normal course of operation. Therefore, check the underside of the radiator, again looking for discoloration, fresh leaks or corrosion, all signs of coolant leakage.
4Remove the radiator cap and add fresh coolant to within an inch of overflowing. Verify that the radiator is cool to the touch before you attempt to open it. Twist the cap one full turn, step back, wait a minute or two and then remove it completely.
5Turn on the engine of the Nissan Pathfinder and set the heater to high. Let it run for about 15 minutes. Shut off the engine to inspect the hoses, water pump, gasket seal and radiator one more time. If there is still no sign of a leak, take the Pathfinder to a cooling system specialist for further diagnostics.
