Nissan Altima Sedan 2008-2009

24

Comments

  • karsickkarsick Member Posts: 312
    Anyone have an idea how to replace the headlight bulbs on new Altimas? :confuse:

    The lens sweeps WAY, WAY back up the fender, and it looks nearly impossible to reach behind to replace a simple bulb without removing the fender or lens.

    What's the procedure?
  • rlestra5rlestra5 Member Posts: 4
    Yes, you used trim black, but that was when the plastic got faded. Mine is actually scratched. I'm not sure if this would do the trick. Also, are these black pillars plastic as well?
  • fjerinafjerina Member Posts: 9
    I have a 2008 Altima with electric driver's seat and when I turn a corner and my weigh shifts on the driver's seat I feel a thump under the seat as if something is not secure. Anyone experience this?
  • fjerinafjerina Member Posts: 9
    I have a 2008 Altima and I not happy with the driver's seat back support. Has anyone come across a great foam pad that can be added for back support??? Fill us in.
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    I have a 2008 Altima with electric driver's seat and when I turn a corner and my weigh shifts on the driver's seat I feel a thump under the seat as if something is not secure. Anyone experience this?

    It's the seat itself shifting in the track. This has been a problem with the majority of owners with power seats that I've heard from, and my '07 suffers from the seat shift (or squirm) as well.

    IIRC, there's something wrong with the seat track itself, but owners that have them replaced reported a fix that only lasted briefly, with the symptoms returning soon after. Last I heard, Nissan was working on the problem, and there MAY be a TSB within the near future with a (hopefully) permanent fix.
  • fventurafventura Member Posts: 13
    Are my wife and I the only ones that think the passenger seat on the Altima's leather seat is uncomfortable? The bottom is super stiff, like a board and it sits so low that it doesn't really support our legs....

    I love the car other than that....oh and some of them have a vibration in the sterring at highways speeds. Tire balance ??
  • karsickkarsick Member Posts: 312
    We have cloth seats and I do have a (similar) issue with the seats.

    The bottom cushions are long enough, but they are seemingly angled down in front so much that I can't get any thigh support (REALLY bad on passenger side).

    I do have a goofy build (6'3" with very long legs), but I am going to see about getting some custom work done on the mounts to raise the front edge of the seat cushions a couple inches.

    Right now, I get a sore bum from the fact that all of my weight is being supported by my tailbone (instead of my thighs).

    I'm sure your leather seats might make it worse (tendency to slide forward in seats).
  • tylerwm94tylerwm94 Member Posts: 26
    I have the exact same problem....I'm glad I saw this. I thought it was just me.
  • fjerinafjerina Member Posts: 9
    I contacted Nissan about the seat track problem and they replied that there is no current recalls on the Altima. Guess they haven't fixed the problem yet.

    (IRC, there's something wrong with the seat track itself, but owners that have them replaced reported a fix that only lasted briefly, with the symptoms returning soon after. Last I heard, Nissan was working on the problem, and there MAY be a TSB within the near future with a (hopefully) permanent fix)
  • fventurafventura Member Posts: 13
    The coupe seat is a little better. But as I am tall and want a back seat the coupe would not work for me.

    As I was considering a loaded v6 Altima I decided to test out the Maxima. The seats are VERY comfortable and the ride is very quiet. Guess what I am buying :)
  • sungawdsungawd Member Posts: 5
    Hello everyone,

    I just bought a Brand New Nissan 2008 2.5 S Basic model no packages, zip with 6 miles on it. I have since put 200 miles on it and I already talked to the person who sold me the car but here is my problem.

    When I turn the wheel, left or right you hear this noise as if it is catching on something. If I make a hard left turn i.e turning the wheel all the way left or likewise right you hear this loud noise. As mentioned before as if its catching on something.

    My sales person I need to make a appt for Nissan to have them "file or whatever' it down. Has anyone else had this problem? I will not have time for at least 2 weeks to make a appt but I do not want to loose steering control or what not because a cord is loose. I don't know, just chatting. Let me know if anyone else has had or has this problem and what you did etc.

    Thanks,
  • jd10013jd10013 Member Posts: 779
    did you buy an extended waranty? if so, you recieve a rental car while they have yours in for service.
  • bv050506bv050506 Member Posts: 97
    I had the same squirm movement problem and they replaced the track it sits on as others have suggested. Mine is fine for the time being and no more movement. hope it lasts, as it was very annoying to start and stop with all the movement. Other than that, i have truly enjoyed this car. Contrary to many others, I personally love the CVT tranny! I does take some getting used to, put I truly enjoy it.
  • busirisbusiris Member Posts: 3,490
    I am like you about the CVT. It does take a while to become accustomed to driving it. To me, you get a feeling of much more available engine power. So much, in fact, that I find myself being much more aware of how much I depress the accelerator pedal.

