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Maxima 5-speed Problems

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Comments

  • opimaxopimax Member Posts: 73
    all the time, I will be visiting Bigk200 next week while on vacation, driving each others car and talking. Please post any specific items that I can do to help. I just had my 3rd and 4th tire replaced and haven't had a chance to go above 40 to see if it still shakes. I wrote to apex8, the moderator about freezing the topic and not putting back where it was, he wrote back once, explained why the topic as frozen but not why it was moved other than a general answer. I wrote back again and didn't receive a reply. I am just keeping in the loop, I don't post that much but read everthing.

    Mark
  • bigk200bigk200 Member Posts: 170
    If your car still shakes with the new tire, then I would start taking a closer look at the wheel and the hub. Since you have probably already tried swapping tires and wheels around, maybe the hub is to blame?
  • bigk200bigk200 Member Posts: 170
    You might also want to take a look at the strut. Maybe you have a bad strut?
  • icarusicarus Member Posts: 1
    I was going out to buy a Max 2k manual
    Glad you guys are taking about the manual trans.
    I still want the manual, but it is great to be Buyer aware.
  • opimaxopimax Member Posts: 73
    it now seems acceptable, although it is one of my(many) pet peeves. It definetly starting to shudder with braking, now who will I ask to fix this problem? also could contribute to the slight shaking left. Bigk, leaving in an hour, make sure the weather is nice for my ride

    Mark
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    I received a communication from Christian Wardlaw, Editor-in-Chief, at Edmunds.com. He's still intrigued with the information I presented but he's busy for the next couple of weeks churning out copy to cover the 2001 model year introductions. He said he'd pick the issue back up after that.

    Stand by.

    Bruce...
  • bigk200bigk200 Member Posts: 170
    And now we wait.
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    Yup. But we're real good at that!
  • kostyakostya Member Posts: 23
    y2kse: Thanks for the link to Edmunds.com's Editor-in-Chief. I’ve sent him a letter as well. His response: “…Currently, we have no plans to conduct a road test of the 2001 Maxima, but in light of the Town Hall conversation, perhaps we should add it to the list and see for ourselves if the problem has been rectified…”

    everybody else: Let’s write about the ECM issues both to MT and Edmunds. It’s about time for a Max2001 road test so let’s make sure that they know about the problem BEFORE they publish the review.
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    Let's keep the pressure on! Edmunds has expressed an interest in following up. Now is the time to STRIKE!

    I'd suggest that warrenul, davedzny, opimax, bigk200 and all the other regulars e-mail your support of a 2001 Maxima SE road test to Christian Wardlaw, Editor-in-Chief. Chris's e-mail address is chris@edmunds.com. I'd specifically ask him to road test a 5-speed Max as opposed to an automatic, as the fuel-cut condition in the 5-speed seems to be more pronounced.

    Bruce...
  • bigk200bigk200 Member Posts: 170
    I just did my e:mail to Edmunds. I have already e:mailed Motortrend, but I would recommend that all of you do the same.
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    nm
  • frankjayfrankjay Member Posts: 11
    I'm wondering if there is a way to increase base idle speed without a Nissan diagnostic tool. A lot of cars with computer controlled IACs also have a screw that you can manually set base idle. Is this the case with the 2000+ Maximas?

    If so, you could increase the base idle and perhaps lessen the effects of the fuel cut. If your car idled normally at 600 rpm and you raised it to 1000 rpm, the difference between the fuel cut rpm would be less and you would have less jerking when you got back on the throttle. The Maxima's engine is so quiet that an increase in idle speed shouldn't be noticeable (from a noise perspective) at a stop light.
  • bigk200bigk200 Member Posts: 170
    The idle speed is set in the ECM, and it is not changeable with the diagnostic tool. In the service manuals where instructions are given for checking the idle speed, if it found to be bad, the technician is instructed to look for bad components. In other words, it isn't considered to be adjustable.

    I don't think a regular dealer technician can make an idle adjustment. Zone reps have done it (they did it on my car), but I haven't heard of anyone else doing such an adjustment.
  • bigk200bigk200 Member Posts: 170
    I drove a 528 5-speed today. I liked it a lot. It stickered for about $48,000. Ouch!

