Coolant color has changed to light brown

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2009 Rogue AWD. 52,000.
Looked in the coolant reservoir and noticed the color wasn't blue like it should be. I haven't looked at the coolant in at least 6-8 months so I have no idea how long it's been like this.
Here is what it looks like, it's a very light brown.
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I just changed the oil today to see if there was any coolant in there and it was fine. I have checked my oil level often and it never lost any oil.

2 weeks ago I did use condenser cleaner on the condenser and then sprayed it with the hose to clean off. I don't know if that could cause this.

Checked all the hoses and nothing is leaking anywhere.

For the last week or so I have heard a quick squeal a handful of times when I turn right or am just going down the road.

Any help would be appreciated
 
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Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
I'd be draining or flushing that out ASAP.


I was thinking the same thing, but what if it just comes right back?
 
Temps are fine. Same as always.

I will dump it.

Could a failing water pump cause this?
 
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Send it in for coolant analysis, don't guess.

I totally agree, 25 bucks may reveal any serious problems.
 
Originally Posted By: DarylZero
I was thinking the same thing, but what if it just comes right back?


It's unlikely to come back if you switch to a different brand and color.

I use the Prestone Dexcool (with distilled water) and that stuff remains pink forever.
 
Dump it right away. Send in a sample. Flush until the water runs clear, and then refill with Nissan blue.
 
Where can I send a sample? Blackstone doesn't do coolant analysis.

Is there anything I can buy to get test results right away?
Thanks!
 
Has anybody other than you worked on it in that time period? Coolant completely losing its tint is a bit baffling unless it has been swapped out for something else.
 
No I am the only one who has worked on it.

I know its very baffling!

The only thing I can think is that someone else suggested the water pump may be failing (perhaps rust got in that way) since for the past 2 weeks I've heard a squeal when driving or turning right every so often. Sometimes it doesn't happen for a day or two, then it happens twice in a day.
 
I'd call your local nissan dealer and ask to speak to one of the mechanics and then ask them if they've ever seen it before.
 
I wonder if heat is altering the color. +1 with checking with a Nissan dealer. Or send the coolant out for analysis and see what they say.
 
I am going to flush it out tomorrow morning, question, is there anything you recommend to add to help flush everything out?
 
Originally Posted By: DarylZero
I am going to flush it out tomorrow morning, question, is there anything you recommend to add to help flush everything out?

I wouldn't use any additives. Just flush it with water until it runs clear.
 
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