Nissan Maxima Maintenance and Repair

wain

Thanks but no the camry is 134 also -
Camry is not an "automatic" system

djp2c

I had to send a registered letter to Transport Canada to get Nissan to fix the hood bounce that I have.

They are fixing the problem in the U.S.A. but said they were not doing anything with the cars in Canada.

They are now?

I have lost all faith in Nissan and their dealers

Two recalls and the hood bounce is three visits. That is more than I had with my Ford Focus Wagon and it drives better than my 02 GLE

My next vehicle will be a Saturn

wg45678

Suggest you go to the Nissan dealer and check out the factory replacement shocks. Nissan has dropped a lot of replacement part prices and now is competitive with aftermarket, or better priced.

Factory struts on my 93 Nissan Quest cost 50% less at the dealer than aftermarket Monroe or Gabriel shocks at Checker or Auto Zone chain stores. Factory shocks (in the rear) were cheaper were aqbout 30% cheaper.

I'd avoid the Monroes.Don't know of anyone that had tried them and been satisfied (on a Japanese car) compared to the factory equipment. The Monross (or Gabriels too) seem mushier and don't control the car's motion as well, particularly when loaded.

bongchlatt

Hello everyone,
I have a Nissan Maxima 92, it has over 210,000 miles on it. I experienced problem with power windows when I turned off the accessories completely. The passenger window still have power turn up and down. Does any have this kind of problem? Is it regulator or short circuit?
Thank you everyone.

bongchlatt

maxvac32

I have a 96 Maxima GLE and my check engine light has been on for a long time. I NEVER fill up my tank with the engine running and always put the cap on tight. Took it to a mechanic twice and the light didn't stay off for long. It went off for a few months and came back on. The car has been running fine - I'm not in a hurry to run to the dealer for a $400 repair. If a regular mechanic runs the diagnostics and can't find anything wrong, what's so special about the dealer's computer?

alcan

Almost every time a MIL (check engine light) comes on in an OBD-II vehicle, a diagnostic trouble code is stored in the engine control computer. Anybody in any shop with a scan tool can retrieve the stored DTC's. Doesn't have to be a dealer. What DTC numbers were found when you had it checked?

dirkdaddy

I've asked around but no one seems to know if a regular OBD3 reader will work on a Nissan Max 00. I have a oldsmobile and could justify a reader if it would work on both cars. I've seen one that works on a Palm, looks pretty neat.

Anyone with experience?

DD

alcan

If it's 96 or newer and sold in North America it's OBD-II compliant with a common diagnostic connector. Check here for scan tool reviews:

http://www.batauto.com/technical/scaninfo.html

wain

do the 1999 maxima and infinitis have cabin air filters?

Anyone know?

thanks

leoniv

My 01 Max GXE auto has become more difficult to start over the past few days. It only occurs after the car's been driven for a while then turned off. When I try to turn the car on later, it struggles to turn over, sometimes requiring me to turn the key twice to crank it. It always works the second time though. A Nissan tech gave me some BS about the engine not being properly "lined-up" when I turn the key, therefore the hesitant starts. I don't buy that for a second. I've driven many I30's as courtesy cars when I owned a J30 and they never had any problems starting. The Max has been doing this since I bought it new last year. Any ideas? Should I just dump this dealership and go to another for a more honest opinion?

dirkdaddy

I think you answered your own question. this engine seems to eat O2 sensors, my car ran funny and eventually a code came on and had it replaced.

DD

djnelson

I have a 2000 maxima and have been having problems since September 01. My car stalled on me at an intersection. It took 30-45 secs to get it started. I took it into Nissan and they could not duplicate a problem. The second time it happen was Oct.01. Again I took it in and they replaced a valve that was under warranty but no one could explain what type of valve this was and I have yet to find out. Well needless to say 8 mos later it has happen again. I am not very happy at all because now of course the warranty is up and I have to pay the expense. I have read on several websites that this has happen to other cars and would like to know how to get Nissan to issue a recall on this part. The part number that causing problems is #237812Y011. If anyone knows where I can find out what part this is or how to go about getting Nissan to issue a recall please respond. I have owned three other Nissans in the past and had never had this experience. This has truly changed the way I feel about Nissan and the service they provide.

becky5687

I have a 99 Maxima and the a/c stopped working the other day. I am quite dissapointed as the car doesn't have that many miles on it, etc... Does anyone know of any problems with the a/c in 99 Maxima's?

