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Comments
I use Purolater's PureOne filter (PL14620) without any complaints. I think that most Max owners will endorse the use of this filter too.
Tried a tank of regular in my 5 sp Max 2k and thought I'd note the differences I found.
Cruising speed -- no difference
Around town driving: I noticed a distinct drop in the low engine speed torque and smoothness. For instance, if I let the speed drop to 15 MPH or so in 3rd gear, and then simply depressed the gas, the engine felt as though it was lugging and it was not making power -- something I don't feel on premium. If i rolled down the windows and listened when I was in a relatively quiet environment, you could momentarily hear knocking before the engine computer quieted it down in this situations. Doing the same thing on premium I heard no knocking and the engine would pull away smoothly.
Conclusions:
People with automatics -- you probably won't notice the difference (often) when using regular as the torque converter slips when the engine might knock, reducing the loading.
People with a manual transmission -- you may notice a drop in low end torque and require more frequent downshifts or clutch slipping.
In all cases: the engine sound insulation is good enough that you won't hear any knocking unless you have the windows open and a reflecting surface nearby -- or the engine computer is malfunctioning.
Given that one test of octane is to place a test engine under load until it knocks, I'd say these findings are good.
Personally I'll stay with premium to keep that electric motor like torque and smoothness at low speeds.
I'll use the PL14620, and not the PL14612 like the parts store's latest book shows for the 2001.
Mdames....You should have no known trouble with the 95 maximas. Mine had well over 100k when I sold it.....it ran perfectly.
Ny9.....Yes. Any powered sub can be easily added to the Maxima. I myself have a Kenwood powered sub in the trunk that makes a big difference but.....do yourself a favor and get one that's at least a 10" sub with an amp output about 100 watts.
As for the CD changer, YES...ever Maxima SE is pre-wired for it, as are the GLE's....I'm not sure about the GXE's but...I'd venture to guess yes.
Courtesy Nissan has a web site for Nissan parts that is awsome, and very reasonably priced. You'll even find the Nissan/clarion OE 6 CD changer for roughly the same price that warren mentioned. They also offer some of the parts from the SE AE for your SE (chrome sill plates, engine cover, ground effects etc) I do have all the part numbers for the sill plates if anyone's interested. And...they're only about $12 each plus shipping, and they take all major credit cards!
Joe
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, either one would be a good choice. My advice to you would be to drive both (Camry will be a smoother, somewhat quieter ride....certainly when compared to the sport oriented SE model), and find which one suits you better.
If you want performance, non driving-appliance looks, and superior handling, I'm sure you'll enjoy the Maxima. Good luck
Joe
Joe: I will only purchase US specs cars in Germany. The conversion cost of European spec cars is prohibitive. They most likely will be purchased through the Overseas military sales dealer. We also have the opportunity to purchase from Germany dealers with US specs. The exchange rate is fair now so the price of MB, BMW, and a few others should be quite a bit less there than here, and tax free until we get back to the states. I just hope we are able to have Nissan and Acura on our list of manufacturers to choose from. All the prime choices will make the purchase very interesting. Thanks for the advice.
The metallic ring appears to be coming from a small plate located behind and along the left wall of the cradle. How do I remove the cradle so that I can get at the noise source.
Also, somewhere I heard that there was a TSB on noises and rattles. Where can I download that TSB?
RPM....The Maxima is not a kids car....you wouldn't understand sophistication...lol. Enjoy your GM with "solid-form" design. Gosh...I crack myself up sometimes.
Joe
Does this TSB (or another one) apply to the Pathfinder too? Mine just started - low speed only with an annoying little ticking.
-Jon
1) Where can I find a list online of all TSB's (problems, recalls, etc.) for the 2001 Maxima?
2) Do you see any problem with replacing the stock lightbulbs with PIAA's (i.e. brighter bulbs)?
3) What would you say are a few easy products to add to a 2001 Maxima to improve performance and/or looks?
Thanks
Lof...No....every TSB is one model specific. Let me know what year Path you have, and where the noise is coming from...maybe I can help or get any TSB that may pertain to it.
La_max....ALLDATA.COM has a lot of the TSB's. problem is....they don't explain them very well in detail. Your dealer, if asked, will suply you with all the TSB's you need.
No....I don't see any problem with changing over to PIAAs', so long as you keep the stock wattage. I myself use the PIAA H3's in my fog lights (55 watt). Most are a higher wattage, and can possibly overheat or melt the wiring harness. Maybe someone else here has done the change-over and can comment more through experience.
