my 2007 M35 is Overheating!?

[m35roland]

Hi guys! New to this,but I have a huge favor. Questions to why my car is over heating.

I own a 2007 Infiniti M35 v6 engine. It just hit 90k. I bought it 80k from a dealership I use to work for. Out of nowhere it started overheating and I started to lose power as I struggle to get the car home.

Any suggestions? Please and Thank You

[Larz]

Welcome to NICO

First, I recommend you STOP driving it to avoid any further trouble caused by driving an overheated car.
Second, have a look at the coolant reservoir. It has markings that tell you where the level should be hot and cold.
Third, If it's at 90k miles and you aren't able to confirm the coolant was ever changed, do that ASAP - the coolant could very well be 8 years old. Also, when you have it changed, make sure to replace the radiator cap with a new OEM cap.

[m35roland]

I flushed the coolant but didn't get new oEm caps yet...still overheating

[svard75]

Perhaps there's air in the system. Do you know how to burp the cooling system? Run the car with your HVAC on full hot till its normal operating temps then shut it off. Wait for it to cool down, open the radiator cap, this is found underneath the air intake piping up front. Make sure you use a cloth when opening and do it slowly to release the pressure. Then fill with correct fluid and shut the cap. Repeat this process until the rad stays full when you open.

[corion]

Check your radiator for any small cracks, mine did this same thing about 3 months ago and the radiator was the problem.

[svard75]

Any OBD2 codes?

[steve_c]

In addition to the previous suggestions,
Check to be sure your radiator fans are working! There are 2 of them, one is a booster for A/C compressor mode.

Burping the coolant on these cars is problematic because the radiator fill sits lower than the highest point of coolant flow. Trapped air in the coolant will give you a overheating condition. To assist in coolant fill at radiator, use a Lisle funnel kit attached to the radiator. The funnel is airtight, and large enough (tall) to retain coolant above the highest point of coolant flow in the engine. This will GREATLY assist in burping. I did post the part # for this kit elswhere in a previous overheating/burping post. I do not have the info handy at the moment, if you need the kit #, let me know I will get it off the funnel box.

[m35roland]

So I got new cap for radiator. New thermostat. Flushed coolant again..still over heats.

I might try to get a new radiator?

[CPJ LB]

by chance, do you smell antifreeze or see any leaks around the top of the radiator?? normally that's where you'll find small leaks...given the mileage on your car, it might be time to replace the radiator - you can go aftermarket to save money from dealer parts/labor prices. the other thing to check is the water pump....

when I replaced my radiator, I went with KOYO... I think it's been a year or two ago...still going strong.
btw, as others have mentioned about burping the system - there's also an air relief valve located near the firewall - look for a cap (with a phillips head) that you can open up and allow coolant to spill out and then tighten back up. I remember doing this when I changed out my radiator. good luck to you and hopefully you can get this issue resolved and get back on the road

[m35roland]

I'm having trouble finding the air relief valve.. Any pictures? Would help me a lot. I will try this before taking it to the shop. Plus get a new radiator and see what happens then

[CPJ LB]

I don't have pix, but if you are looking at the engine bay, look to the back 'left' - passenger side - behind the plenum (you may need to remove the engine cover). also you can search on the internet ("infiniti M35 air relief valve pictures)

it's literally a cap on the hose ..... phillips head.

[m35roland]

do I flush the coolant again and then release the air valve?

[m35roland]

What's the best step to this

[m35roland]

Alright guys I've done everything besides new radiator because mine looks fine..haven't checked water pump

[Larz]

Coolant servicing is apparently not easy on our cars. Even my dealer had to re-do it to get the temp gauge from reading max.

Here is what I recommend. Seeing as how its been well over a fortnight with no resolution, I implement my 'plan B'.

1) Go into your garage (equipped with a punching bag).
2) Close all doors and windows and ensure no children within ear shot.
3) Take your best stance, speak vulgar words clearly and loud - one word with each punch / kick.
4) Repeat as necessary until you 'feel' better.
4) Step away from the bag, take a few slow, deep breaths, and shake off the rest of the stress.
5) Drive the car to the dealer and pay for a proper coolant service. If it will help you feel less screwed, bring your own coolant.

I'm not kidding, well yes, it's a little humorous, but this really works !