Thanks in advance!

bxs98

When I test driving the 2002 Maxima SE in dealership, I saw the salesman filled the fuel tank with regular unlead(octane 87)gasoline. He told me that was ok but the user's manual recommends premium fuel(octane 92) for performance. Can anyone please tell me that is ok to use regular unlead(octane 87 or 89) gasoline?
Thanks.

bianca2

Since the manual recommends premium, that's what you should stay with. Personally, I would avoid buying from that dealership. They're trying to save a buck or two, but downgrading the car's performance in order to do it.

mtkaplan

This topic has been discussed a lot in the forums.
It is recommended to use premium. The manual also says if not you can use 87 octane. I am quoting directly from the manual.....

"FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Use unleaded premium gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number
96)
If unleaded premium gasoline is not available,
unleaded regular gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Research
octane number 91) can be used.
However, for maximum vehicle performance,
the use of unleaded premium gasoline
is recommended."
The reason you can use 87 is that the engine has anti-knock built in and will self adjust for the different fuels. There is also talk about better gas mileage with super but many on the forums have found none or little difference. What you will lose is performance. You can try it yourself. Try maybe going down to middle 89. Keep track of your gas mileage and you have to give it a few tanks to really know. If that works you can try 87. Only you can be the judge of what works for you.
If you want more info, do a search in forums like maxima.org or nissanx.com.

georged98

bxs98:
I have tried several tank fulls of Premium gas, 93 Octane. There was no difference in gas mileage compared to regular gas, 87 Octane. The only difference I did notice is that the car "feels" more spirited when going from a stop. Once you are rolling, it runs like crazy with either grade of gas. The questions is: Are you doing any long term harm to the engine with lower octane gas? If the anti-knock sensor is doing its job, is there a problem with using regular gas long term or for the life of the car. If Nissan states that regular gas is O.K. then is there a need to pay more for premium, other than, maybe "quicker" acceleration.
This is a never ending question.

jdog368

I think there is a little bit of difference in the brand of fuel you put in, but not much difference in the grade. For example, when I use BP/Amcco gas for my car compared to Texico gas, the BP gas seems to burn better. The exhaust doesn't smell from a cold start, where as the Texico gas, there is a weird smell when the engine is started in the morning. Since the manual in the Maxima says to put in premium fuel, I suggest you doing that too. I had an Honda accord and the manual says to put in the lowest grade because that's all the car needs...but when I put in premium fuel for that car, I get a worse gas milage!!! Such a big mystery....

babe915

I get a thump you can feel and hear if i take off from a dead stop quickly. does not do it if car is rolling and i accelarate fast. dealer thinks it may be the motor mount but won't change it till i have a few thousand miles on car. anyone have this problem

dirkdaddy

I've got a '00 5 speed and the whole shifter moves around a lot getting on and off the gas. I think my shifter and your "problem" is the motor mounts are very soft for the "luxury" feel, and if you get rough with the car, you'll experience noises like you hear/feel with the whole motor / transaxle moving around. You can attempt to look for a aftermarket one. I think your car is normal, and you have to live with it or get racing/performance motormounts, or drive more sedately. You know you're just wasting fuel driving like that :~)

max95owner

Hello, I have a 95 Nissan Max. & my check engine light came on today (and remained lit). I read the post below about never pumping gas when the car is running. I do this all the time...as a matter of fact, I did this today just before I noticed the light being on. When I saw that the light was on, I checked to make sure my oil pressure was normal & that there was water in the radiator...both were fine. Will putting gas in the car while it is running cause the CHECK ENGINE light to come on? Thanks for any help.

stickguy

It can come on if it senses a pressure problem in the fuel system, which can be casued by not tightening the gas cap enough. I've heard that filling while running can lead to this condition also (not to mention a large fireball - there is a reason for all those stop engine while pumping signs).

