These instructions apply to the Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) 2013-2017.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The cooling system on a Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) / Versa Note needs the right coolant at the right level to keep the engine from overheating and to protect it from frost and corrosion. Checking and topping up is a two-minute job you do with the engine cold; a full change is a bigger task best left to the service schedule. Never open the system hot — scalding coolant can spray out under pressure.
Which Coolant and How Much
- Type: Genuine Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue), or an equivalent long-life coolant of the same quality, mixed with distilled water. Don’t mix coolant colours or types.
- Capacity (European 1.2 petrol): about 5.7 litres for a full refill. The US 1.6 holds a similar amount. For a top-up you only add what’s needed to reach the mark.
- The system runs at around 0.8–1.0 bar and the thermostat opens at about 80 °C, so a correctly filled system should sit mid-gauge once warm.
How to Check and Top Up the Coolant
- With the engine cold, open the bonnet and find the coolant reservoir tank — a translucent bottle with MIN and MAX marks.
- Check the level against the marks. It should sit between MIN and MAX; if it’s at or below MIN, it needs topping up.
- Wrap a cloth around the reservoir cap and turn it slowly to release any pressure before removing it.
- Add the correct coolant mix a little at a time until the level reaches MAX. Don’t overfill — the coolant expands as it warms.
- Refit the cap firmly, run the engine to temperature, and re-check the level once it has cooled again, topping up if it has dropped.
If the Level Keeps Dropping
Coolant doesn’t get used up in normal running, so a level that keeps falling means a leak or a fault. Look for damp or crusty residue at hoses, the radiator and the water pump, check for a sweet smell or white exhaust smoke (a sign coolant is being burned), and watch the temperature gauge. Persistent loss should be diagnosed before the engine overheats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What coolant does a Nissan Note E12 use?
Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue), or an equivalent quality long-life coolant, mixed with distilled water. The blue Nissan coolant is used in both the European and North-American cars — avoid tipping in a different-coloured universal coolant, which can react with it.
Can I use plain water to top up?
Only in an emergency and only a small amount — plain water dilutes the antifreeze and corrosion protection, so top back up with the correct coolant mix as soon as you can and have the level and strength checked.
Why is my temperature gauge reading high?
Common causes are a low coolant level, a stuck thermostat, a failing water pump or a cooling-fan fault. Check the level cold first; if it’s correct and the engine still runs hot, stop driving and have it looked at before damage is done.
How often should the coolant be changed?
Long-life coolant lasts several years, so follow the interval in your service book rather than changing it needlessly. If the coolant looks rusty, cloudy or has debris in it, have the system drained, flushed and refilled with fresh Nissan coolant.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information. Always follow your vehicle’s official service information and safety instructions. Perform repairs at your own risk.
If an overheating warning or a coolant-temperature code appears, look it up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Nissan. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.