2017 Nissan Altima — Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2017 Nissan Altima holds between 7.6 and 9.2 quarts (7.2 to 8.7 liters) of coolant, depending on which engine option is under the hood. As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service these fifth-generation (L33) Altimas, and maintaining the cooling system is absolutely critical—not just for the engine, but because the engine coolant also helps regulate the temperature of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Here is your comprehensive guide to the coolant capacity, type, and service procedures for the 2017 Nissan Altima.

Quick answer

When you are preparing to top off or flush the cooling system on your 2017 Nissan Altima, keep these essential specifications in mind:

• Total cooling system capacity: 8.1 quarts (7.7 L) for the 2.5L engine; 9.2 quarts (8.7 L) for the 3.5L V6 (capacities include the reservoir tank).
• OEM coolant spec: Genuine Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue). This is a Phosphated Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (P-HOAT) formula. Do not mix this with green, orange, or red coolants.
• Mix ratio: 50/50 pre-mix (50% antifreeze and 50% distilled water). Nissan’s blue coolant is almost always sold pre-diluted, meaning you should not add water to it.

Capacity by engine option

Your exact capacity will depend on whether your Altima is equipped with the standard 4-cylinder engine or the upgraded V6. When doing a drain and fill, you will likely need slightly less than the total capacity since some fluid remains in the heater core and engine block.

Note: Capacities include the fluid in the coolant reservoir (approx. 0.9 quarts).

Flush interval

Nissan uses a long-life blue coolant that boasts an impressive lifespan from the factory. However, as the additive package breaks down, the fluid loses its ability to prevent internal corrosion.

• Normal duty: The factory maintenance schedule dictates the first coolant replacement at 105,000 miles or 7 years (whichever comes first). Subsequent replacements should be done every 75,000 miles or 5 years.
• Severe duty: If you drive in extreme heat, frequently idle in heavy traffic, or live in a very dusty environment, I recommend flushing the system every 60,000 to 75,000 miles. Because the Altima's CVT cooler relies on engine coolant, fresh fluid is cheap insurance against expensive transmission failures.

How to refill & bleed

Modern cooling systems can trap air easily, leading to localized overheating and erratic heater performance. Here is the best way to refill and bleed a 2017 Nissan Altima:

1. Drain the system: With the engine cold, remove the radiator cap and open the plastic petcock at the bottom of the radiator.
2. Refill slowly: Close the petcock. Use a spill-free coolant funnel attached to the radiator neck. Slowly pour in the 50/50 Nissan Blue coolant to minimize air bubbles. Fill the reservoir to the "MAX" line.
3. Use the bleed valve (if equipped): Some V6 models feature an air relief valve near the thermostat housing or upper intake. Open this slightly while filling until a steady stream of coolant escapes, then close it.
4. Burp the system: Start the engine with the spill-free funnel still attached and half-full of coolant. Turn the climate control heater to the maximum temperature and the fan to low.
5. Cycle the thermostat: Hold the engine RPMs around 2,500 for a few minutes to bring it up to operating temperature. You will see bubbles burping out of the funnel as the thermostat opens.
6. Final top-off: Once the cooling fans cycle on and the bubbles stop, shut off the engine. Let it cool, remove the funnel, install the radiator cap, and ensure the reservoir is at the proper level.

Pro-Tip: If you have access to a vacuum-fill tool, use it. It pulls a vacuum on the entire cooling system and draws the new fluid in, completely eliminating the risk of trapped air pockets.

Common cooling system issues

The 2017 Nissan Altima has a generally robust cooling system, but there are a few generation-specific issues to watch out for:

• Radiator Cooling Fan Failure: The electric cooling fan motors on the L33 generation are prone to wearing out prematurely. If your AC starts blowing warm at idle or the temperature gauge creeps up in traffic, check to see if both fans are spinning.
• CVT Cooler Leaks: The CVT fluid warmer/cooler is mounted to the transmission and uses engine coolant. Occasionally, the O-rings or hoses connecting to it can develop slow leaks.
• Thermostat Sticking: While not overly common, a stuck open thermostat can cause a check engine light (code P0128) because the engine takes too long to reach operating temperature.

Keeping your coolant fresh and properly bled is the best way to keep your Altima on the road for years to come.

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