    I can understand why some folks don't like it, though...

    The really great thing about a CVT is that it can be re-programmed to behave in many different ways, unlike most standard automatics, as the gear ratios in a standard auto are pretty much predetermined at the time of manufacture. I would expect that "performance" software upgrades may be available for the CVT from 3rd parties in the near future as well.

    In any case, I think it is the CVT is the wave of the future, and in just a few years, it will be the primary type of automatic transmission installed in cars...Less moving parts, cheaper to manufacture and maintain, better MPG and software upgradeable...
  • pure_hppure_hp Member Posts: 23
    I just purchased an 08 2.5 SL. I'd like to use my mp3 (via the aux input). Does anyone know where to get the cord, plug, adapter, whatever it is called to plug into the aux input to use the mp3???
  • fjerinafjerina Member Posts: 9
    bv050506,

    What did you ask for when you brought it in for repair. I want to bring mine in and want to make sure they (the dealer) are aware of the problem and won't say they can't do anything about it. What dealer did you take your to and where. So I can have some ammunition when I bring it in. Thanks, Fred.
  • pure_hppure_hp Member Posts: 23
    Thank you kindly!!! I'll go and take a look at the link and if that doesn't work, I'll look at Radio Shack.
  • bv050506bv050506 Member Posts: 97
    The dealer I take it to, and purchased it from is Traverse Motors in Traverse City Michigan. told them the seat had lots of movement, almost like the teeth of the rail were off. They replaced the rail, no questions. It is working fine. Tell them you have read on the internet many others have had the same problem and replacing the rails seems to be the fix. My problems started almost immediately. I'm hoping this is a permanent fix, but others have said they had the same procedure and it was ok for a while, but started squirming again. Sounds like a manufacturer parts problem. Good luck Fred.
  • muzzo1muzzo1 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know where can find an Ipod interfase for Altima's Bose sound system, I heard that there is one that can offer full Ipod control
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    I got a cable at Wal-Mart for about $7, I think. Try there..
  • pure_hppure_hp Member Posts: 23
    Thank you. Found it at Radio Shack and on Ebay as well. I'm good to go!
  • blaf2blaf2 Member Posts: 1
    I just bought this car 24 hours ago. The tire pressure warning light stays on. Tire pressure is fine. Salesman tells me to give it a couple of days. Any input? Thanks.
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    The TPMS in the Altima is best summed up in one word, a joke. Not only is it over-sensitive to any slight (1-2 psi) change due to change in temperature, but it also will turn the light on even if the psi is correct. Not to mention the $100+ per wheel needed for new sensors if you buy separate winter wheels/tires, and having to drag it to the dealer (and pay a fee) to get the sensors recalibrated twice per year.

    Anyway, fill the tires up to 35-36 psi, and it SHOULD turn the light off after a few miles.
  • jresjres Member Posts: 69
    First, make sure the car has not been running for several hours, then check your tire pressure with multiple gauges. If your tire pressure is fine, take the car back to the dealer and tell them to fix it. I Just bought mine a month ago and have had no such issues, This is an electronic system, "Just give it a couple of days" should not make the problem go away, there is something wrong, and on a new car, that's not acceptable. The dealership needs to do something, not tell you to wait a couple of days.
  • jd10013jd10013 Member Posts: 779
    just add some air. I would also recomend a new air pressure gauge, they do wear out like anything else. Just be sure to check all 4 tires. Mine went on one time. checked it and every thing looked fine. bought a new gauge and that showed all the tire between 3-5lbs low. I filled the tires, and within 1/4 of a mile of driving the light went out.

    the system is not a joke and works as its intended to. Oh, the system will reset itself once the car exceeds 20-25mph, if the pressure is correct. it wont take days as the dealer told you.
  • bv050506bv050506 Member Posts: 97
    Don't know where you are, but here in Michigan where we have gotten a lot of snow and ice, I have to wait for a melt before mine will clear up! It's on all the time, yet pressure is fine. Then we'll get a couple of warmer days and the stuff all melts away and the sensor goes off. Check the tires ever couple of weeks and forget about the light.
  • busirisbusiris Member Posts: 3,490
    I have 3 cars with TPM systems...2008 Altima, 2007 BMW Z4 and 2005 Mini Cooper. I check my tire pressures at least once a month. The Altima and Z4 have never signaled a warning, but the Mini is much more sensitive, which, after reading many comments on these systems leads me to believe that some sensors are simply much more sensitive than others...which makes sense, as price pressures are applied to reduce the cost so that it can become a standard item on all cars.

    I don't know if you would call it a "problem" or not, but an ultra sensitive sending unit would seem to negate the value of the TPM system as a whole. I would also think that on a brand new car, a reputable dealer should correct it immediately. After all, the car is supposed to be delivered in complete working order, unless you signed away that right for some unkown reason.

