Someone here said that they run Mobil 1 in their Max for 5000 miles and that it comes out just as clean as it went in. Do others have this experience?
On my 2K Max, my Mobil 1 oil turns real dark after about 2000 miles. I changed it last time after running only 3000 miles. Am I changing too early based on just the color of the oil alone?
If you're using cheap fuel, it may have MBTE or other garbage in it. Tyr to go with Mobil/Exxon etc. and see if anything improves. Also, I've noticed a point somewhere between 70-80 MPH where the incremental power takes more fuel (foot pressure anyway). Clearly, if you like to jump on the gas from a standstill and you are constantly standing on your brakes, you're gas mileage will suffer.
George, I am curious as to the motivation of your remarks. Do you have a need to be the go to guy here? There is no reason many different opinions can't be shared hereJoe has been a key player/contributer on this board since I've been reading/writing last September. Do you bully people around face-to-face as well?
I'm looking to buy a 2001 Maxima GXE in Central NJ. The price I've been quoted for one with Automatic + Convenience Pkg + Floor Mats, MicroFilter, Splash Guards is $22,400 (Excluding Tax...etc). It seems that the Edmunds Invoice Price is about $22,600. Anyone know if this is a good price? I'm a novice and this is the first time I'm buying a new car, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!
I did a little research and it seems that you are getting a good deal. According to Edmunds the invoice is 22,378 and tmv (true market value) which takes into account for things like demand and availability is 22,982. Getting it at real close to invoice is a great deal. You may be able to get it lower than invoice if you went with a 2000.
Wow, that's the invoice price? That seems high, but then again, I bought a GLE so I'm not aware of the C&C package. I've seen new GLEs advertized for $23.6 or so. As you may know, the GLE comes with the climate control/leather/Bose. my $0.02.
I've run Mobil 1 for years. Generally, I used to run the full year (10-12k miles) and Mobil 1 always looked cleaner at that mileage than most mineral oils did at 3000. Even with 100k miles on the engine--or perhaps I should say especially with high mileage engines. In high mileage engines the oil always looked bad by 1000 miles when I used mineral oils. However do note that clean appearance is not an accurate measure of how the oil is holding up.
If yours is getting very dirty early, it might be because you are still cleaning out the mineral oil left from your pre-switch oil change (especially if you didn't change the filter). Make sure you always change the filter when you change the oil and at regular intervals between changes (with synthetic oil, especially with the tiny filter on 2k Max engines). See if the issue clears up on the 2nd post-switch oil change.
Do you suggest changing the oil filter between oil changes? How often? Can't say of heard of that? How long are you leaving Mobil one in the engine b4 changing the oil? I know Joe feels it should be changed as often as regular oils, (cheap insurance was his term) but .......
It makes less sense to put clean filter in dirty oil than clean oil in a dirty filter. If you are doing it yourself, changing both at the same time can be done in a jiffy. Both are pretty easy to do on a Max. Just my 1c.
I have always been told that your oil SHOULD look bad (i.e. black & dirty) when you change it. That's how you know it is doing it's job.
The oil has detergents in it that hold contaminates in suspension until the oil is changed so that they are removed form the engine. If your oil comes out after 5000 miles looking clean and new, it's not doing it's job. But, like wg said, what the oil looks like is not necessarily a good indicator of how it is performing.
Thanks for all your E mails !! For those who'd rather not read my responses, just scroll past this one.
Mobil 1 synthetic oil doesn't gum-up (or varnish)in an engine the way conventional oils do from the heat...this is one reason it stay cleaner. But even Mobil 1 won't come out AS clean as it did when put in, even if you change it every 3k miles...I think that's a bit of an stretch. It is MUCH cleaner than regular oil so....given the comparison...I can see why that was said. So...for the guy who's worried that his oil still came out dirty....don't worry...it's normal. I personally do not believe in the "every other oil change" thing about changing the oil filter. As mentioned in an earlier post...Why use a dirty filter with clean oil....they're cheap enough. And also....just because I change my Mobil 1 every 3k, doesn't mean anyone else has too. I know it's overkill but...it makes me feel better.
Dave...true...to a point. Oil gets dirty also because of the fuel by-products as well. if you're not leaking it...it's doing it's job. The biggest thing about synthetics is that they flow better, lubricate better, and they don't break down from engine heat...thus not forming any "gum" on the internals.