    Anyway, it drove beautifully under the conditions that the 2K Maxima has problems. I could tell that it has some kind of a closed throttle fuel cut, but the BMW Engineers did a beautiful job managing the transition from power to low/no power, and then finally to the fuel-cut. No objectionable jerking what-so-ever!

    All in all, it is a very very nice car. Money aside, I'd take the BMW anyday, but I have to admit that he upgraded BMW stereo was not even close to the Maxima BOSE system.
  • bigk200bigk200 Member Posts: 170
    What you consider as "normal" driveline lash is anything but. If you drive the BMW 528 5-speed, I think you will find out how a real 5-speed should drive.

    Apparently, your perceptions are immune to the fuel cut problems with this car. Consider yourself lucky.

    For me, I don't think it is acceptable for a car to cycle from significant power output to compression braking, with no amount of control inbetween the two extremes. And if that isn't bad enough, the final indiginity occurs when the engine takes off with way more power than I want when I try to ease back onto the gas pedal.

    Driving a 5-speed is all about control, and the 2K Maxima does not give the driver any control at the gas pedal (for small amounts of power). It either produces way too much power or no power at all. Nothing in-between.
  • bigk200bigk200 Member Posts: 170
    It happens at all speeds. For me, it is most annoying at about 40 mph in 3rd gear. If you don't notice it, then fine... you are lucky.

    Now I really want to buy a Bimmer(BMW). At least then I would be keeping company with people who know what to expect from a car.

    At one time I owned a 1986 Nissan Maxima 5-speed. In those years, Nissan knew how a 5-speed should drive. I absolutely loved that car. This 2000 model is a terrible excuse for a 5-speed.
  • 29632963 Member Posts: 37
    So, looks like your being tempted by the other side; I must admit, I'm also in love with the 5 series sedans, and now that they're up to 225 horses with the new 3.0 engine, the BMW 530I is especially enticing. However, there still is the issue of the $20K premium over a fully equipped '01 SE (looks like the vehicle you test drove had the sport package / montana leather upgrade / xenon lights / harmon kardon stereo).

    Bang for buck, I'll stick with my soon-to-be-arriving '01 Max. In the several test drives I've had with 5 speed '01 SE's, I haven't been able to replicate the fuel cut issues (you so diligently have researched) in my driving style, other than performing the stationary 3 - 2000 RPM de-acceleration tests (where the problem was definitely noticed). In all honesty, the failure of this test doesn't bother me that much, as I can't see myself trying to stick the RPM's @ 2000 on a routine basis.

    However, I do understand that the stationary test is just a symptom of the larger problem, and I guess that a near $50K Bimmer should not exhibit any noticeable fuel cut issues (considering the price of ownership).

    Oh well, the '01 SE will be my second Maxima (I'm trading in the '98 SE), and I'm pretty sure that my next vehicle (when the '01 lease comes up) will be a 5 series. But then again, the Max will be up to around 250 horses by then, and that may make for a difficult decision...
  • 29632963 Member Posts: 37
    I've got to tell ya, there is no doubt in my mind that when it comes to Maxima engines, you know your stuff. But, your comment to 'johnny32' that by owning a Bimmer you would be keeping "company with people who know what to expect from a car" was a cheap shot.

    One thing to consider is that the "company" you would be keeping with your fellow Bimmer aficionado's would probably be at the parts & service departments, as they tend to break down more frequently than do Nissans.

    For what its worth...
  • chileheadchilehead Member Posts: 41
    Sorry to say fellow Max owners, but I'm thinking I liked these Maxima topics more when most of the posts actually contained the word "Maxima" in them. I don't participate that much anymore but I'll speak up when I feel I've got something worthwhile to input.

    Now for the worthwhile stuff: I too have sent my email to Mr. Wardlaw and am hoping for a positive outcome. (Although the way you guys have been treating the Edmunds staff lately, my hope is fading!)
  • bigk200bigk200 Member Posts: 170
    Good job on writing Mr. Wardlaw.

    I've witnessed many spirited exchanges in other boards that were much nastier than the recent exchanges on this board. I'm surprised that it brought out the cyber police so quickly! Maybe Pat and Bruce regularly monitor this thread because they are intrigued with the Maxima 5-speed issues? Who knows.

    I'll be nice from here on out!
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    I know nasty when I see it. And this ain't it.