    Remember, though, these systems are not foolproof even when there is a problem. My wife picked up a bolt in the sidewall (damndest thing I have ever seen--she works at a place where there is much new construction going on...) and, believe it or not, the tire held pressure, so no TPM warning light. Still, it was a driving hazard, and I found it checking the tire pressures...the bolt was completely through the sidewall. Bottom line---she was provided the "opportunity" to purchase a new run-flat, and I was reminded that nothing beats a regular "cursory" inspection of your vehicles.
  • tslbmwtslbmw Member Posts: 172
    I have an 08 3.5SE with about 3500 miles on it. When I back out of my driveway in the morning and then put it in drive and turn, it sounds like my wheel :confuse: is rubbing against something for a brief second. After the car warms up or I make any other turns, I don't hear it anymore. Has anyone else noticed or heard anything like this? Any clue what it could be?

    Thanks!
  • victrolajazzvictrolajazz Member Posts: 75
    "I have 3 cars with TPM systems...2008 Altima, 2007 BMW Z4 and 2005 Mini Cooper. Remember, though, these systems are not foolproof even when there is a problem."

    Remember when we used to drive out pleased as punch with radio/heater/overdrive?
  • ken75ken75 Member Posts: 52
    After you back out of your driveway, do you turn to the right as you go forward? If so, our 2008 2.5 SL does something similar but only on the turn to go forward and it does disappear after a short period of time. I cannot tell you if the same thing happens in a left turn as I go forward because this always seems to slip my mind. In order for the dealer to notice this, I would have to leave the car overnight and I hesitate to do that. I enjoy the car to much to let it out of my sight but I suppose that sooner or later I will have to drop it off for a look see. If you pursue this further, please post a response as to what happened. Thanks and good luck.
  • tslbmwtslbmw Member Posts: 172
    Yes, I do turn right. And I feel exactly the same way you do....I really don't want to leave it overnight to then try and duplicate the issue. But I, like you, have decided that I will eventually need to get it checked out. I'm thinking when I go in for my oil change around 5K, I'll have them look into and report back to this forum.

    It really is a great car. The tech package just blows my mind....I can't believe what they can put into cars nowadays (bluetooth, Nav traffic updates, voice commands, etc...amazing).
  • ken75ken75 Member Posts: 52
    Perhaps others with similar problems will chime in here. Having a strange noise eminate from the front end of a FWD vehicle will make one sit up and take notice. Could be nothing, could be the front end starting to go away at 1300 miles. Stranger things have happened. Still love the car though.
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    I have a 3.5SE with 400 miles on it, and it's done it since it had 40 miles on it. :)

    I think it's the VDC initializing itself, but I'll check next time I go into the dealer for something.
  • tslbmwtslbmw Member Posts: 172
    "I think it's the VDC initializing itself, but I'll check next time I go into the dealer for something."

    Well, I could definitely live with that answer.......is this something you've heard of before?
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    Yeah, something bothered me about the VDC thing after I posted it, and it turns out I was only half right. Thankfully, the part I was right on is that it's normal:

    (found on nissanforums.com)

    "The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle at low speed in forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a "clunk" noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

    Taken directly from the manual page 5-22."
  • ken75ken75 Member Posts: 52
    No, I have seen no reference to this anomoly, problem or whatever you want to call it. If it is the VDC, I guess you could not look at it as any kind of problem unless it is supposed to be very quiet. A question to the dealer would not be out of line.
    OOPS, hold on a sec. I have the 2.5 SL which does not include the VDC. I would have to have the premium package also with a 3.5 L engine. Back to square one with the noise. Maybe it's dealer time.
  • ken75ken75 Member Posts: 52
    Ok, maybe that is what I am hearing. I just did not connect it with ABS.
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    Yeah, I wouldn't have connected it with the ABS either. Now that I think about it though, I did have a couple of GMs in the past that made similar noises on takeoff.

    The reason I wasn't really worried though, is it seems as if it were a real problem like a loose heat shield or something it would manifest itself during stop/starts, or..ah.. "spirited" driving. ;)

    But, good to know regardless.
  • tslbmwtslbmw Member Posts: 172
    perna,
    Thanks for that info, that is exactly the sound I get ("clunk" noise) and it only happens after I back out of a driveway or parking space. Very minor thing and its good to hear that its normal. It did seem strange that it only occured when I started driving and then quickly went away.

    Anyway, thanks again, that is great info.
  • iwantoneiwantone Member Posts: 52
    I am considering purchasing an altima sedan in a few months. I need some help with the color options. I am torn between the precision gray and the dark slate. I went to a dealership and saw the precision gray, but I can't really remember it. Can anyone give a description of the dark slate vs the precision gray? For some reason the precison gray color didn't stick with me maybe it was the salesman.
  • victrolajazzvictrolajazz Member Posts: 75
    "Can anyone give a description of the dark slate vs the precision gray?"

