I've been meaning to do something about this for a while now. Every time I open the fuel door to fill up, I notice a bunch of dirt all over the sides of the compartment behind the fuel door and all over the fuel cap. And now that there's salt on the roads I see salt in there too. I don't think that its getting into the fuel tank because I'm careful when I take the cap off, but I also dont think this should be happening. The door itself closes tightly so I think that all the grime is coming in from underneath.

Anybody else experience this? Is there anything I can do?

mine does it too. wont hurt anything

clean it more often, thats about all you can do... or fill up on gas less so you'll look at it less well if it is really bothering you, you could find a way of sealing the gap surrounding the cover (not permanently).

There's a guard that Nissan used to put there to prevent that but was discontinued sometime in 2001. You can buy it from a dealer.

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=26704

There is a shield for this. A few years ago this was a problem on 2k and 2k1 maxes. The shield fits in the wheel well. I don't know if this would apply to 2k2 and 2k3. I got one and it just popped into predrilled holes. There is a shield and 4 clips. Maybe someone here still has the part numbers or a link to the threads.

Call DAVEB and ask...phone number is in the FAQ's.

i got a .75 cent plug from advance and plugged the bottom predrilled hole. im sure its there for people that pump their gas and walk away then it overfills. i always keep the trigger in my hand so its not an issue.

I like the idea somebody suggested in another thread: attaching a length of pvc hose or pipe to the hole from underneath. That way dirt doesnt easily get in and drainage can still happen. Think I'll try that out

I cut open black plastic oil container and wrapped it around the neck under the wheel well and tied it with nylon ties. When you look under you will easily see how the dirt gets in there and you will see how you could cover that area.

I bought the protector for my 02.
Part number 017290-2Y000 Protector-filler List price $15.72
01553-09321 Clip $0 .74