I have a '99 Max GLE. I had a cold start problem so I took it to the dealer. They said Nissan had a bulletin about the cold starts. They "raised" the idle, they also told me if I had the problem in the future to press the gas pedal down 1/3 of the way and try to start it and that should work.
I do not have any problems starting now, however, since the dealer worked on it, it now sounds like a diesel. They asked me when I picked it up how many times the oil had been changed, I told them every 3,000 miles. I have about 22,500 miles now. They also said the oil was "dirty". It was time for an oil change so they changed it as well. They implied I had not changed my oil as needed. When I picked it up they also said it was ok to drive it with the noise problem. My car did not sound like a diesel before I took it in. Does anyone have any ideas what this could be? Any help would be appreciated as I think it was something that they did??!!!

 

A Maxima engine that sounds like a diesel has a serious defect.

The only thing which comes to mind is severe engine knock (pinging). The engine has a Knock Sensor which sends a signal to the Engine Control Module (the computer) whenever it "hears" pinging. The ECM responds by adjusting the ignition timing to eliminate the pinging. You will not hear pinging in a healthy Maxima engine.

If your Maxima engine is pinging the Knock Sensor is not working, or the severity of the knock is beyond the ability of the ECM to control. Causes of pinging include:
- fuel AKI too low
- ignition timing too far advanced
- lean mixture
- carbon deposits in combustion chambers
- EGR valve stuck closed
- EGR passages obstructed with soot
- EGR vacuum signal hose(s) split, broken, or disconnected
- engine running too hot

This list is too long to speculate on what the dealer might have done wrong to cause it. However, something is wrong with this engine and your '99 Maxima is protected by warranty. Please go back to the dealer and give him a chance to make things right.

Nissan-USA employs a team of expert troubleshooters whose job title is Dealer Technical Specialist. These people visit each dealership in their territory once or twice per month. They evaluate "problem cars" and coach the dealer's technicians through the repair process. They may even work on your car themselves. Their attitude is "I will leave no stone unturned until you are a satisfied customer".

If your dealer can't fix your car, ask him to make an appointment for your car to be checked by his regional Dealer Technical Specialist. You will be impressed by the skill and professionalism these fellows display.