There are a few cheap mods you can do to add a TINY bit of power. One would be Stillens high-flow intake which replaces the entire airbox with a K&N cone filter, and adds (stillen claims) 6HP. Also...even easier, I just read in "IMPORT TUNER" where they dynoed a simple drop-in replacement K&N filter, and added 4HP, and 2 FT LBS of TQ. You can also add a cat-back exhaust (about $300 to $400) from Stillen, or HKS. Want a LOT more ?...Add Stillens Supercharger (about $3600) for a dynoed 290HP to the wheels. I had the S/C on my 97 and loved the power but, was awfully loud for everyday use.
As for looks, as I mentioned before, you can add some of the items available on the 20th AE like door sills, ground effects etc.
Joe
It's a 2001 Path. Fan noise is a consistant, low-volume ticking only on low speed. Can hear it most clearly by the defroster vents. Sounds about the same as what people have been taking about here on Maximas. Was not there when new (Sept). Thanks. Reply directly if you don't want to clutter this Max board.
-Jon
jonlofquist@aol.com
my $0.02.
-Witt
One more question....Would you happen to know where the wiring for the cd changer is, they must be concealed in the trunk??
I'm getting ready to take my car in for it's 15k maintenance and I've noticed a strange creaking noise coming from somewhere in the rear half of the car. It only happens when i go over bumps...any bumps, and you can hear it best when it's quiet outside. Sorta sounds like how wooden floors sound like when you step on them and they creak. What the hell is it? Structural integrity?
I did have some clips on my trunk replaced and they said they had to remove the whole rear bumper for it...but i never noticed it right after i got the car back (which would be in january). I only recently...whithin last couple weeks, noticed it.
Any ideas?
I have posted a similar story months ago. I had been rearended and the back bumper cover was replaced. It was soon thereafter that the creaking noise was noticed. I compared it to flexing leaf springs with no lubrication.
No one posted a reply at that time. Now, months later, the creaking noises are still there when the body is strained, such as going around a mountain curve at slow speed, or going over uneven bumps. And the noise is coming from the area of rear axle, or rear bumper...
769b2-4y900
769b0-4y903
769b1-4y903
Just go to www.courtesy-nissan.com and get the phone number to call. They don't yet list them on their parts site but they can order them and mail them to you.
lsf....Right you are. I find that if I'm driving on a Monday, and put the high beams on, I can see straight into wednesday. BUT, I did replace the bulbs with the same wattage PIAA's just today (did the same for the wifes Quest) and my god what a difference...better be for $69 a pair ! Much more light output using the same wattage as stock, and VERY white...no blue at all...looks very much like HID lights.
Rtradar....www.Stillen.com has a few cat-back systems for the new Maxima. Nobody makes a street legal header yet, that I'm aware of. If there were, Stillen would have it.
Ny9....Now you're rackin' my brain...lol. I know it's in the trunk, wire loomed up on the side behind the grey trunk liner. I believe it's on the left side (looking at the trunk) up by the rear deck.
Gym...First be sure that what you're hearing isn't a "traveling noise", meaning it may sound like the sound is from the rear when it may be somewhere else. The reason I say this is because the TSB for the right front strut claims to cure such a noise. Next time you're at the dealer, have them check that strut. I've replaced the one on my car as well but, I never heard any noise from it. I've not heard on any complaints about a rear end noise (YET), that's why I hesitated to try and answer when Norbert mentioned it a while ago. I will keep my ears open about any such noise though..thanks.
Hope to have helped.
Joe
Thanks.
Does anyone know anything about the cabin microfilter? Does it really do anything useful? I was considering getting one but the couple of saleman I mentioned it to told me not to bother. According to the installation instructions on the courtesy-nissan website they recommend replacement every 7500 miles, which would make it a bothersome appliance in any case.
Joe
What do you think of the strut tower bars that are available aftermarket? Front & Rear. Why did Nissan not install these on the Y2K Maxima. I've noticed the upcoming Sentra SE-R's will have a front strut tower bar, as does the coming new Acura 3.2TL Type S.