Finally got my 2K Max back from two weeks at the body shop for deer strike repair. After driving a Ford Ranger rental, I sure appreciate the car even more.
In addition to replacing the FL fender and repainting the hood and roof, they had to replace the moulding at the top of the windshield (deer hoofs damaged it as the poor beast flew over the top of the car). I'm almost positive that there was originally a chrome strip at the top of the windshield. Now it's just black rubber moulding. Does my memory serve me correctly? It's a GLE, if it matters. I actually think it looks better w/o the chrome, but the rest of the car has chrome accents, and it kind of looks strange when viewed as a whole.
FWIW, with regards to fuel mileage, I have always gotten 23-24 mph. I'm also almost always the first one out of the gate at traffic lights--I definitely don't baby it.
My Nissan dealer recommends an oil & filter change on my 2000 Maxima every 6,000km or 3 months, whichever comes first. My mileage is way below 6,000km after 3 months even though I drive to work everyday. So is it still a good idea to change the oil & filter after 3 months?
Absolutely. I'll speak in miles, since in Km's, I'm retarded. As per the owners manual...the oil should be changed every 3 months or 3000 miles or 7500 miles...depending on if you use the normal maint. schedule, or the hard duty (ex. towing, dusty conditions etc.) If you put that few miles on your car, every 3 months should serve you just fine.
The chrome is only around the perimeter of the side windows on all 2k-01 Maximas.
I thought we read that you were going to sit back a while. Was that just a game that you were playing with people joenissan. Were you waiting for people to beg for you to come back. What an ego trip you must be on.
Hey Joe I'm pleased you're part of this sedans conference. I and many others look forward to your participation. You've answered my questions and many others as well. Just ignore the duds out there.
jeffmaxSE2k: I'm a former US Marine 75-79 and still a drilling Army Reservist. I'm happy to know you're a AF Reservist.
When joenissan said that he was going to sit back did anyone really think that he was really going to sit back and be a man of his word? Sure he has contributed to this conference but don't play games with people to enhance your own ego. There must be other things in life that will give your ego a boost.
Keep on postin'. I for one really like hearing the advice of a Nissan tech. Where else can you get that? These people giving you a hard time should think, someday they may need your advice.
I do change the filter with every oil change. I changed over to Mobil 1 after 1000 miles. The dyno oil at 1000 was still somewhat clean, so I don't think the reason Mobil 1 is turning dark is because it is still scrubbing the old dyno out.
My commute to work is bad, stop and go, with mainly stop. It's got to be the harshest driving you can do for an engine. It does a lot of idling so maybe I'm getting more soot in the oil.
LOL...Geez....never heard from you before...it's a shame you had to start out this way....As a matter of fact...YES...I've received many E mails asking me not to "sit back", and to please stay as a part of this forum so...if that's your idea of an ego trip.......um...ok.
I switched over to Mobil 1 at 4k, have about 5500 now and oil is a little darker but not black. Car feels peppier with the Mobil 1 but that could all be in me head also
Oehrlien: Remember there is no such thing as a former Marine...once a Marine alaways a Marine correct? I've done the Army thing and the best move I ever made was going Air Force 12 years ago...2 week tours are MUCH better....plus no more sleeping in -20 below temps or 100+ temps..heh...you should look into it...my unit has a bunch of guys who were in the Corp.
Joe- Don't go anywhere..last time I checked the 1st Amendment was still intact....that is unless things change in FL.....heh...seriously you've helped me out many times....lots of good info from many people here. Tom has also given me grief in the past...doesn't make him a bad person though
I had said earlier that when I change my oil, it comes out as clean as it went in...I guess I overexaggerated a little. What I meant to say was what Joe just said: It comes out a LOT cleaner than mineral ever did.
By the way, one thing I noticed about Mobil One (and maybe all synthetics in general). During the summer, I would not lose a drop of oil for the entire 5000 miles. However, in the winter time, I do tend to lose oil. I suppose it has something to do with the contraction of a seal from the cold temps, or something like that. Anyway, I recommend checking your oil more frequently in the winter just to be sure.
Can someone tell me what exactly is the issue with the faulty engine mounts that I've heard so many of you talk about? What are the warning signs? Thanks.
