i'm looking at buying a max. in the vin# for misc. it has D so does this mean it only has airbags and three point belts, no ABS? thanks i want to make sure the car i buy has ABS for utah winters

 

I'm not sure on the designations, but here is the VIN of my '97 with ABS if it helps:

 

Forget about using the vin to determine if it has ABS.

I have ABS and it's not part of my VIN code. (I think, don't hold me to this, I'll go verify this at get back to you)

Just go look at the car yourself or call first.

Here's what to look for:

When you put the key in the ignition and turn it to the "ON" position, a ABS light will come on for a brief second before it turns off.

Or, look under the hood next to the master brake cylinder, and you see a handsome ABS (dull brushed aluminum looking) box sitting there.

Or,test drive it, and slam on the brakes!! You'll know if it has ABS or not. j/k

James

 

Another way to make the ABS light turn on is to do laps around a parking lot with the e-brake on. *ahem*

Yeah, if you can see the car in person, it's very easy to tell. Fuses, lights, stopping ability... etc

 

Just checked my VIN.....


I have a "D" in my VIN too, which corresponds to Air bags w/3 point belts as you stated above. So, just ignore the VIN and take my advice above.

Good luck.

James

 

check your dash lights when you insert the key and turn it to the "on" position

 

Echo echo echo.....

One more thing I forgot to mention. When you call, just don't ask them if it has ABS, because 99% of the salesmen say yes without really knowing. Also, shopping for my max, they often would say, "That's a silly question, because all 4th gen Max's have ABS" I would then tell them they are wrong and to go out to the car and check. Sure enough, they would come back and say, "Sorry, you're right sir" Then I thank them for wasting my time. LOL In fact, the guy (private party) I bought my car from, thought ABS was standard on all Maximas.

Run them through the mill with my suggestions above, then you won't waste your time going there only to find out it doesn't have ABS. Good luck finding your max.

James

 

I agree - don't trust the dealer. Find out for yourself which features the car has cause they don't know half the time. This happened to me when I purchased mine a few months ago. The manager told me all kinds of wrong information but I did my own research and proved them wrong. As for ABS I don't know which trim levels in the U.S. had this as standard but I believe in Canada ABS was standard for the SE, ES, and GLE, and optional on the GXE (97-99 models). Also in Canada the 1999 models with ABS also have traction control (A huge help this winter!). Don't know if this helps or not...