I have a 95 maxima gxe. I noticed that the tempature of the engine never gets above the cold mark. It is in the 30's here in wisconsin and only mildly warm air comes out of the heating system. Is this a bad thermostat and if it is any one know hopw myuch it costs to replace? If it isn't that does anyone have any ideas? thanks

Sounds more like a sensor or loose
 

connection... The thermostat hardly ever fails unless you have a lot of miles on it... it usually sticks closed so that engine gets too hot... if there is a lot of junk in the coolant it may cause it to stick open i guess...

Check sensor and connection at engine

New thermostats aren't cheap for the Maxima. I think I paid $25 - 30 for mine. The dealer said they normally change them at 60K. The reason they are so high is they come already mounted in an aluminum housing. Also...Nissan doesn't sell the gasket with the new thermostat/housing so make sure you get a good tube of "form a gasket" before you start. Try that first...it has been in the 20s here in the morning and I have absolutely no problem with heat. Have you put any radiator sealer in the antifreeze? I have seen that stuff actually plug up a heater core.

thermostat
 

It has got to be sticking open with what you are describing. I have a 95 gle and replaced mine and there was a gasket. Do not use gasket sealant!

Correct...don't use the form a gasket if you are able to find a new gasket. Where did you guys find the new gasket? Two local dealers said they have no listing for the new gasket.

thermostat gasket
 

The dealer had the gasket although he told me that it was a silicone type that was used. I told him my Factory Service Manual says there is one so he checked and aure enough there was one. I guess maybe newer engines don,t have it though.

Re: thermostat gasket
 

The '99 Maxima factory service manual shows a gasket. It also says, in bold print,
"Do not disassemble water inlet and thermostat. Replace them as a unit, if necessary."
That explains why a Maxima thermostat costs more than those for other cars.

The original thermostat came with a gasket, but unfortunately, two dealers said they didn't sell the replacement gasket, only the thermostat (with housing). They said just to use the form-a-gasket stuff in its place. I REALLY didn't like doing that, but bought stuff especially made for that purpose and it has worked fine. Would still like to have a real gasket in there!