I have a nissan frontier 2005 2.5l that has an overheating probl

What matters is the protection the coolant provides from overheating and the engine freezing up, not the color. . .

Try having the transmission fluid flushed and replaced with high quality tran fluid. If that does not help let the car warmup before you drive it as this condition is also called transmission slipping. This happens due to the truck being in very cold weather. The system freezes and contracts, plus the fuel line fluid begins to leak from the seals resulting in a low line pressure. If the vehicle faces a low line pressure or inadequate fuel supply within the system, the gears would refuse to function correctly and that would cause slipping.

Possible head gasket compromised. Take to a shop to test for HC's in cooling system or block test to confirm.

BLOWN HEAD GASKET

This is an indication of air or gas bubbles in the cooling system, it can be that the system is low on coolant due to a leak (have a cooling system pressure test performed) or that you have a leaking engine cylinder head gasket. I would also replace the thermostat just to rule it out as a cause, it could be sticking and causing the rapid swings in engine temperature.

yes, you will have to change the fan, get a bigger one and go flush the radiator

power steering flush antifreese flush brake fluid flush check pads thickness replace belts oil change change transmission fluid check ac charge and check for fluid leaks check the timing replace timing belt check lights check the shocks struts check tire pressure and thickness

Stick with the recomended glycol blend listed in your manual. There should also be a diagram for the drain plug location for the coolant. When you refill....make sure to bleed off any air that might interfere with your heating coil.

is antifreeze dirty looking and if was changed was it chemically flushed?

If you are loosing water then your radiator is bad.