Now according to Nissan this noise is a normal function of the Maxima's electronic engine mounts. If your car does not make this noise(automatics that is) there may be something wrong. These are not my words or my dealers...this is right from the mouth of a Nissan Field Engineer. In both accounts I think he is full of it.
Hi - have 99 Max. Runs prefectly! When I shut it off, (what I think is) the fuel pump (in gas tank?) makes a "buzzing" noise for anywhere from 10 sec. to 4 minutes! Ring a bell w/anyone? Remedy? Will go to dealer soon to ask. Thanks!
Yep...believe it or not...even with the early opinions of an "Ugly rear end", the current Maxima is outselling the last generation.
Golf...Although nothing is impossible...the fuel pump doesn't get power unless the ignition is in the "on" position. Double check to see exactly where the sound is coming from...sound can seem to be coming from one end of the car and actually be coming from the other end. Or just have your dealer check it out.
Anyone else out there have washer fluid spray that barely gets to the windshield? Kinda like an old man with a prostate problem, if you know what I mean.
In all seriousness, the spray or jet stream, gets only about 1/3 of the way up the window and without much gusto. Is this normal???
...and speaking of ugly rearends...check out the '01 Avalon...it's terrible! Short, stubby and stuck up in the air! Yuck! I happen to like the back side of the Max. I suppose it might bother those that can't keep up with us, lol.
So far I am very happy with my 2001 maxima. Maybe that's why it is on the most wanted list for 2001. This car is really fun to drive. Sometimes I go out just to drive around town because it is so much fun to drive. The heated seats work great. I did notice a big drop in gas mileage since the weather turned colder. My maxima is not like joenissan maxima as gas mileage goes even through I do mostly highway driving. I do have some rattles in the glove compartment area, but they usually go away when the car warms up.
Maybe joenissan would be willing to trade his perfect maxima for my not so perfect 2001 maxima. Maybe I could add some cash to the deal with my maxima joenissan, just kidding I have to say I have gotten more then a few laughs reading about your perfect maxima and your strike. Very entertaining. So are you on strike now or is the strike over.
Where I live (Seattle), it doesn't snow a lot, but it does get cold enough for black ice and crap like that. Do the Blizzaks hold up well in ice? How well do they do in snow?
If you have SE...I believe the tires on the SE are V rated and not really "all season"... you may consider an alternative for the winter...the GLE has Toyo all season tires. They were great in our first snow...2" dusting on Friday...here in Beantown.
The 17" option tires, although high performance tires, are all season mud and snow tires. I don't change mine for the winter months but....I don't drive it in the snow unless I happen to get caught in it. It's smart to use a true snow tire for areas that get snow often.
Well, that livened the forum (without name calling) for a little while. Glad to see an outbreak of civility.
As to oil changes -- I currently change my Mobil 1 at the prescribed intervals for normal changes in the owners' manual (7500 miles), at least while the car is under warranty (to maintain the warranty). My primary driving is 16 miles in 40 minutes commute one way so the oil has plenty of time to get hot and boil out the moisture. If I had a few mile run to work, I'd change more frequently even with Mobil 1.
As to the oil filter changes, I'd change every 3k or so, even with Mobil 1 (and especially with the dinky filter on the Max's engine which can't have a lot of filter area). The rationale: the oil filter stops particulates which tend to clog it up (just like your air filter). Unlike your air filter, your oil filter is bypassed when it clogs, leaving you with no filtering at all (which by the way is another reason I run Mobil 1 -- less bypass on cold start when mineral oil thickens up and the filter is bypassed due to pressure drop).
By the way, another reason oil becomes brown/black in appearance (other than carrying dirt) is that it is cooked in the engine. True synthetics don't get cooked and don't have the ash content mineral oils do (or any ash content). That is one reason that I started running synthetics to begin with -- I had turbocharged cars and was concerned about the turbo bearing getting coked when the engine was turned off while the turbo was still hot. Another reason was that synthetics clink to metal better and stay there longer meaning that wear on cold starts, where >70% of the wear occurs, is less.
Another fix for both issues was the auxilliary oil pump to prelube the engine before start and keep oil flowing for a few minutes after shutdown to keep bearings wet and cooled. But those seem to have disappeared in the last 10 years and I never wanted to hack into my oil lines to install one anyway. Murphy's law says that you will induce a failure when you do that (kinda lot modifying the boot blocks on your hard disk).
