Hi,

I' am new to this maxima, I had some bimmers, and audis

I have just bought a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE with 163K Automatic
it runs and drives great
Here are some questions that i have about and yes i did search and did not find the answer

1. when the car is cold in the morning upon start up there is no noise, or anything, but after driving for a few miles it, when i get to s stop light or just in general slowing down to less then 10mph there is a ticking noise that noticeable from the cabin, but when i open the hood i can
t notice it much at all, and when you press the gas, the ticking noise goes away( maybe its not noticeable from road noise) I think it could be a timing chain tensioner or an exhaust leak maybe, i' am not sure, but when the engine is cool there is no noise, only when heated up after a few miles of driving.

2. what kind of oil is recommended? what do you guys usually use, syntehtic/regular 10w-30

3. the trip compouter works fine expect for the outside temp is not showing, and its stuck on icy

4. my fuel gauge is not working perfect, because i ran out of gas when 3/8 left, so is it a sending unit?

5. front susenpsion sucks, makes noise pretty much over every bump

other than that everything works great, great performance, and I paid only 3K for the car, but i would love to know the answer to these questions

thx alot

 

I use regular 10w-30 i have same exact car as you with 155k miles, but at the mileage you have check the oil in between oil changes because it might burn or be leaking a little oil. Mine burns a bit of oil and the valve cover gasket is leaking so i have to top off the oil every 2 weeks.

 

Front suspension noises are very common for this car. Almost always it's related to sway bar end links and bushings. I recommend replacing those first, as it is fairly inexpensive and easy to do, and is a good place to start troubleshooting. If you get a chance, jack up the car and try to shake the end links, tie-rod ends, and any other moving part to see if you can find what might be causing the noise. If you can't isolate it, then start by replacing aforementioned end links and bushings.

Search for moog sway bar end links. Can be found on RockAuto.com and many other sites.

Replace the sway bar bushings while you're at it, use ES Urethane bushings, much better than stock. Found at: http://www.energysuspensionparts.com...an+Maxima+2003

Also, you mentioned your ride was a 2003 SE with an Auto... aren't they normally a 6mt? If it truely is an SE then you will want the 23mm bushings instead of the 22mm that come on the GXE and GLE models.

Guess I might as well be thorough...

If the noise still persists, other culprits could be tie-rod ends, lower ball joints, worn out control arm bushings, or even bad motor mounts (which is also a very common issue). Tie rod ends are pretty easy to replace, the others tho are a PITA.

 

A sound clip would be best

10w is best unless you live where it gets very very cold and I would be careful switching to syn unless you want to change a few gaskets because sometimes a leak is more easily realized when you switch.

could be if it bothers you then change it out

The noise is most likely worn strut mounts. The suspension on these cars is a MAJOR downfall. I would simply do some minor upgrades and get some good springs and struts.

 

Maybe, but it could also be the gauge in the dash. There is a built-in self diagnostic that you could run that would test the dash gauge. It is in section EL of the 2003 FSM, page 123.

You say you don't have a FSM? Download one from here...

http://boredmder.com/FSMs/Nissan/Maxima/