Radiator drain plug location

[Jimbeau]

I was going to change the engine coolant on a newly aquired 1999 altima, and for the life of me couldn't find the lower drain plug on the radiator. I have a service manual, and it shows it located on the left side facing the front of the car. I looked closely at both sides, and couldn't find anything that looked like a drain to me. I did fine the water pipe drain plug, but not the radiator drain. Am I missing the obvious. Help, thanks, Jim

[InnerDragon103]

you just may ahve to remove the mud guard in order to see the plug... and it should have a philips head type groove (as opposed to flathead) and it doesn't really protrude at all from the radiator, the top of the plug is flush with the rest of the plastic on the bottom. just look for it again, look for a "+" looking groove at the bottom of the radiator, thats the plug.

[Jimbeau]

Thanks for the info. I had a feeling this plug was less obvious than what I was used to looking for on a domestic vehicle. I was trying to find it while working from the ground. Not much clearance on this one. I will put the car on ramps for my next effort next weekend. Thanks again, Jim.