2019 Nissan Altima: Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2019 Nissan Altima has a total cooling system capacity of approximately 7.2 to 8.5 quarts (6.8 to 8.0 Liters), depending on the engine option.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 7.2 - 8.5 quarts (6.8 - 8.0 Liters)
• OEM Coolant Specification: Nissan Blue Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (LLC), P/N 999MP-L25500P. This is a blue-colored, phosphate-enhanced organic acid technology (P-OAT) coolant.
• Mix Ratio: Use either a 50/50 pre-mixed solution or mix the concentrate 50/50 with distilled water.

Capacity by Engine Option

For the 2019 model year, Nissan offered two engine choices with slightly different cooling system capacities.

Flush Interval

Following the factory-recommended service interval is key to preventing corrosion and ensuring the cooling system functions correctly.

• Initial Flush: The first coolant flush is recommended at 105,000 miles or 7 years.
• Subsequent Flushes: After the initial service, the interval changes to every 75,000 miles or 5 years.
• Severe Duty: If the vehicle is operated in harsh conditions (e.g., frequent short trips, towing, extreme temperatures), it is wise to consider a more frequent flush interval, such as every 60,000 miles.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the air from the cooling system is critical to prevent overheating. While a DIY-friendly vehicle, this generation Altima can be sensitive to air pockets.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is completely cool before opening the radiator or reservoir cap.
2. Drain: Open the radiator drain plug at the bottom of the radiator to drain the old coolant.
3. Refill: Slowly add the 50/50 coolant mixture to the coolant reservoir until it reaches the MAX line.
4. Bleed the Air: The 2.5L and 2.0L VC-Turbo engines in the 2019 Altima do not have traditional, easily accessible bleed screws. The official service procedure specifies using a vacuum-lift refill tool (like an Airlift™) to eliminate air pockets during the refill process. This tool pulls the system into a deep vacuum and uses that vacuum to draw the new coolant in, preventing air from ever entering the system. While it is possible to bleed the system without this tool by running the engine with the heater on and squeezing the upper radiator hose, it can be time-consuming and may not fully remove all trapped air.
5. Top Off: After running the engine and allowing it to cool, re-check the coolant level in the reservoir and top off as needed.

Common Cooling System Issues (2019+ Nissan Altima)

The L34 generation Altima (2019-present) is relatively new, but some common issues that can arise in modern cooling systems include:

• Water Pump Failure: While not widespread, some owners have reported premature water pump failures. Symptoms include a coolant leak from the front of the engine or a whining/grinding noise.
• Thermostat Issues: A thermostat stuck open will cause the engine to be slow to warm up and may trigger a check engine light. A thermostat stuck closed will lead to rapid overheating.
• Radiator Leaks: Leaks can develop from the core of the radiator or the plastic end tanks due to age, road debris, or material fatigue.
• Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure: A faulty sensor can send incorrect readings to the ECU, causing poor engine performance, incorrect temperature gauge readings, or erratic cooling fan operation.

If you're experiencing any of these issues or simply need a professional to handle your next coolant flush, find a trusted shop on Repairius.