Coolant Mixture Inspection procedure
COOLANT MIXTURE INSPECTION1. Take a sample of coolant from the radiator and check the percentage of ethylene glycol.
^ Use "Refractometer" (J-23688)engine coolant and battery tester (see tool information).
^ The refractometer has the percentage of ethylene glycol written on the scale (see Figure 1).
^ Don't use the old style bulb and disc/ball type hydrometers, or pH test strips. These devices are not precise enough to provide the readings required for the critical balance between freeze protection and heater performance.
^ If the coolant mixture is not between 50-55% ethylene glycol, correct the mixture by performing the Coolant Mixture Correction procedure. Then perform Cooling System Bleed procedure.
^ If the mixture is between 50-55% ethylene glycol, go to Cooling System Bleed Procedure.
^ If engine coolant and battery tester (refractometer) J-23688 is not available, perform the Coolant Mixture Correction procedure. Then perform Cooling System Bleed procedure.
Refractometer J-23688 (Engine Coolant and Battery Tester) Tool Information
^ Nissan requires coolant and battery tester (refractometer) J-23688 be used for the Coolant Mixture Inspection procedure in this bulletin.
^ Refractometer J-23688 is automatically "temperature compensated". Other refractometers may not be temperature compensated, and will not be precise enough to provide the readings required for the critical balance between freeze protection and heater performance.
^ Refractometer J-23688 is an essential tool that was automatically sent to all Nissan dealers late September 2003.
^ If you cannot find the tool at your dealership they are available from Tech-Mate.