There is always one person in a group that has all the answers. It would be interesting to see a picture of your LEGENDARY MAXIMA joe. I don't think you would make a good poker player. I was wondering how many people begged for you to return after you said you would sit back for a while. One thousand, three thousand, more then five thousand. Do you want us to believe what ever you say even if you said it was more then five thousand people. Joe didn't you think for a minute that we all would think that this was just a poor joke on your part. Give us a break, next time you want to play poker please play a better game.
The buzzing noise is the vapour pressure relief valve in the gas tank. I've heard it many times on my '98 SE. To be sure, when you hear it, unscrew the gas cap, the noise stops right away. Another nissan feature along with all the squeaks and rattles.
LOL....You must be yet another one who comes out of the woodwork when someone knows more than you do. That's fine though...I've gotten used to the jealousy of the less knowledgeable.
First,I want to say how much I value this forum, while awaiting my on-order '01 GLE. I have been learning stuff about fixes for rattles, which oil to use, clips for the trunk/bumper, engine mounts, technical service bulletins, and lots of things the Nissan dealerships haven't told me at all.
I consider it a privilege to be able to learn about my new car here, and appreciate everyone's contributions in this regard.
Those of you making diagnoses and discussing clinical interventions concerning defects in ego-strength, however, would appear off base in this forum, in my humble opinion. There are some who might speculate that those who complain may even be afflicted with that about which they complain.
I have no issue with opinions about personality structure, but would respectfully suggest that those of you who choose to make personal attacks do so elsewhere, so that this forum will properly be Nissan Maxima - Part 11, not Paranoia and Personalities - Part 1.
I am willing to bet you have no idea what the topic on door panels involves, previously discussed on this borad, much less the general political figure most of us voted for.
Joe, as one of the longest standing readers on this post, I say, don't worry about bumba**, he will get his in the longrun.
As for my Maxima, it has almost 131K on it, it is a 5spd with bose, sunroof, and the super white exterior. Can anyone guess the year?
GET A LIFE. Why do you have to keep taunting and bringing up your nonsense. It is obvious from the postings here showing support for Joe that he is wanted and needed here. I'm sure he did get many e-mails asking him to remain active in this forum. Leave it alone-it's over. Let's play nice.
rpm9: I could see how you could think that if you were 16 years old. Kids tend to like that boy racer look. Actually, looks are subjective and if you feel that your plastic car looks good so be it. That said, if you have anything constructive to add to this topic by all means do so. If not, I think I hear your mommy calling you.
Comments
On my 2K Max, my Mobil 1 oil turns real dark after about 2000 miles. I changed it last time after running only 3000 miles. Am I changing too early based on just the color of the oil alone?
George, I am curious as to the motivation of your remarks. Do you have a need to be the go to guy here? There is no reason many different opinions can't be shared hereJoe has been a key player/contributer on this board since I've been reading/writing last September. Do you bully people around face-to-face as well?
I'm looking to buy a 2001 Maxima GXE in Central NJ. The price I've been quoted for one with Automatic + Convenience Pkg + Floor Mats, MicroFilter, Splash Guards is $22,400 (Excluding Tax...etc). It seems that the Edmunds Invoice Price is about $22,600. Anyone know if this is a good price? I'm a novice and this is the first time I'm buying a new car, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!
If yours is getting very dirty early, it might be because you are still cleaning out the mineral oil left from your pre-switch oil change (especially if you didn't change the filter). Make sure you always change the filter when you change the oil and at regular intervals between changes (with synthetic oil, especially with the tiny filter on 2k Max engines). See if the issue clears up on the 2nd post-switch oil change.
oil than clean oil in a dirty filter. If you are
doing it yourself, changing both at the same time
can be done in a jiffy. Both are pretty easy to do
on a Max.
Just my 1c.
The oil has detergents in it that hold contaminates in suspension until the oil is changed so that they are removed form the engine. If your oil comes out after 5000 miles looking clean and new, it's not doing it's job. But, like wg said, what the oil looks like is not necessarily a good indicator of how it is performing.
Joenissan, what's your take on this?
