Hi all,
My maxima 97 (se) runs quite well, it's got 49k plus miles, a noise occur while at a stop sign, usually after the car has warmed up. It seems to be located on the driver's side somewhere in the engine area, I can hear it from inside but if I go outside, fans and other noraml engine sounds drown it..any thoughts?

thanks!
truemann

 

does the noise go "nananana" or maybe "bang, bang" or "thwip, thwip"? sorry i couldn't resist. seriously, like yourself i have an unidentified noise at idle on the driver's side, but i have no idea where it's coming from. i've already fixed the typical 4th gen. noises coming from the cowl areas, vent ducts and stereo.

 

i have a strange noise during idle also. it only happens the first thirty minutes especially when its cold. i thought it was heat shield vibration but its sounds more like something coming from the tranny or firewall somewhere. does anyone have any diagnostic tips?

 

Okay his solution is right to the point and very cost effective, although I found later on a more specific tool for this job. Daniel B. Martin's way first, go to local auto store and purchase a 2 foot lenght of rubber hose. Try and get a hose that has about a half inch opening. Now while the engine is running stick one end in the area you suspect the noise is coming from. With the other end in or as close to your ear as possible you can get a better idea of where the sound is coming from. Probe the noisy area until you're comfortable with where the noise maybe coming from. Now dont discard that hose, you'll need someday in the future trust me. Now that method is rather cheap (about a buck for the hose) and very effective. But if you must have a specific tool, Sears sells a Automotive stethoscope (sp?). I noticed it walking the isles of Sears automotive department one day. Looked pretty good, cant remember the exact price but I think it sold for about $15. Just trying to help.