I did a quick search of the forum and in the FAQ's, and didn't find anything about this, so here goes:

I have a 20th AE with 102,000 miles on it. Heat worked fine on the way home from work yesterday. This morning, the heat never really got hot, and it seemed to take forever for the temp. needle to move (it was about 15 degrees out this morning). I figure the thermostat is stuck open.

Is there anything I should try before replacing the thermostat (i.e. flush/clean the coolant, etc.)?

If not, can someone tell me (or post a pic) of exactly where the thermostat is on this car? My maintenance has been limited to oil changes, so I'm not completely familiar with where everything is.

I'm getting ready to call AutoZone to see if they have a replacement thermostat. Is there any reason to use an OEM from the dealer, or are the aftermarket pieces acceptable?

This car is my daily driver, and it's supposed to stay cold for the next week. I want to get this done as soon as possible.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

The replacement is the same for the 20th AE and the 95 GXE.. Check the 4th gen stickys.

 

Please don't spend all your energy replacing the present one with an aftermarket one. The OEM one costed me $20, buy it from the dealer and be happy!!!

 

My Z33 unit cost me 8$. www.pinnaclenissan.com

 

I recommend the Z33 one as well. My local Nissan sold it to me for 15.00. I think it's running somewhere around 170 Degrees if I remember correctly.

 

If you decide to flush the cooling system have someone who is familiar with Maximas do it. I believe if you put too much pressure in the system the heater core plug may leak into the front passenger side foot well. I might be wrong but I recall reading this prior to flushing my system. Also use distilled water if you flush it.

 

Unfortunately, the closest Nissan dealer is an hour away and I have to get this done tonight (going out of town tomorrow morning). I pass an AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts on my way home from work, and they both have a thermostat for about $22.

I looked in the 4th Gen stickys, and it looks like the thermostat is pretty easy to get to. Anybody know anything to the contrary?

I will flush it with distilled water (not pressurized, just pouring it in the radiator and letting it drain), and then fill the system with a 50/50 mix. I don't plan to take out the engine block drains because they are supposedly very difficult to get to. Again, does anyone know if this is true or not?

I will let everyone know how it goes, but maybe not until the weekend since I will be out of town.

Thanks again for all of the information.