    Bruce...
  • bnormannbnormann Member Posts: 335
    ...several missing posts.

    They have been deleted because they do not conform to the policies and guidelines of Edmunds Town Hall.

    Please review the User Agreement if you have any questions about what is and is not acceptable.

    Thanks. Your host, Bruce.
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    I guess your definition of "nasty" is a lot more conservative than mine, bnormann. But then, who am I to argue with someone whose mother had the good sense to name him "Bruce"?

    Bruce...
  • bigk200bigk200 Member Posts: 170
    Unbelieveable. I guess people can say anything they want in other threads in Edmunds, but not here. I wonder why we are so special? Not only did we get one cyber cop, we actually got two!

    Ok all of the Edmund's cops who are lurking out there; How about some help putting some pressure on Nissan to fix the Engine controls on their 5-speed model. Now that would be some REAL help for a change.
  • bnormannbnormann Member Posts: 335
    If we get to the point of "nasty" v. "not quite nasty enough", then we have wandered too far away from the vision that our benefactor, Edmunds.com has for Town Hall.

    This is a place where people should not be afraid to send their 8 year old daughters or their 78 year old grandmothers.

    FWIW, this is a free country and this is a commercial website that someone has to pay for. The person paying the bills makes the rules.

    Anyone have kids? The next time your 12 year old tells you that he doesn't have to do what you say, since it is a "free country"....

    Your host, Bruce
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    But the reason posts have been removed in the past had to do with the use of inappropriate language or racial epithets. Unless I'm mistaken, none of the posts that were removed from this forum contained either. So I'm a little confused as to why those posts were removed.

    I read the User Agreement and I still don't understand. Are we not allowed to disagree with each other? If we are allowed to disagree, what is the proper language for couching our disagreements? It would be helpful to know these things because you take a rather brutal approach to "fixing" the problem. You not only remove the offending language, you remove absolutely everything . . . including non-offensive information that might prove useful to us all.

    Of course, you don't have to explain anything if you prefer not to. You are, after all, in a position of absolute power. You could even remove this post if you want to, although you'd be hard pressed to do so under the banner of "offensive language".

    "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely."

    Bruce...
  • bnormannbnormann Member Posts: 335
    Bruce,

    Here it is.... "I agree to disagree in a civil manner should I take issue with the statements of another Town Hall participant or any Edmunds.com, Inc. Editor or content contributor. I understand that civility and respect underlie the success of an on-line community such as Town Hall."

    I agree with you that it is VERY unfortunate when posts have to be removed, because in many cases they DO contain good information along with the bad stuff. I am in no position to edit or modify anyone's posts, however. I can only delete the ones that violate the user agreement.

    I hope all of our participants in this topic can get back to meaningful discussion of the topic. This WAS one of the best groups, with a lot of really useful information flowing back and forth.

    Your host, Bruce.
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    Of course, the issue remains as to what the words "civil manner", "civility" and "respect" mean. Obviously, some of the posts crossed the line as far as you were concerned. From my perspective, they did not. In the final analysis, however, your interpretation is the only one that counts.

    As the host of this topic, you are the judge, jury and executioner of every word and phrase that finds its way here. In addition, I assume there is no appeals process. I'd therefore recommend that you follow the example of your colleagues and err on the side of leniency. Otherwise, you run the risk of imposing your personal standards on each and every contributor rather than applying some loftier but ambiguous group norm.

    To reiterate what I said earlier, "power corrupts . . .".

    Bruce...
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    Censorship, even in its most benign form, is a very ugly thing indeed. It's a small step from deleting posts to burning books. And we all know where that can lead.

    Regardless of how idealistic or honorable your intentions may be, I would offer you only two words of advice in your role as censor:

    PRACTICE RESTRAINT!

    Bruce...
  • bnormannbnormann Member Posts: 335
    I still waiting to hear ON-TOPIC posts, folks...

    Your host, Bruce
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    Ever stop to think that with such vigorous censorship on your part, some of us may be a little reluctant to express our opinions?

    Bruce...
  • adg44adg44 Member Posts: 385
    This is much better than the fuel cut problem. This is my favorite forum in Edmunds, and I don't even have a Maxima anymore! Now, what were we arguing about again?

    Oh please don't delete this post, I hope I haven't violated the "Users Agreement" or whatever.

