Nissan Altima Quiz
In an Emergency

If the Engine Overheats

In this manual: In an Emergency
Foreword — 1Nissan Customer Assistance Program — 1Illustrated Table of Contents — 8Safety - Seats, Seat Belts and Supplemental Restraint System — 28Controls and instruments — 50Pre-Start Checks and Adjustments — 43Monitor, Climate, Audio, Phone and Voice Recognition Systems — 90Starting and driving — 37In an Emergency — 12Appearance and care — 17Maintenance and owner do-it-yourself — 37Technical data and consumer information — 24Using the multi-function display — 1Start-up Display — 1Settings — 1Multi-function display warnings and indicators — 1Changing the Display — 1How to Park Using the Predicted Course Lines — 1Screen Settings — 1Driving tips — 1Moving Object Detection System (if equipped) — 1Blind Spot Warning System Operation — 1Blind Spot Warning system driving situations — 1Lane Departure Warning system operation — 1Camera Maintenance — 1Headlights — 1Fog Lights (if equipped) — 1Parking Lights and Turn Signal Lights — 1
2steps
~12min
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If the vehicle overheats (the temperature gauge reads extremely high), or if you notice a loss of engine power or unusual noises, etc., take the following actions.

WARNING

  • Stop the vehicle if the engine overheats.

Prolonged overheating could damage the engine or cause a fire.

  • Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot, as you may be burned.

    • In such a situation, hot pressurized water may spray out and cause serious injury.
  • Do not open the hood if steam is coming out of it.
    1. Move the vehicle to the side of the road in a safe location, set the parking brake, and move the selector lever to the P position.

    Do not turn off the ignition.

    1. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all windows, set the heater or air conditioner temperature control to maximum heat, and set the fan control to maximum speed.
    2. Get out of the vehicle. Before opening the hood, check visually and by listening for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator.
    (If steam or coolant is escaping from the radiator, turn off the engine.) Do not open the hood any further while steam or coolant is visible.
  • Open the hood.

    • WARNING

    If steam or water is escaping from the engine, stand clear to avoid the risk of burns.

    1. Visually inspect the drive belts for damage or looseness.
    Also make sure the cooling fan is operating. There must be no water leaks from the radiator hoses or the radiator. Turn off the ignition if you notice a coolant leak, if the water pump belt is missing or loose, or if the cooling fan is not running.

    WARNING

    Use caution when working near a running engine to keep your hands, hair, jewelry, or clothing from being caught in the belts or the cooling fan blades. The engine cooling fan may start at any time.

    1. Once the engine has cooled but is still running, check the coolant level in the reservoir. If necessary, add coolant to the reservoir. Have your vehicle repaired at a NISSAN dealer.

    Test yourself

    A quick Nissan Altima quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.