My car takes way to long to warm up.I can drive for 30 minutes or longer and it's still doesn't even make it to regular operating temp.I think it's the thermostat but not sure.anyone got any other ideas on what it could be?

 

Usually a bad thermostat will cause the engine to overheat, and prevent hot air from coming out when temp is set to hot. Are you having these issues?

If not then the problem is likely your ECTS (Engine coolant temp sensor)

Edit: when you say it takes forever to warm up, do you mean the heat takes too long to get hot, the coolant gauge takes long to reach the middle or your engine and trans take a while to warm up and operate efficiently?

 

Replace the thermostat. As they age, the bimetallic spring gets weak and opens early.
Contrary to the last post, T-stats, installed correctly, are designed to fail open or cold as they get older. Make sure you install the new thermostat so that it opens in the direction of the water flow.

 

It take the temp gauge awhile to get to normal operating temp.and yea I was thinking it that the thermostat was starting to open to early.and I will.

 

T-stat or your temp sensor has gone bad. One of the 2.

 

If your heater works the problem is the sensor. If you have no heat it's the thermostat.

 

Another false statement in this thread!

Coolant will always flow thru the heater core when you turn the heat switch on. The thermostat allows the hot coolant to flow thru the radiator.

As stated earlier it's either the thermostat or your coolant temp sensor. I'm leaning on the thermostat.

 

Please tell me what is incorrect about this statement. A thermostat which failed in the open position will result in an engine that is too cold. The too cold water will mean a cool heater.

So what makes the Maxima any different?

You are thinking thermostat. I am too.

 

And make sure the jiggle valve is on TOP!