Anyway, Maxima's do tend to go through O2 sensors also, so if you never had them replaced on a '95, real good chance this caused the problem.

If it is the gas cap, take it off and re-tighten it (at least three clicks). The light will reset after enough on/off cycles. If it stays on, you need to find someone to read the codes stored in the cars computer.

tmorton

I just received a recall for a thumping noise in the front end of my '02.

weltonw

I know there's been a recent recall having to do with a control arm link on the front suspension (it can make a clunking noise and might break). Is this the recall you're referring to?

I'm not aware of any recalls involving engine motor mounts (although I'd be glad to hear there was one because I also experience the thumping on my 02 SE).

bxs98

Hi,
I have a 2002 Maxima SE. As soon as I turn on the fan, the air conditioning is on, no matter how many times I push the air conditioning button,and the button is always up and the light is always on. Does anyone has the same problem or it is normal? Thanks.

obiwankenobi1

bxs98 - I had the same problem as you when I bought my 02 SE. If you have it all the way on "Max Cold", the A/C will never turn off. You have to click it back a small notch (it will catch), and THEN you can turn off the A/C.

Hope this helps! If not let me know, and I'll explain in larger detail. I was SOOOOOO confused about it! Took me a day or so to figure it out!

Obi
2002 Maxima SE
Sterling Mist/Frost Cloth
15,900 "Problem Free" Miles

bxs98

Thanks Obi, It works.

obiwankenobi1

No problem!

Obi

hchaudhry

I have 95 maxima and had the same problem with idling at 1500 rpms.

My dealer could not fix it. They had to get Nissan engineering online. They finally figured out that it was Throttle control sensor.

mglu

Yesterday I found my car has fluid leaking problem in the front part of the car.
I checked the coolent,also engine oil, it is ok, Is there any other problem?
My friend's new car has the same thing， but the water is clean and no smell.
My car is a 95 Nissan Maxium, the fluid is a little bit yellow but not sticky.
Is it normal for an old car? I am afraid it may be something wrong with my car, because my car
recently rolled over the curb and may damage the chasie??
Thanks!!!!!!!!

jdog368

Hey Guys,

I have a 03 Maxima that has 800 miles. So far, it's already been back to the dealer once and I'm going back there again next week. I first had rattles coming from the center vents. It turns out that the insualtion around the vents weren't there so the vents were moving around. Is that even normal for a brand new car?! Now, I just found out that my sunroof is leaking water when I go to a car wash. That's not normal is it? I called the dealer up, they told me that it's normal for a car to do this when it's brand new. The rubber strip around my sun roof has to completely harden and it will take a few months for the car to do that. That's what he told me...and somehow I don't believe that. Anyone in here having a problem like that?!
thanks,
Jerry

yiching

I have a 00 5 speed manual SE with 34K on it. The car has been completely trouble free except for this following incident. I was driving at 60mph on the highway the other day when the engine suddenly cut off! All the electrical systems were dead and there was no throttle response. I simply restarted the engine (while continuing to steer at 60mph!) and proceeded to my destination without further incident. This actually has happen once before about 6 months ago. I took it in to the dealer who told me he couldn't do anything unless I could duplicate it for him! My warranty's running out in January and I would like to get this solved before then. Anyone else have this happen to them?

dklanecky

It sounds like your dealer is pretty poorly versed on customer service. The story about the sunroof is pure BS. A few rattles could possibly be considered normal for a new car but your dealer is absolutely responsible for fixing them to your satisfaction.

I would suggest you immediately start keeping a written log/diary of all issues, times, people you talked to, and solutions (or excuses) they give you.

You may end up having to prove your case a little further down the road or it might just be your dealer needs more prodding to get moving on these types of issues.

I have two maximas, a 95 Gle with 195,000 miles and a 00 SE with 99,000 miles. Both have been relatively trouble free but then again I have developed a relationship with my dealer's service department over the years.

Nissan dealers vary widely and I have 5 different ones to choose from. Only one is worth my business.