    - Anthony

    P.S. - Maybe you guys would like to move your post into a different group?? That would mean a different host. If you want to, let me know and I will create one. adg44@earthlink.net
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    Thanks. I'll move if bigk200 moves. How about it, bigk200?

    By the way, if bnormann deletes these posts, I'll meet you over at the General Maxima forum.

    Bruce...
  • bnormannbnormann Member Posts: 335
    Jeeees,

    If you guys want to talk about Maximas, go ahead. If you want to talk trash, see ya later.

    Your host, Bruce
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    Frankly, you brought this on yourself.

    I suspect we'll get back to talking about Maximas once we're certain that you're willing to allow a free exchange of ideas with a MINIMUM of interference from you. Hopefully your last post is a veiled expression of your intention to do just that.

    Bruce...
  • pat455pat455 Member Posts: 603
    Obviously, some of you folks are new to this conference. The only thing we expect around here is adherence to the User Agreement and a basic intent to stay on topic.

    These things have been explained in prior posts.

    Does anyone want to talk any more about Maxima 5-speed problems? Opinions on that topic are more than welcome. Are there any left to be discussed?

    Pat
    Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
  • travis15travis15 Member Posts: 1
    Well...I've been reading these posts but have never wanted to have any input due to what seems to be a severe blow to the rights of the members to speak their minds, by " leaders " who feel they need to "run the show" but...I digress..

    I have a 2k SE now with 21k (bought it in oct 99)
    My problem is this. At 17k my engine light came on. the dealer checked it with the Consult and told me it was one of the front O2 sensors (not sure which one...I cant remember) and that it's ok now...and left it alone. They were right...it was fine. now at 21k, the light came on again. This time the culprit ?, one of the 2 rear O2 sensors, which is dead and is on order to be replaced.
    My question is ..Why is this happening. Am I the only one ? What causes this ?
    The dealer "shut off" the one O2 sensor so the light won't come back on til' it's replaced (which seems to work because after another 150 miles, it's not come back on.
    Any ideas ?

    Travis
  • bigk200bigk200 Member Posts: 170
    I am surprised at the childishness of our so-called "hosts". If they had any brains at all, they would realize the the best thing to do would be to fade into the background and let everyone finish their venting.

    As long as they keep threatening and demanding that we "get back on topic", then we will naturally be irritated. On the otherhand, if they would just shut up and stop posting threats, then everyone will probably get on with the business at hand.

    But our beloved "hosts" have caused a much larger firestorm than what they had originally tried to control.

    A very interesting study in human psychology.
  • bigk200bigk200 Member Posts: 170
    I have been following the discussion groups for about 1 year now, and you are the first that I have seen with bad O2 sensors. Please let us know how things turn out.
  • bigk200bigk200 Member Posts: 170
    Lets see how things go. If the threats continue, then I'm all for finding a new home.
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    I'll follow your lead.

    Bruce...
  • opimaxopimax Member Posts: 73
    please note I do some whining so if you don't want to read this just make that big effort to click to the next post

    that big brother made it a bigger event that it sounded like. I read all the posts and sympothise with people who shelled out money for a car that has more than it share of problems. I wish all cars never needed service but mine is one like jeff2kse, I 've had tires replaced and still have a vibration although dramatically improved, and finally the cars goes strait again. I had to go to an independant tire dealer because I was told that the way the 17"'s ride. I feel I was cheated out of that "new car honeymoon" (thanks bigk for that term) feeling for 8k and 8 months because 2 dealers said it was normal. I had to fix my a-pillar myself because the dealer never heard of the fix even though their is a TSB about it and it was on the net. I could go on but some would think I am just bitching but to some it might be helpful.

    Warren, after riding in other cars and talking w/bigk I would like to get that "fix " that raised your idle from the zone rep, the way my car runs in traffic can't be much worse. Can you e-mail me what you did and who you talked to?

    thanks,

    Mark opimax@aol.com
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    Or post the info here if you prefer.

    Thanks.

    Bruce...

    bld522@pacbell.net
  • warrenulwarrenul Member Posts: 50
    In the previous 5 Speed thread, davedzny wrote in Post 621, that he believes that the higher idle speed was related to the Canadian Reprogram TSB for a rough idle when cold. He indicated that his idle speed rose up to around 700 rpm. This gave him improved performance when starting out.

