You guys with the 2000 maximas seem to have a lot of problems compared to the 2001. Is this because of the first year production?

 

I have not one prob with my 2K Max with the exception
of the recall of my TCM

Maximadave

 

possibly?

 

Probably...

 

I don't know... it seems that we have the same complaints mostly.

 

paint issues are the same.. rattles are the same. Rotors, same... I think the TCM and bumper issues are unique.. but then again we got the fuel line protectors

 

I never had any problems with my 2K Max, but I'm already seeing manufacturing flaws in my 2K1 . I need to take it to the dealer when I have some free time and get these items fixed.

 

Same idea applies for the 2002 Altima.
I am waiting for the 2003 Altima or 2nd year 3.5L Maxima before I change cars. I would not buy a Altima in Sept 2002 just for the fact it hasn't had time to work out the initial problems and gas milage is crazy now too! I had one of the first 5000 New VW Beetles in early 1998 and there were recalls and overall problems I didn't hear about in newer models. That was my lesson learned....

 

Didn't the revised TCM affect 2001 models too?

 

I've talked with Tom Novak, parts manager at Infiniti of Lisle. He was telling me all sorts of things about 2k vs. 2k1. From his view, it's almost a totally different car. Everything is software upgradeable, like flash EPROM. The ECU, TCM, etc. are all different. Now when you bring your car in with a problem, they upgrade your software and you're on your way. No more replacement of expensive computer modules. I asked him why the TSB 039a calls for replacement of the TCM on early 2001. He says the TCMs in the very first 2001s weren't software upgradeable, but the 4Y901 are. He says within the next couple years all models will be software upgradeable. This will help Nissan reduce warranty costs.

 

This is the first I've heard of upgradable software, although it certainly makes sense! The best I can figure (from reading posts on edmunds.com, etc., for close to a year) is that they did upgrade the items needing TSBs sometime after the early run of 2001 Maximas. Mine is a late-run 2001,and the only problem so far has been the fuel line protector not being installed (and that's scheduled next week). If only they would add the Courtesy FSTB as stock equipment...!

 

98% of the car is the same though. Same problem rotors and other minor problem areas. A programmable ECU and TCM make it easier to service though.