    As boring as a discussion of the Chinese economy during World War II...
  • karpediemkarpediem Member Posts: 46
    Can anyone give a description of the dark slate vs the precision gray?

    I would say precision gray is more like a dark silver and dark slate is a really dark gray with slight hint of blue.

    Sorry that's the best I can do. I own a dark slate and a night armor xterra, they are nearly the same color except you can really see the blue in the altima when they are side by side.

    I lined up a dark slate, precision gray and black at the dealership to help my wife and I decide which color.....that was what worked best for us.
  • puripuri Member Posts: 19
    Help please!
    i have a 2008 Altima (sedan), last nite when i went out for dinner, left the lights on and after an hr and a half came back the car would not start. Called AAA and they jumpstarted the car. But interestingly the radio panel (radio, cd etc) does not turn on at all. Do you think something shorted or do i have to run the car longer (already ran it for 20 mins last nite and about 35 mins this morning). I want to see if there is something else that can be done before i take it to a Nissan Dealer.
    has any one experienced this?
    pls help
  • jd10013jd10013 Member Posts: 779
    the altima has a battery saver feature that will turn off your lights after 5 minutes. there is something wrong with your car.
  • motoguy128motoguy128 Member Posts: 146
    Try starting your car in a parking lot where you don't have to turn and drive backwards 30 feet or so. it should make the same sound. Every vehcile I've owned with ABS makes a "grinding" like sound as the ABS servo's initialize and pressurize the ABS brake circuit. My '04 Accord did this as well as my current '07 BMW motorcycle with ABS. Althouhg my motorcycle does thsi immediately after turning the ignition ON. I get a error light unitl I've rooled above 10mph for 10 feet os so.

    AS for a previous Oil question.... the required oil grade in printed in your owners manual and should alos be on the oil fill cap. Most newer cars require either 5W30 or 5W20. Be sure to use the correct one. Cars that require 5W20 may have problems with the vairable valve timing if the oil weight is the wrong viscosity. 0W20 will also work for 5W20. It's the second higher number that's more ciritical to VVT operations. The first number just affects viscosity at low temeratures. After a few minutes it's no longer important.

    The dealer DOES NOT need to change your oil to maintain your warranty. That is BS. Just document the service in your service log, and try and keep the reciepts. They would need to prove through oil analysis that the oil had not been changed or that it was incorrect. The owner would merely need to file an Affidavit stating that they changed the oil. Honestly, I trust myself to change the oil correctly. I've never screwed-up an oil change. I've seen dealers and shops do it on serveral occasions to my dad's car.
  • busirisbusiris Member Posts: 3,490
    On more than 1 occasion over the last 35 years I have had a dealer serviced vehicle ready for me to pick up with either low or no oil showing on the dipstick, and once with approx. 2 quarts too much oil. That is why 1-Whenever I use someone else for service (very rare for me nowadays), I check the oil level before getting in the car to leave, and 2-I usually change the oil/filter myself. Like someone earlier said, I trust me more than I trust the novice mechanic doing oil changes at the dealer.
  • ssspsssp Member Posts: 7
    New purchase Feb. 23, 2008 Altima SL....drove 2 weeks; would not start. Dealer kept for week and replaced starter on March 14 and car was picked up on Good Friday, drove out of town Saturday, and guess what? On Easter..it would not start. Had to be towed by wrecker to Dealer on Monday. ECM was replaced on 3/26 Wednesday....now Service Manager says there is a code showing up that it has a CLUTCH problem~?!? Funny...it's an automatic, 4 cylinder!! He wants to keep it until the middle of next week?~!?
    Any advice from knowledgeable gentlemen and ladies....please?~!?
    SP :lemon: :cry:
  • nissan_altimanissan_altima Member Posts: 5
    I have 08 Altima with CVT with around 3k miles on it , I feel that car has some vibrations when driven at 70+ speed specially when RPM is low and i am not pushing gas paddle too hard ?
    I have test drove other altima from Dealer's lot and found it was behaving same as my car but i drove Sentra without manual mode and it did not give any vibrations. Is it normal for all Altima's with CVTor is something wrong with my car ?
  • jd10013jd10013 Member Posts: 779
    there's something wrong with your car. the CVT does the same thing as any other transmission, It just does it slighly differently. your problem most likely is the tires are not properly balanced. that is usually more pronounced the faster you go. If not that, the tires could be defective, or just cheap. But I'd say your problem is almost deffinitly in the tire area.

    But, I believe the tires are covered for about 12k miles. you might want to call your dealer and check.

    oh, and by the way, my altima rides as smooth as if it were on glass at speeds of about 90mph.
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