Dave
Mobil 1 synthetic oil doesn't gum-up (or varnish)in an engine the way conventional oils do from the heat...this is one reason it stay cleaner. But even Mobil 1 won't come out AS clean as it did when put in, even if you change it every 3k miles...I think that's a bit of an stretch. It is MUCH cleaner than regular oil so....given the comparison...I can see why that was said. So...for the guy who's worried that his oil still came out dirty....don't worry...it's normal.
I personally do not believe in the "every other oil change" thing about changing the oil filter. As mentioned in an earlier post...Why use a dirty filter with clean oil....they're cheap enough.
And also....just because I change my Mobil 1 every 3k, doesn't mean anyone else has too. I know it's overkill but...it makes me feel better.
Dave...true...to a point. Oil gets dirty also because of the fuel by-products as well. if you're not leaking it...it's doing it's job. The biggest thing about synthetics is that they flow better, lubricate better, and they don't break down from engine heat...thus not forming any "gum" on the internals.
Thanks again all,
Joe
In addition to replacing the FL fender and repainting the hood and roof, they had to replace the moulding at the top of the windshield (deer hoofs damaged it as the poor beast flew over the top of the car). I'm almost positive that there was originally a chrome strip at the top of the windshield. Now it's just black rubber moulding. Does my memory serve me correctly? It's a GLE, if it matters. I actually think it looks better w/o the chrome, but the rest of the car has chrome accents, and it kind of looks strange when viewed as a whole.
FWIW, with regards to fuel mileage, I have always gotten 23-24 mph. I'm also almost always the first one out of the gate at traffic lights--I definitely don't baby it.
My Nissan dealer recommends an oil & filter change on my 2000 Maxima every 6,000km or 3 months, whichever comes first. My mileage is way below 6,000km after 3 months even though I drive to work everyday. So is it still a good idea to change the oil & filter after 3 months?
Dice
As per the owners manual...the oil should be changed every 3 months or 3000 miles or 7500 miles...depending on if you use the normal maint. schedule, or the hard duty (ex. towing, dusty conditions etc.) If you put that few miles on your car, every 3 months should serve you just fine.
The chrome is only around the perimeter of the side windows on all 2k-01 Maximas.
Joe
jeffmaxSE2k: I'm a former US Marine 75-79 and still a drilling Army Reservist. I'm happy to know you're a AF Reservist.
Semper Fi
JJ
Keep on postin'. I for one really like hearing the advice of a Nissan tech. Where else can you get that? These people giving you a hard time should think, someday they may need your advice.
Dave
I do change the filter with every oil change. I changed over to Mobil 1 after 1000 miles. The dyno oil at 1000 was still somewhat clean, so I don't think the reason Mobil 1 is turning dark is because it is still scrubbing the old dyno out.
My commute to work is bad, stop and go, with mainly stop. It's got to be the harshest driving you can do for an engine. It does a lot of idling so maybe I'm getting more soot in the oil.
Joe
Oehrlien: Remember there is no such thing as a former Marine...once a Marine alaways a Marine correct?
Joe- Don't go anywhere..last time I checked the 1st Amendment was still intact....that is unless things change in FL.....heh...seriously you've helped me out many times....lots of good info from many people here. Tom has also given me grief in the past...doesn't make him a bad person though
By the way, one thing I noticed about Mobil One (and maybe all synthetics in general). During the summer, I would not lose a drop of oil for the entire 5000 miles. However, in the winter time, I do tend to lose oil. I suppose it has something to do with the contraction of a seal from the cold temps, or something like that. Anyway, I recommend checking your oil more frequently in the winter just to be sure.
I use 10W30 by the way...
http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/issues.html
Now according to Nissan this noise is a normal function of the Maxima's electronic engine mounts. If your car does not make this noise(automatics that is) there may be something wrong. These are not my words or my dealers...this is right from the mouth of a Nissan Field Engineer. In both accounts I think he is full of it.
Drop me an email if you'd like.
Jeff
Nissan Maxima UP: %13
Infiniti G20 DOWN: 12%(no wonder it's on its way out)
Infiniti cars UP: 19%(the I30 selling well)
Lexus cars DOWN: 7%
Source: American Autodatum but printed in Automobile Mag January Issue
http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/editorial/mostwanted/2001/cars.html
Golf...Although nothing is impossible...the fuel pump doesn't get power unless the ignition is in the "on" position. Double check to see exactly where the sound is coming from...sound can seem to be coming from one end of the car and actually be coming from the other end. Or just have your dealer check it out.
