Just picked up my 2003 6 speed on Saturday. I already have some issues. For Starters, I have some condensation in the front head lights, both of them.....Is this common? Also, when accelerating in between gears, the car seems somewhat sluggish for a split second before it kicks in, is that common for a new maxima?

I think thats it, any help would be appreciated.

 

There is a TSB on the headlights, i forget where it is. Just get some 3M cleaner, i believe that helps.

As for the sluggishness...welcome to the world or drive by wire throttle!

 

3M cleaner, where do I apply it, in the inside or out? What does that second comment mean?

 

The 2002 - 2003 Maxima has electronic throttle rather than wire control. The electronic sends a signal to the engine to "Go" where as the wire was directly linked to the gas pedal. What this means is there is a small delay while the computer calculates how much to open the throttle.

 

You have to be kidding me. Why would they make ca car with such a delay. So this is all normal. I notice this more in 2nd gear then anywhere else.

 

"drive by wire" means electronic throttle.

the other is throttle by cable.

supposedly nissan was supposed to come out with an ECU program to fix the hesitation. im not sure what happened with that.

 

Yeh, the drive by wire is the culprit for the delay. Sometimes when I'm shifting into 2nd, I'll get a hefty jerk because of the delay on the throttle, but at other times it's smooth--go figure!

The condensation is normal, and if you actually take a look at the owner's manual, it talks about this phenomenon. You don't need to apply the 3M stuff. You need the 3M for HAZING on the headlight, NOT condensation. Anyhow, it should go away within a couple of days, and this is not just a Nissan issue--I've heard of other cars (BMW) having the same "problem".

 

Man, dont they know these things when then sell them.....im sure they do.

Hey, when my engine radiator fan comes on, i hear these rattling sound. Has a rythem to it almost. I dont suppose this is normal?

 

The dealerships know these things most likely, but hey, it's how the car is made, so you (speaking in general here) either accept the car for what it is, or you don't buy it.

Personally, I don't mind the little annoyances of the car--it's still the best bang for the buck by far.

 

Best bang for the buck - I couldn't agree more. Nissan does not advertise the Maxima as being "refined", if you want that go buy a honda or toyota appliance. The Maxima is a roomy 4-door car that will run with other brands' "souped-up" versions of their mainstream cars which cost more and are usually more tempermental. Plus you can actually drive the h#!! out of it without worrying about tearing it up. Something I read somewhere and this is so true... we tend to notice every little thing when the car is brand new.
My 2003 has the hesitation too and I would love to find a fix..but by no means is this a cause for concern or a reason to even think of getting rid of it.

 

Some strange comments. Guys, i just wanted to know why, I never said the car was garbage, I just asked. Don't get offended by me showing concerns. Thanks for your info.

 

I know, I wasn't saying that you were regretting the purchase or anything. I was just talking in general.

 

Sorry, no offense. Just offering a perspective, because when I first noticed this on my car I was p!ssed but then I got over it.

Anyone with '03 6spd hesitation...Does this change as you get more miles or does it behave the same? Mine is still not broken in yet so Im just curious.

 

Apparently, intake solves the hesitation problem.

 

I've learned to basically ignore the hesitation after 7 months of driving this beast.

I think there's something to be said for THROTTLE and CLUTCH manipulation as well.
You will learn to massage the throttle just enough to minimize the effects of the Drive by wire stumble.

it can't always be done - sometimes you just gotta hammer it!!

I'll look forward to an ECU reprogram from Nissan, but I'm not holding my breath.
I still love this car -- for all it's quirks and imperfections.

Now if I could JUST get some NEW RUBBER!!!!!!

g.r.

 

I guess the only way to check the throttle response is to take off all the intake plumbing and have someone hold a mirror with a flashlight under the hood so you can see how the butterfly reacts to your pedal movement. Someone doing their intake soon should give this a try.

As for the condensation inside of the housing I would take the car back to your dealer and complain. With as much glue/goo they use when making these to seal them there should be no water in the housing So it sounds like a defect. And as we all no these are way to easy to replace...