I just purchased my 2K2 MAX SE 6spd (Sterling Mist) last Wedensday. I'll go ahead and apologize for the lengthy descriptions, I like to be as detailed as possible. Some of this may sound like I'm paranoid, but I can't help it. I've always been a Maxima fanatic and I love driving this car.

Here are my questions/concerns:

1. How long is the new car "break in" period. Should I drive the car like a grandma for the first few thousand miles? The reason I ask is because I have a heavy foot, and usually shift around 4K RPM (I have had it at redline a few times over the weekend when trying to get a feel for the car's off-the-line acceleration). Is that going to hurt the engine when it's so new? I keep telling myself that I shouldn't drive it the way I want to, but it's hard w/ 255 HP under the hood. It's a hellova lot faster than my old 95 Max ;-)

2. As far as oil goes, I was planning on using Castrol Syntec 10W30 w/ a BOSCHE synth oil filter. I'll probably change it around 3K miles, then every 5K after that. Any suggestions?

3. I noticed that when accelerating sometimes (after completely in gear of course) the car hesitates for a second before accelerating faster. For example: While I was smoothly and slowly accelerating from a light yesterday, in second gear at the time, I pushed the gas pedal a bit harder and the car hesitated before moving faster. Could this just be because the engine isn't broken in yet?

4. 6 Speed: I've noticed that it doesn't want to shift into 6th gear sometimes. I find myself having to shift back into 5th, then trying again to go into 6th (usually around 55-65mph). It always goes in the second time w/out a problem. Has anyone ever heard of this?

5. Tire Pressure: I currently have the front @ 32 PSI and rear @ 30 PSI. I found this to be optimal... otherwise the steering feels too light.

6. BOSE Sound System: Could use a little more treble (still sounds great though). The sub shakes the back dash enough sometimes to hear it buzzing from the front seats, (Bass set at 0 and treble at +5). Has anyone noticed this in their Max?

Thanks for reading this long and drawn-out message. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

Let's go out of order and start with the number 3. I have the same problem with my 2k2 6 Speed. I posted it on the board a few weeks ago and only had one other guy come forward. You problem is that you are cruising steady in say 2nd gear, then step into the gas (not flooring it, but maybe 1/2 way down) and it pauses and then goes, sometimes worse then others. It was suggested to me that it is either the electronic throttle, or the variable intake runners, I'm not sure which it is. I took mine into the dealer and the lady said "you must be driving the car wrong." Now I know why people are so PO'd with the service. So I took a ride with the service manager. He didn't feel it at first, but later he said he felt it. He suggested letting the car go for a while and see if it goes away. I have just over 2k miles now and I still have it, but I'll let it go for now. So no, your not alone!! If you hear anything please post it here. I did hear from someone at the dealer that there is a new firmware for the ECM out, but they wouldn't do it for me, bastards!!

Now, let's see if I can help you elsewhere:

1. 1k miles is what the manual says. The longer you can take it easy the better. 4k is a bit high to be shifting when the car is new, try 3k.

2. I have heard grumblings both ways around here as to whether to do it right away, to wait, or not do it at all. I don't have a good answer for you.

3. Thank God I'm not alone!!

4. My shifter was crappy when I bought the car. The night I brought it home I had a heck of a time with second gear. Now after k miles, it's better, but still not perfect. I'll give it to 10k miles then start complaining.

5. I'll have to try that. My car likes to pull to the right, the dealer said "they didn't feel it," but why would I expect differently.

6. I have noticed that the stereo is very heavy on the mid range. I think my Accord Coupe had a better stereo. A lot of the guys around here complain about the Bose. There is a TSB for the sub problem, searcht he board for TSB, Bose Sub. I also complained about that and was told I didn't know how to use the stereo (I don't think I'll be going to that dealer anymore).

Good luck, and congrats. Hope you love your Max as much as I love mine!!

Steve

 

1. 1000 miles...then go for it!
2. Sounds reasonable.
3. I have the same issue and put a thread out here a few weeks ago and got very little response. Appears to be a common characteristic, at least, but it could be a common problem...time will tell. I've got over 3000 miles now, by the way and it still occurs.
4. My 6 speed shift issues are b/w 2 & 3 where I occasionally get a grind like I'm bumping into something trying to shift. If I'm really good, it doesn't happen. No problems going into 6th.
5. I haven't tried that but based on your experience, I just might.
6. I do not have your experience with the sound system, but maybe I don't crank as loud as you???

Good luck, and "enjoy the ride"!

srm

 

About 2. the manual says 5W-30 for all weather conditions.