My 1997 I30, when cold (weather here is 30's and below, STILL!), and I start driving my car, there's a whole bunch of creaks and cracks, coming mostly from the dash area. I noticed that the wood trim on the center console, when pushed in, cracks. I also noticed that my passenger door's door handle/lock assembly seems to be separating from the rest of the door. If I push on the center of that door (from the inside obviously), it squeaks. It seems like the door panel halves are loose, and coming apart. The wood trim around the window switch is loose also...rotates very easily and squeaks against the vinyl arm-rest (trim is not firmly seated). I read somewhere that someone suggested using a "Dry Grease" made of graphite to solve these creaks and cracks by lubricating the surfaces. Is this true? Where can I find this stuff...went to local K-Mart and they didnt have it. Should I check auto-stores? Plastic airvents for windshield defroster, when pushed, also make cracking noises...AND, the A-pillar tweaters make popping noises. All these noises occur when hitting bumps, and when the car is cold. After driving the car around for an hour and the interior is a nice 70 degrees, the noises go away. How can I rid the noises from the doors, from the center console trim, A-pillar tweater covers, and defroster vents? Dealer already installed foam under defroster vents, and it didnt really rid the noise I was hearing when I told them about it. I hate bringing up these things to the dealer every time I visit, I know they're sick of hearing me complain...and I dont really mind trying to solve the problem myself. Please help!
Black Max
Mhammy...lsf hit the nail right on the head ! There's really no way, especially in the cold, to rid the car of every squeak. If there are some noises that really bother you...yes...a dry silicone spray can be used SPARINGLY where two parts rub together. Since you've told me that the noises subside when the interior warms up a bit, it's obviously the cold contracting these parts and you may have to simply wait for the car to warm up.....sorry I can't give you a more favorable cure.
Ebmaxse...Although I've not had any experience with either the FSTB or the RSTB, I have heard good things about both, from a few people who put them on their cars. Remember the Maxima is more of a sport/family sedan than the new SE-R so...Nissan probably figured it would help out with the SE'R's more "sports car" flavor.
BlackMaxSE....All Maximas have a trunk light. It's located up under the rear deck, and comes on when the trunk is opened. Oh, and congrats on your new toy !! Enjoy it !
La Max....All the bulb "types" are shown in your owners manual. They don't give actual oart numbers so, you'll have to call your dealer is that's what you need. The important one to remember is the headlights (which, come to think of it, may not be shown in the manual) which on the 2000/2001 are H4 bulbs.
Just as an FYI...When changing the headlight bulbs on these new H4's, first you carefully wiggle off the connector from the bulb, pry off the round rubber boot next (completely removing it), then you can get to the 2 metal wire clamps (much like most H3 foglight setups). Squeeze these 2 wires toward the bulb to release them, and the bulb will pop right out.......just reverse this prosss to put them back in. I know nobody asked but....again, we get a LOT of calls asking how to change them because everyone is so used to the old 9004's which use a simpler twist-off ring fastener.
Joe
For those of you contemplating a MAX purchase - I don't REALLY mean "HARSH". I'm not talking Viper-harsh here. But if you want a really cushy ride don't buy an SE with 17" wheels.
33k miles without a problem (2000 SE auto).
I'm on an SCCA race team also, and thats what all the racers use. if you have a 98 Maxima, you shouldn't have to change your plugs yet...unless you have over 100k, which is how long the platinum NGK's last....besides, at over $15 each, it pays to leave them in as long as possible.
Joe
Any suggestions about ensuring that the work is up-to-par? Can I hold back the $500 deductible? Anything I should be saying to the body shop, NMAC (it's leased), or my insurance company? Other suggestions? Thanks!
Referencing post #1341,...
What type of bulb is in the fog lights on the Y2K Maxima? H3?
Thanks.
If you want the Lexus and can afford it, go for it. They are good cars. The max was a good value when we got end of year price on my loaded SE 2000 - about 23+TTL.
Joenissan - you have a lot patience and free time! Thanks about the lights, some of your advice I'll use eventually I'm sure.
Slope
Slope...LOL...With 3 kids, and working, it is kind of amazing I do find the time but, this week, with all the snow, I've had much more than usual.
Joe
for example...I back into my garage. In front of the driveway is the sidewalk and curb...one of those curved curbs.
As I'm backing up, I'm also turning....so at one point, one rear wheel is on the curb/sidewalk and the other is on the street.
So...i'm backing up and i'll hear crreeeakk...creeaaaak.... and then won't hear anything as the front wheels go up the curb.
I'll probably test this and come up with a definite way to reproduce this problem...since the dealer won't bother fixing my problems unless they hear/see it for themselves.
if you said the front struts were making noise...could the rear struts be making noises?
not sure if i'm asking the right questions....not a car part guru.....
-James
Joe
Remember, you can get a Maxima with a stick...until the IS gets it's 6 speed the Maxima still has the upper hand