Some Points ....
1. In Regards to no heat while idling, this is a very common problem with Altimas, even my 2005 Altima had the exact problem last winter and it's a easy fix.
2. Overfilling the coolant reservoir tank cannot be causing the overheating because during the pressure buildup and expansion, excess coolant will escape through the pressure cap and discharge on to the road.
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From what i gathered of your lengthy post, I believe 5 things can be the cause.
1. Air is trapped in the coolant system
2. Bad radiator cap
The radiator caps seals your cooling system, keeps the system pressurized when needed, allows excess pressure and coolant expansion and allows coolant to return. A worn radiator cap can be preventing proper coolant flow
3. Water pump corroded
Usually the result of using cheap after market coolants, never changing your coolant or mixing coolants that are incompatible.
4. Bad Thermostat
Thermostats can stick shut or open, get lazy, or fail to open at the correct temperature
5. Failed head gasket
To confirm this, a mechanic can apply a pressure test (NOT a "compression test"), where air is blown into each cylinder in turn until the technician sees bubbles in the radiator. If no bubbles are seen, the problem is elsewhere, such as an external leak.
Last edited by superkid667; 07-01-2009 at 08:58 AM.
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