Troubleshooting Chart
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Nissan Xterra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
COOLING SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
| - | Symptom | Check items | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling system parts malfunction | Poor heat transfer | Water pump malfunction | Worn or loose drive belt | - |
| Thermostat stuck closed | Thermostat | |||
| Damaged fins | Dust contamination or paper clogging | |||
| Physical damage | ||||
| Clogged radiator cooling tube | Excess foreign material (rust, dirt, sand, etc.) | |||
| Reduced air flow | Cooling fan does not operate | Fan assembly | - | |
| High resistance to fan rotation | ||||
| Damaged fan blades | ||||
| Damaged radiator shroud | - | Radiator shroud | - | |
| Improper engine coolant mixture ratio | - | Engine coolant viscosity | - | |
| Poor engine coolant quality | - | - | ||
| Insufficient engine coolant | Engine coolant leaks | Cooling hose | Loose clamp | |
| Cracked hose | ||||
| Heater pump | Physical damage | |||
| Water pump | Poor sealing | |||
| Radiator cap | Loose | |||
| Poor sealing | ||||
| Radiator | O-ring for damage, deterioration or improper fitting | |||
| Cracked radiator tank | ||||
| Cracked radiator core | ||||
| Reservoir tank | Cracked reservoir tank | |||
| Overflowing reservoir tank | Exhaust gas leaks into cooling system | Cylinder head deterioration | ||
| Cylinder head gasket deterioration | ||||
| Except cooling system parts malfunction | - | Overload on engine | Abusive driving | High engine rpm under no load |
| Driving in low gear for extended time | ||||
| Driving at extremely high speed | ||||
| Powertrain system malfunction | - | |||
| Installed improper size wheels and tires | ||||
| Dragging brakes | ||||
| Improper ignition timing | ||||
| Blocked or restricted air flow | Blocked bumper | Mud contamination or paper clogging | - | |
| Blocked radiator grille | Installed car brassiere | |||
| Mud contamination or paper clogging | ||||
| Blocked radiator | Blocked air flow | |||
| Blocked condenser | ||||
| Installed large fog lamp | ||||