I have 92 GXE. All of a sudden it starts making a noise like the exhasut is leaking somewhere close to the transmission. When I open the hood to check it, I see the nozzle and that part where you charge the AC gas has ice all over it eventhough it is -6C here in Toronto. It was so neat that at first I thought the color of that part is white but when I scratch it, I figured it was an Ice. Any idea why this is happening? Please email me at naveed1966@hotmail.com

Regards,

 

It's normal and nothing to worry about. When the outside air temp is cool, the air conditioner is producing more cold than is needed in the evaporator, so the entire low pressure line between the evaporator and the compressor tends to frost up.

 

But I am not using AC instead I am using Heating. You mean AC unit is still working. - Thanks for your response

 

Do you have the automatic climate control? If so, the A/C is engaged unless you push the "Econ" switch. It will also engage if you are using the defrost setting.

 

Yes it is an Auto Climate control but I thought if I set the temperature to 32 degree then heat will turn on not Cooling. Like you say earlier this is a normal behaviour in that type of temparture.
Now I guess I have to worry about the exhaust.

 

Can I use Economy and not engage AC?

 

Yes, using the "Econ" switch will turn off the A/C and save a little wear and tear on the compressor. (The defrost button will engage it again.)
The exhaust leak may be caused by broken exhaust manifold studs. It seems to be a common problem, although I haven't had it happen yet.

 

Thanks a lot for your advice. I will use Economy from now own. Another question. I have this Transmission button says Power and Comfort but it doesn't do anything when I switch it to one or the other. Any idea?

 

About all that switch does is change the rpm that shifts occur at. In the power position, the shifts will be at a higher RPM than in the comfort position. The transmission will also downshift a little sooner in the power mode. All of this assumes part throttle and normal acceleration. If you have a heavy foot (like me) there isn't a lot of difference in the positions.

Rod Schneider
Woodstock, Ga
92 Maxima GXE

 

Thanks again. Now I know more about my own car.

 

One more question! Is the AC unit still engaged while using the heat on Manual.

 

Dude. Quit using the "report this post to the moderators" as a personal email answering system. It's for reporting "bad" posts. You almost got your question thread deleted.

 

In manual? It depends on what mode it was in before you went to manual. If you had it in "auto", then the A/C will remain engaged. If you had it in "econ", then the A/C should stay off.

 

It was a mistake. Sorry about that.

Thanks Rod, I normally use Manual without touching Auto or Econo.