Good luck is resolving these minor issues and look forward to many miles of trouble free driving.

obiwankenobi1

Jerry - I'd be interested in knowing if your 03 Maxima was built here in the States or in Japan (I had heard a rumour that they were going to do some test runs on building 03 Maxima's here to prep for the new 04 Maxima). My 02 Maxima has never had ANY rattles or ANY leaks or ANY problems (besides the steering column being a little loose right now).

Let us know.

Obi

vanbo57

Jerry, The post above from dklanecky, I totally agree with. There is NO WAY your sunroof should leak and as far as the rattles or anything else that does not seem right to you go, the dealer is responsable for making it right. It can be a hasstle to keep going to the dealer for squeaks, rattles, leaky sunroof or other but if YOU don't, it will not get the warrented fix. You just shelled out big bucks for a quality car and it should be right. If you are not sure if something is "normal" or not, ask a friend and see if he / she thinks same as you about it. You're probably correct. Do not let this dealer dog you around. As post above suggested, take notes. If you do not get the customer service that you deserve, log it all in a letter, especially about the leaky sunroof, show the dealer (manager) before you send it to Nissan HQ & see if that works. I am truly amazed that your dealer would tell you that your new cars' sunroof leaking is normal. Phew. Sorry for going on - creeps like that realy piss me off. I'm over it now. Good luck.

jdog368

Hey guys,

I'm taking my car in on Tuesday morning to a different dealer. Tell everyone that if they live in Atlanta, don't go to Peachtree Nissan. They really really suck. Right now, Peachtree Nissan (the place I bought my car) isn't too happy with me because I already wrote a letter to the Nissan headquarters about my buying experience and the problems I am getting with my car and with that dealer. lol the grand daddy of them all (Head manager of Nissan consumer affairs) called me on Monday afternoon apologising to me about the service.
Obi, to answer your question, I honestly don't think my car is built in Japan like it says. I bought it on July 15th. The car is manufactured on June. I figure it would take about three months to build the car and ship it over here, and allow time to get to the dealer's lot. Before my 2001 Maxima got totaled, I Never had ANY problems at all. So I think this car is built in Tennessee. You guys think Nissan would provide me with a different car if I have three problems with my car within 2 months?! lol cause at this rate, I will have 8 problems in two months.
The only major complaints I have about the car is that I wish it is a 5 speed auto transmission. (Acura has that, passat, even the 03 accord have it!) and the stock tires are very bad for raining days! By the way, you guys know how their gonna fix my sunroof? If I press down the sunroof from the top, it moves down a few centimeters. With my old max, it never did that. It was freaky when I was in the car wash, I saw the water drip down and when the big fan was on to dry the car, I felt the air blow into my head. lol.

~Jerry

dklanecky

VIN #, How to Read it.

1st digit is where vehicle is built, 1,4,5=USA, 2=Canada, 3=Mexico, Puerto Rico or Costa Rico, 6=Australia, 9=Brazil, J=Japan, K=South Korea, L=Tawain, S=United Kingdom, V=France or Yugoslavia, W=Germany, Y=Sweeden, Z=Italy.

2nd and 3rd characters indicate specific manufacturer.

4th through 8th characters are a portrait of the specific vehicle, Brand, Body Style, Engine Size & Type, etc.

9th character is a security code that identifies the VIN as being authorized by the manufacturer. Law enforcement can determine if a VIN is authentic or not from this character on a specific vehicle.

10th character is the model year of the car. 1980=A, H=1987, J=1988, N=1992, P=1993, T=1996, V=1997, through Y=2000. Then 1 = 2001 and so on. There are no I, O, U, or Z years.

11th character is the specific plant which assembled the vehicle. Each manufacturer uses different codes to identify their plants.

12th-17th characters are the serial number of the specific vehicle. Not all companies start at #000001, practices vary among manufacturers.

obiwankenobi1

Man! Good knowledge there! You way surpass what I thought I knew about VIN's! I appreciate the lesson (and I am NOT being sarcastic!).

Wouldn't it also say "Manufactured in the U.S.A." on it? My 99 Acura CL had that and BOY did it show!

