noblerare

Hi,

I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima and live in Arizona where the overnight lows have been in the mid-30s.

I've been having a cylinder misfire problem which may or may not be related to my car leaking coolant: https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...ent-worth.html

For the past few days, I've been noticing that my AC is not blowing hot air (which makes the morning drives quite miserable). I take a look at the engine temperature gauge on my dashboard and whoa! it is really hot.

I open the hood and the coolant tank is completely empty.

Now, I have had this problem before but it went away (probably due to the warm weather we have during the summers, now that I think about it). The coolant level has pretty much remained stable for months. Now, all of sudden it is bone dry and I'm guessing it has to do with the cold weather because last winter was the same thing.

What would my problem be such that the cold weather is causing me to leak coolant?

QueensMAX

Water pump. In cold weather the seal shrinks on the water pump and coolant drips out. The pump is $90 from the dealer, but it is about 200-400 labor to change it. If you want to save money, just fill up the radiator and the overflow and keep an eye on coolant level.

Maxgig

iTrader: (5)

I don't think temps being in the mid 30's is cold enough to make the water pump seals shrink at all. I think there's another problem, possible a bad pump altogether or even though I doubt it, a bad head gasket. Also, if you're getting cold air yet the temp reads high I would have the heater core looked at as well.

(for the record, 30 degree temps for 3 or 4 days straight followed by 40 degrees or more) should not be considered a harsh winter

A harsh winter to me is single digits from December through January followed by low to mid 20's til mid March. Those temps will test your cooling system for sure. Good luck!!