Hi guys,

So my Max is turning 10 years old this year (bought it new) 2001 Maxima SE.

I have done all the maintenance on it, and had the dealer service it at 100K miles.
It's got 110,000 now and I have my first issue.

Basically when getting out of the car running today I hear a very loud constant noise under the hood. It sounds like electrical energy when a ballast starts for my HIDs, but it wasn't. Turns out it only comes on when I turn the heater on, and when I turn the heater off it disappears. It is dark today already so I couldn't see much under the hood, but I suspect that it may be a fan?

Anyone have a clue? If it is indeed the fan, any idea how much it should run to fix at the mechanic? I just don't want to get ripped off. Or should I take it to the dealership? Or is it something simple enough for me to order the parts and replace?

Car has 110,000 miles. I have just replaced the spark plugs and had the dealer do their recommended service just in case.
I believe I'm also due for my second belt change, but that's for another thread.

Anyway, can you guys help me figure this thing out? I had to go away for the week, so I won't see the car before next sat.

 

Sounds like it could be fan related. Pop the hood. You will find there are two fan motors. You can pull the plug to one at a time to figure out what motor it is.
Your fix options are either buy just the replacement fan motor or a aftermarket fan assembly for about $130. The actual labor to change either a single motor or the fan assembly is pretty simple.

 

 

[quote=rich p;7921245]Sounds like it could be fan related.
He said its only when heater is on...the fan\fans turn on when heats off too right? maybe second fan activates with heater on and thats the one.

 

Fan or fans will go on when heat is off but depends on coolant temp and atmospheric temp I think.
Turning the heat or a/c on will trigger the fan or fans as well.

 

what about the heater fan?

 

blower motor maeby