If the problem is overheating on the highway, your prrboem is the radiator. Your engine produces more heat as it works under a load. sitting at an idle, it doesn't have to work. It's my opinion that the center rows of the radiator core are stopped up or severely restricted. With it using a plastic and aluminum radiator, I would only go with a new one. Out on the highway, it doesn't need the fans to cool the engine off, the movement of the car forces enough air through the radiator to keep the engine cool. Either that, or check for a badly restricted a/c condensor which will inhibit the air flow to the radiator. My choice would be the radiator.Without seeing it I can only give you my best guess. I work with a lot of Nissan's
SOURCE: 2000 Maxima Overheating - STILL
You can't determine if your pump is bad. You just have to take it out and look at it. Its internal insisde the timing cover right by the timing chain. Those pumps are pretty bulletproof, because they are internal, but you never know. I have replaced 1 so far in my 12+ years with Nissan and that was a 1998 Maxima qwith over 200 000 miles. Unless you have a coolant leak or somekind of funny noise coming from the timing chain area, you really can't tell, if the pump is bad. good luck.
SOURCE: Car is overheating, thermostat was changed and the
It sounds like water pump may be your problem. It circulates a 50/50 mixture of glycol (or some form of) and water
through the engine block and cylinder head and back through the
radiator. In the radiator the mixture is cooled when air passes over
the fins of the radiator. This is accomplished by driving or a
mechanical/electrical fan when stationary. The water pump also
circulates the mixture through the heater core giving the car heat. If the water pump is not circulating the water back to the radiator to cool, it will overheat. More heat is caused by the engine when driving (much less heat when idling), hence the overheating while driving.
I hope this helps and good luck!
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