Joe
In all seriousness, the spray or jet stream, gets only about 1/3 of the way up the window and without much gusto. Is this normal???
...and speaking of ugly rearends...check out the '01 Avalon...it's terrible! Short, stubby and stuck up in the air! Yuck! I happen to like the back side of the Max. I suppose it might bother those that can't keep up with us, lol.
Yes - my 00max also can't seem to get it (the spray) up the windshield - and this is at a stand still. Imagine going down the highway at 120km/h?
Dice
LOL!
The washer nozzles are adjustable. Just stick a pin or something like that in the nozzle and pry it up a bit. That should solve your problem.
Dave
Maybe joenissan would be willing to trade his perfect maxima for my not so perfect 2001 maxima. Maybe I could add some cash to the deal with my maxima joenissan, just kidding I have to say I have gotten more then a few laughs reading about your perfect maxima and your strike. Very entertaining. So are you on strike now or is the strike over.
Where I live (Seattle), it doesn't snow a lot, but it does get cold enough for black ice and crap like that. Do the Blizzaks hold up well in ice?
How well do they do in snow?
-James
Joe
As to oil changes -- I currently change my Mobil 1 at the prescribed intervals for normal changes in the owners' manual (7500 miles), at least while the car is under warranty (to maintain the warranty). My primary driving is 16 miles in 40 minutes commute one way so the oil has plenty of time to get hot and boil out the moisture. If I had a few mile run to work, I'd change more frequently even with Mobil 1.
As to the oil filter changes, I'd change every 3k or so, even with Mobil 1 (and especially with the dinky filter on the Max's engine which can't have a lot of filter area). The rationale: the oil filter stops particulates which tend to clog it up (just like your air filter). Unlike your air filter, your oil filter is bypassed when it clogs, leaving you with no filtering at all (which by the way is another reason I run Mobil 1 -- less bypass on cold start when mineral oil thickens up and the filter is bypassed due to pressure drop).
By the way, another reason oil becomes brown/black in appearance (other than carrying dirt) is that it is cooked in the engine. True synthetics don't get cooked and don't have the ash content mineral oils do (or any ash content). That is one reason that I started running synthetics to begin with -- I had turbocharged cars and was concerned about the turbo bearing getting coked when the engine was turned off while the turbo was still hot. Another reason was that synthetics clink to metal better and stay there longer meaning that wear on cold starts, where >70% of the wear occurs, is less.
Another fix for both issues was the auxilliary oil pump to prelube the engine before start and keep oil flowing for a few minutes after shutdown to keep bearings wet and cooled. But those seem to have disappeared in the last 10 years and I never wanted to hack into my oil lines to install one anyway. Murphy's law says that you will induce a failure when you do that (kinda lot modifying the boot blocks on your hard disk).
For those who disagree, Vive la difference.
Walter
Joe
First,I want to say how much I value this forum, while awaiting my on-order '01 GLE. I have been learning stuff about fixes for rattles, which oil to use, clips for the trunk/bumper, engine mounts, technical service bulletins, and lots of things the Nissan dealerships haven't told me at all.
I consider it a privilege to be able to learn about my new car here, and appreciate everyone's contributions in this regard.
Those of you making diagnoses and discussing clinical interventions concerning defects in ego-strength, however, would appear off base in this forum, in my humble opinion. There are some who might speculate that those who complain may even be afflicted with that about which they complain.
I have no issue with opinions about personality structure, but would respectfully suggest that those of you who choose to make personal attacks do so elsewhere, so that this forum will properly be Nissan Maxima - Part 11, not Paranoia and Personalities - Part 1.
if so....what antifreeze (brand, type, etc.) should I put in?
-james
I am willing to bet you have no idea what the topic on door panels involves, previously discussed on this borad, much less the general political figure most of us voted for.
Joe, as one of the longest standing readers on this post, I say, don't worry about bumba**, he will get his in the longrun.
As for my Maxima, it has almost 131K on it, it is a 5spd with bose, sunroof, and the super white exterior. Can anyone guess the year?
George