2002 SE TX

Hi All, long time no post. I bought a new 325i last year, so my good old 2002 Maxie has been sitting around for a long time not being driven. She has developed an overheating problem. The fan always runs, and the temps skyrockets after about 5 minutes. Figured it might be the thermostat, and since that's a cheap place to start troubleshooting, I grabbed one from Auto Zone. Got it home, and it looks like it might be a b*tch to replace. The third bolt on the bottom of the housing looks inaccessible w/o removing the alternator. Is there a way to reach it easily, or am I screwed?

Also, the engine won't rev above 2500RPM or so. Is that water in the gas, or something more serious?

I searched the forums, but all I found was 4th Gen thermostat replacement. So please, no flames!

CoolMax

iTrader: (7)

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....31#post5561931
http://forums.maxima.org/showpost.ph...3&postcount=13

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

The 4th gen t-stat and 5th gen t-stat are the same re: replacement procedure. the 02+ is a little tougher because of the CVTC covers.

I would verify that the t-stat is the problem, or at least figure out exactly why you're overheating.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

i would suggest checking the radiator first.
i changed the t-stat on my 00 and it didnt fix the problem. then i drained my radiator and ran fresh water through it and it didnt come out the bottom. it was completely clogged.

2002 SE TX

Thanks for the tip. That was the other thing I was thinking about, since there is no coolant leak that I can see, and the coolant level is OK. Can an oil-change joint blow that **** out with a radiator flush, or are stronger measures required?

MichMaxFan

I believe the 2500rpm limit means a bad MAF. Mine did not act that way when mine went out, but others on here say that is key sign of a bad MAF: car is limited to 2500 rpms.

If you do replace it, look for info on Dave B. from Southpoint Nissan for the part...simple install...you'll get robbed if you buy it from local dealer.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

the dealership used their power coolant flush system and it didnt even work.
i found a radiator online for about $100.

this is why i always tell people to flush their radiators from time to time

2002 SE TX

Yeah, it shouldn't hae let it sit there for almost a year without driving it from time to time. Not the brightest thing I've done.

intoran

Is it fairly easy to remove on an 02+? Also, would you recommend changing it if it is working fine? The car just turned 100k and I am about to replace the coolant.

Love_00_Max

2002 SE: You may have a partially clogged radiator. To determine you radiator is the culprit, take off radiator cap and drain radiator, the coolant should flow fast, real fast and towards the end trickle. If you have slow drain over a long time, you need a new radiator. Thermostat comes next but the thing is all mechanical -- chances of failure quite remote.

Check the fans too.. To check if fans are working correctly, on a cold engine, turn AC to high and start car. The fans should start immediately.

Hope this helps, BTW, quick question, have you ever monkied with other coolants on ur vehicle.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

........

Tony Adymy

I just repl my thermo last month not a big deal and you can get to that bolt but its a little tight.

altdad45

I pulled code 128 today from my 02 SE and that maps to thermostat issue. I searched the forums and cannot find anything on how to replace it. Should I go to autozone and look at the manual or is there something online?

Thanks!

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Search harder
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...hermostat.html

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

Scottwax

iTrader: (8)

You will have better luck getting at a Nissan dealer since the thermostat doesn't come out of the housing. They have the housing and thermostat for around $25 or so. Call around though, Bankston Nissan wanted $40.

A little tight around the pulley but you can get the bolts out and thermostat off without removing it.

DAP

First try to cover the alternator with plastic. Next turn the belt adjusting nut until it is out of the way. It's the bolt that's blocking that nut on the left. Remove the two hoses that are connected to the housing and position them so they are out of the way. After that you should be able to easily remove the housing. When you install, make sure the housing gasket is positioned properly when you install the 3 bolts since it may have shifted and is hard to see. Also return that adjusting nut to it previous position.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

I see prices have gone up.


I paid 8$ or my Z33 unit from Pinnacle a few years back.

Maxgig

iTrader: (5)

Yeah, rising gas prices is making everything more expensive.