    Perhaps dave, if your still around, can further elaborate on this "fix". When I meet with Dave and maximizd, (and George) two weeks ago, Dave implied the DTR did not intend to issue a domestic "fix" for Fuel Cut related problems. Although dave was not completely satisified with the reprogram, it made the car more livable with.
  • opimaxopimax Member Posts: 73
    that was my fault, sorry. At this point I will take any help on the driveability issue.

    Mark
  • opimaxopimax Member Posts: 73
    Joe,

    I believe you are in NY somewhere, if this is correct I would be most appreciated if you would bal my tires on a Road Force Balancer. I don't know of any Nissan dealer that has 1 in my area. I am wash dc area would be happy to have it done correctly. Also, my brakes are vibrating, do dealers try to turn rotors or will they replace without a hassle?

    Thanks
    Mark
  • frankjayfrankjay Member Posts: 11
    LOL! Freedom of Speech? Why is anyone crying about freedom of speech on the "5-speed Maxima problems" board? We're talking about the fuel cut issue here, not your views on abortion. Then again, maybe my life will never be the same since I missed those 10 posts that were totally unrelated to the fuel cut issue.

    Duh. This is a commercial site's forum, not a newsgroup. Read the agreement and get over it.
  • davedznydavedzny Member Posts: 41
    Hey guys, basically what Warren said was true in regards to my car. The Nissan DTR downloaded an ECM reprogram onto a cartridge that plugs into the Consultant. He said it was for a cold speed stalling/driveability complaint. I asked if that was the same fix as the Canadian TSB I saw regarding cold stalling, and he said yes.

    As a side note, we had to choose the exact car before the reprogram; there were different choices regarding transmission type, emission type (California or non-California I think), tire size (17 V rated is a different reprogram) and VIN number range. So right off the bat there are probably very small variances between the different programs.

    This was basically another lame "voodoo" fix on Nissan's part to try to fix a problem that they have no clue about. The only benefit I received from this was a raise of my idle speed from about 550 RPM to 750 RPM, which improved my ability to start from a stop smoother and creep along slower in traffic before being forced to clutch to prevent a stall. It helped in those areas, but in no way did it change the fuel cut. Bigk200's theory is 100% as far as I am concerned, leaving it up to Nissan to reprogram the ECU. The idle speed can also be changed without an ECM reprogram; the Rep did it to my car previously.

    Another thing we have to remember to those who feel no fuel cut is the differences between driving styles and variances in the cars. They all have the fuel cut, but some suffer from it worse due to the driver/car variances. I am pretty sure that all cars will return similiar data readings if hooked up to the Consultant.

    On a slightly (non?)related topic, my parents own a 2000 Altima with Auto transmission. Their car can do the neutral test (3000-2000 RPM)no problem without a drop out, and when you release the gas pedal while traveling @ about 45 MPH @ 2000 RPM, the RPM's drop instantly the moment your foot leaves the gas. The RPM's do not remain stuck @ 2000 RPM for 5 seconds like the Maxima does.

    Many car companies come out with numerous TSB's that involve a reprogram, so the excuse from Nissan that a reprogram would force them to get EPA certified again is ridiculous since no other company has a program with getting a recertification from the EPA. Do a search on NHTSA or Alldata involving TSB's related to ECU reprogramming, and you will find hundreds.

    So I am left with trying to talk one last time with my Nissan Rep to see if they will acknowledge Bigk200's post, and possibly actually read it and look into it. No promises, but we'll see. I can easily supply those interested with the phone number of my Nissan Rep to voice your own opinions. Let me know..... I'll keep everyone informed of my progress.

    Dave (still bucking like a bronco) Z.......
  • y2ksey2kse Member Posts: 104
    Obviously, you just don't get it. We ARE trying to discuss the fuel-cut issue. The problem is, if we happen to disagree with each other during our discussions and state our disagreement in terms not pleasing to our hosts, they throw the baby out with the bath water.

    The only accurate thing you said in your post was that you missed 10 posts. Whether those posts contained information regarding the fuel-cut condition is, therefore, totally unknown to you. You therefore have no idea what you're talking about.

    Peace and love,

    Bruce...
This discussion has been closed.

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