Hi! First post here on the forum. A few weeks ago I purchased my first car which happen to be a 96’ maxima. After driving it around for a few weeks it has started to develop a strange rattle. While it was somewhat presented at the test drive, it has gotten progressively worse over time. It seems most prominent when taking off from a dead stop and is somewhat intermittent when cruising. Will attach a video and send me what you think it could be. Also it seems to be having a harder time going into first than it did when we bought it, but my dad says that’s a manual thing though I’m not sure.

 

Could be a loose heat shield or exhaust-related issue.

 

RE: the rattle ... I agree that an exhaust system heat shield could be the culprit. You also may want to check the brake system dust shields/backing plates.

RE: your shifting issue, if you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to change out the transmission gear oil and clutch fluid.

 

Yeah I’ll take a look after school today. Though I’m not really sure where to start looking.

 

yeah I’ve wanted to change the gear oil since I’ve started to feel it have trouble shifting, but I’m having trouble locating the drain plug (if there’s even one).

 

Drain plug is on the side next to the engine crossmember. It's 12mm and a box end wrench might need to be ground down to fit as access is tight.

BTW, GLE was automatic only. Do you have leather seats & steering wheel, Bose radio, chrome exterior door handles and window trim?

 

The drain plug is located towards the passenger side of the transmission IIRC. The fill plug is located at the front.
Make sure to only use GL-4 gear oil. Amsoil 75W-90 GL-4 or Red Line MT-90 75W-90 GL-4. I’m currently using Amsoil and have no complaints.

 

Might be wrong on the specific model. Thought it was a GLE but hearing this I think it’s a GXE. I do not have leather seats and steering wheel. My bad on that part.

 

also would the drain plug happen to be visible in either of these pictures?

 

No, but that is your fill plug on the first picture. The drain plug is on the opposite side, near the crossmember like Jsutter mentioned.

 

ok thanks, these were just pictures I took on my phone a few days ago. I’m at school right now and I’ll take a look when I get home.

 

 

thank you so much!

 

Also just wondering if the video linked properly on the original post. Still trying to figure out this website.