Obi

arun775

I have a 02,Nissan SE. I was wondering whether the controls on Stearing are illuminated in dark or not. Thanks

jdog368

Dear Fellow Maxima owners,

=( Bad news. When I took my car into the dealer, they told me that they couldn't reproduce the problem. They told me that the car isn't designed to go through a car wash that's why it will leak on the sunroof. They told me that it is very bad for the sunroof and I shouldn't take it to a drive through car wash or the ones at a gas station. What should I do now? When I go through a car wash, it still leaks water(drips and drips). They pretty much said to me, "Don't take the car through a car wash and it won't happen." He also told me that if I go to a touchless car wash at the gas station, the chemicals that they use is very bad for the car, it will strip my paint away. Is that true?!?! I believed him when he said that the ones that use brushes will scratch the car up over time...but what about the thing he said on touchless ones? When I said that when the air dry is blowing at the car, he told me well most cars arn't designed to take 140 mph winds blowing head on that's why you'll have the air coming in from the sides. Help me!!!

thanks,
Jerry

jdog368

No, your Nissan isn't a Mercedes that has a steering wheel controls that lights up when it is dark. I sure wish it did though cause the ones on a Mercedes looks cool.

dirkdaddy

suggestion: quit bitching about the sunroof leaking. Those touchless carwashes are like a power-washer. I agree, you're going to get some leakage with that amount of pressure. It ain't a submarine. Go to a real car wash with teenagers or do it yourself, you have a new car.

Did the guy with the steering wheel controls actually try looking at them in the dark before he posted? LOL

henrid

I'm shopping for a used car and $7000 is the absolute limit. I am finding Maximas, 96 or 97, in that price range but they are pretty high mileage-70,000-125,000 is what I've seen. Even the highest mileage cars drove well with no apparent problems and all the electric windows and locks, etc, still working.

I'd like to hear from long time Maxima drivers. Would I be courting problems to buy such a high mileage car? What should I look out for?

I am trying to read this forum from the beginning message, to get a feel for typical problems, but I need to act soon so I ask for a little help here.

jdog368

Then tell me this, how come when I had a 2001 maxima, it never leaked water? Or with my mom's gs400? Or with my dad's E430? Trust me, no cars out there should leak any water when going into a car wash or else there wouldn't be a drive through car wash.

ccermak

My 00 SE leaks slightly in the car wash too. It's no faucet, but it does drip drip drip a little. Here in MN in the winter there isn't much choice besides the drive throughs. You gonna wash it in your driveway at -10 degrees? And if I could afford the heated garage would I be driving a Maxima or a BMW??? Hmmm

obiwankenobi1

What the dealer is telling you is BS. They need to fix the problem, no ifs, ands or buts. What kind of BS is, "Don't go to those types of car washes"? Sorry, I take my 02 Maxima SE to those washes, and MY sunroof doesn't leak. What a load.

I would contact Nissan of North American and let them know what the dealer told you. Also, if they can't fix it, it could be a "lemon law" problem. I mean, what if it rains and THAT leaks in your car?? Are they going to tell you, "Well, you shouldn't drive in the rain. Just take it out in good weather"?

I hate car dealerships for the most part. Thank god the one I deal with here in SoCal is out to make me happy.

Obi

90max

Obi is right -- if the sunroof leaks then it is defective and Nissan needs to fix it. If Nissan didn't design the car to go through a car wash then the design is defective and that's Nissan's problem. On a related note, Nissan's paint quality isn't the greatest, so if you're taking the car through the car wash on a regular basis you can expect to have a lot of scratches.

wain

After feeling a little pulsing in my brakes at only 30,000 miles I was looking at the NAPA site for brake rotors.
My v6 Maxima has a min disc thickness of .787
but my punky 94 camry with its 4 cyl has a 1.06 thick rotor.
Does Nissan short people on front brakes? Seems thinner would warp quicker

bianca2

Your sunroof should not be leaking, period. Go to another dealer, and DO write Nissan of North America, cc to your current dealer, and outline the nonsense you've been getting.

I have a 2000 Maxima GLE. Never a leak, touchless or any other kind of car wash. (Although I do agree it's better to wash by hand, when possible.) Never had a leak on my Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Camry, or Nissan Stanza, either.

jolar